In 2021, the Chinese giant Xiaomi announced its ambitions in electric cars, declaring that it wanted to invest some $10 billion over the next 10 years. In 2023, we discover a preview of its first model via a document published by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, this Wednesday, November 15.
This is a mandatory requirement for all car manufacturers in China. Products that have received preliminary approval are made public in a catalog accessible to all.
This is the SU7 model, a five-seater sedan with panoramic glass roof, which will carry the Beijing Xiaomi SU7 brand and will be manufactured by the state-owned Beijing Automotive Group. The lines presented in the photo are rather elegant and reminiscent of a Tesla Model 3 or a Model S. It can accommodate a LiDAR on the top of its roof for advanced autonomous driving. According to the technical data on the sheet, the car can reach a speed of 265 km/h and its weight is 2.66 t, which is colossal. For comparison, a Model S Plaid weighs 2,167 tonnes, and a Model 3 1,765 tonnes.
With a length of 4,997 m, a width of 1,963 m and a height of 1,440 m, the Beijing Xiaomi SU7 is close to the Model S (4,970 m in length and 1,445 m in height). Its width is between that of the Model 3 (1,933 m) and that of the Model S (2,189 m). The electric vehicle is powered by Contemporary Amperex Technology and BYD batteries, depending on whether it has a single or dual motor. The technical sheet also claims an engine power of 220/275 kW without too much detail. For information, the engine power of the Model S is 252 kW at the front and rear (R85 engine). The SU7 should also benefit from two sets of tires in 19 and 20 inches. It is expected to be officially launched in the first quarter of 2024, Xiaomi said.
Growing competition
The boss and founder of Xiaomi, Lei Jun, declared when embarking on this new activity that “Intelligent electric vehicles represent one of the biggest business opportunities of the next decade, and are an indispensable part of intelligent living. Embarking on this business is an obvious choice for us as we grow our intelligent AIoT ecosystem and fulfill our mission to enable everyone in the world to enjoy a better life through innovative technologies.”
Xiaomi is not the only consumer electronics giant wanting to enter this market. Huawei has also displayed its ambitions and, last September, indicated that it will market with its partner Chery the Luxeed S7, also a potential rival to the Tesla Model S.
Competition will be tough in this market, which also includes other leading players such as BYD, the market leader, but also Geely, Xpeng, MG, etc.