Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has made a significant entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its first EV, the Speed Ultra 7 (SU7) series. Unveiled during an event on Thursday, the SU7 series has already garnered over 50,000 pre-orders within the first 27 minutes of sales, signaling strong consumer interest in Xiaomi’s venture into the automotive industry.
Lei Jun, CEO and founder of Xiaomi, presented the SU7 as a redefinition of connectivity and driving experience, emphasizing the car’s seamless integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem. “With the SU7, we’re offering a smart car as your avatar,” Lei said during the over two-hour-long event, which was attended by industry leaders, including executives from Chinese EV makers Nio and Xpeng.
The SU7 features a sleek, futuristic design and a spacious interior equipped with the company’s latest technological advancements. The vehicle allows for voice-controlled functionalities and personalized in-car entertainment, enabling drivers to access smart home features or enjoy customized playlists through voice commands or a touch interface. This integration offers a truly connected experience for the modern driver.
Pricing for the SU7 series is competitive, with the standard model starting at 215,900 yuan (approximately $29,872). The Pro and Max versions are priced at 245,900 yuan and 299,900 yuan respectively. “It’s 30,000 yuan cheaper than the Model 3,” Lei noted, referencing Tesla’s Model 3, which starts at 245,900 yuan in China. He highlighted that the SU7’s minimum range of 700 kilometers surpasses the Tesla Model 3’s 567 kilometers, and the vehicle has drawn comparisons with Porsche’s Taycan and Panamera models in terms of capabilities.
The impressive pre-order numbers demonstrate the strong demand for the SU7. The vehicle is now available for pre-order on the Chinese mainland, with deliveries for the Standard and Max models beginning in late April, and the Pro models following by the end of May.
Xiaomi’s entry into the EV market marks an important milestone for the company as it expands beyond consumer electronics into automotive technology. By leveraging its expertise in technology and ecosystem integration, Xiaomi aims to provide consumers with a unique and connected driving experience.
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Redefining connectivity: Xiaomi's first EV attracts high pre-orders
cgtn.com
