Xiaomi Enters the Electric Vehicle Market: Unveils First EV as Smartphone Giant Diversifies into Automobile Industry

Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has introduced its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. Although Xiaomi initially revealed the EV in China last December, the MWC event marks its global debut.

We had the opportunity to closely examine the Aqua Blue SU7 on the exhibition floor, and it’s truly impressive. Drawing inspiration from supercars like the McLaren 750S, the vehicle features striking headlights and LED accents. The rear design is notable for its sleek wraparound taillights connected by an LED strip, lending the sedan a futuristic appearance. Higher trim levels will boast additional features such as an active rear wing and lidar sensors, complemented by 19 and 20-inch wheels, giving the SU7 a sporty allure.

While the interior was somewhat obscured by tinted windows, Xiaomi has previously showcased a minimalist cabin design centered around a large touchscreen devoid of physical buttons.

The SU7 will be offered with a choice of battery packs. The standard 73.6 kWh battery offers an impressive range of 668 km, while the higher-end 101 kWh battery extends the range to 800 km on a single charge. Customers can also choose between rear-wheel drive with a 299 PS motor or a more powerful 673 PS dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration.

Although Xiaomi is renowned for its affordable smartphones and gadgets, the company has emphasized that the SU7 will compete in the premium segment, targeting established players like Porsche. It remains to be seen if Xiaomi can succeed in this ambitious endeavor within the fiercely competitive Chinese market. However, Xiaomi’s expansion into diverse product categories, including lifestyle devices and home appliances, is well-documented. In 2021, the company announced a $10 billion investment in electric vehicles over the next decade, with the SU7 sedan being the first outcome of this initiative.

In addition to its performance and range, the SU7 comes equipped with an array of high-tech features such as adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, entertainment screens, a 25-speaker system, and various connectivity options.

While initial SU7 sales will commence in China, with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter, the SU7 showcased at MWC 2024 could potentially pave the way for exports to global markets like India in the future.