Emir BardakçıThe most powerful version of the SU7 lineup, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, is going to make waves in the electric vehicle market. Their mass-production version is set to be officially introduced at the Xiaomi new product launch conference this coming October 29, 2024, together with the Xiaomi 15 series and HyperOS 2. Bold predictions were given for its pricing and performance; hence, this is considered Xiaomi’s major entry into the high-performance EV market.
Mass Production Version Opens Reservations
Users can already book the mass production model of the SU7 Ultra via the Xiaomi Auto official website. The user can select which store they want to buy the car from, but no other technical specifications have been given so far, along with prices. However, Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s chief executive, suggested earlier this year that the mass production version would be “a bit expensive.” This August 2024, he finally said the car would be a premium-price tag but not “excessively expensive.” To note, Goldman Sachs reports the SU7 Ultra will sell for about 800,000 yuan, or $110,000, with sales projected to reach 4,000 units in 2025.
The estimate could mean an addition of up to 5% of Xiaomi’s EV revenue in its first full year on the market.
Lei Jun’s Goal: From Prototype to Production
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype first showed up in the month of July 2024 for a specialized product launch event. The vehicle displayed a head-turning extreme performance and sleek design. Lei Jun also promised that the SU7 Ultra would chase the Nürburgring lap time for non-mass production vehicles later this year and set its eyes on a record lap-time for mass-produced cars in 2025.
Although the mass production version retains much of the prototype’s DNA, some compromises have been made to keep costs manageable. There is a similar chassis structure, three motors, and a battery pack on this car, while all the carbon fibre body is discarded from this prototype to make the vehicle more accessible.
Novice Mode and Performance Unlocking
It’s said that Xiaomi really wants to make the SU7 Ultra more palatable to a big brace of drivers; that’s why the company has reportedly considered adding novice mode for new drivers after the vehicle delivery. That would allegedly keep the performance of the car in check first, and drivers would be required to progress through tests that unlock the full potential. All this ensures that even those unfamiliar with high-performance vehicles get to safely adapt to what SU7 Ultra packs under the hood.
A Look Back: The Cutting-Edge Design of the Prototype
The design of the SU7 Ultra prototype was aggressive, with a protruding front lip, wide tires, an exaggerated rear spoiler, grooves that gave it a more aerodynamic feel. The car sported lightning decals slapped on its body, with the “XIAOMI” logo prominently splashed on it as if screaming to the world that this is the brand’s foray into the automotive world.
These give it a certain unmistakable profile that one would hope the production model retains, even while acknowledging that the carbon fiber construction found on this test prototype will not feature on the finished variant due to cost reasons.
What Next for Xiaomi’s Automotive Ambitions?
While the launch of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is imminent, the company has plans to get very ambitious in the EV market. Not content just to dominate the realm of smartphone technology, SU7 Ultra gears up for dominance in automotive innovation. Lei Jun’s dream of a high-performance EV for both enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike will be put to the test when the vehicle enters mass production and its first sales cycle starts in early 2025. Xiaomi’s fans and automotive enthusiasts are holding their breaths, with the launch event looming closer on October 29. The electric vehicle, expected to be about 800,000 yuan, also boasts a high-performance three-motor system, sure to make a strong statement in the market. Watch this space for more on the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and its challenge at the ‘Ring in 2025.
