Xiaomi Unveils SU7: A Porsche Taycan Rival with Ambitious Goals

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Xiaomi, the Chinese consumer electronics giant, has officially unveiled its inaugural electric car, the SU7, poised to compete with the likes of the Porsche Taycan. This announcement comes 1,003 days after Xiaomi’s initial declaration of venturing into the electric vehicle sector in 2021, backed by an initial investment of RMB10 billion (£1.1 billion) and plans for an additional RMB70 billion (£7.8bn) over the next decade.

Setting Lofty Goals

During the unveiling in Shanghai, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun articulated the company’s ambitious aspirations. Jun declared Xiaomi’s intent to become one of the world’s top five automakers within the next 15 to 20 years. He emphasised the company’s mission to rival esteemed brands like Porsche and Tesla, envisioning the SU7 as a dream car for the new era of the automotive industry.

Innovative Electric Architecture

The SU7 stands on Xiaomi’s new electric car platform, internally known as Modena, designed to accommodate both 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures. With plans for a range of models, including an SUV, Xiaomi aims to make a mark not only in the electric car market but as a key player in automotive innovation.

Under the leadership of Xiaomi’s head of design, Sawyer Li, the SU7 boasts sleek lines, contributing to a remarkable drag coefficient of just 0.195. Surpassing the Porsche Taycan in length, width, and height, the SU7 offers a longer wheelbase, providing ample space and aerodynamic efficiency. 

Proprietary Electric Motors

Powering the SU7 are Xiaomi’s in-house developed electric motors: the V6, V6s, and V8s. Ranging from 295bhp to a staggering 670bhp, these motors cater to different variants of the SU7, offering varying performance levels. Notably, the dual-motor SU7 model combines two motors for an impressive output of 664bhp and a rapid 0-62mph time of 2.78 seconds.

At its core sits a CATL-supplied lithium-ion battery. This battery boasts 101kWh energy capacity, giving the SU7 a range of over 497 miles. Xiaomi’s innovative battery technology supports ultra-rapid charging, with claims of gaining 137 miles in a five-minute charge and 317 miles in a 15-minute charge.

Future Prospects

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that prototype versions of the SU7’s motor achieved up to 35,000rpm in testing, hinting at the potential for even more powerful iterations in the future. Xiaomi’s strategic approach to electric vehicles involves continuous innovation and pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities.