Xiaomi has significantly updated its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, addressing past concerns and boosting its appeal in a competitive market. The revamped model, now available for pre-order, features key improvements in safety, range, and performance, though the company is prioritizing safety messaging after earlier incidents.
Enhanced Safety Features
The most notable changes center around safety. All SU7 variants now include LiDAR sensing and Xiaomi’s Hyper Autonomous Driving (HAD) system as standard, a direct response to previous scrutiny regarding the vehicle’s driver assistance features. The car also gains additional airbags (now totaling nine), backup power for door locks, and reinforced structural elements, including steel anti-collision beams in the doors. These additions are critical, as the original SU7 faced public criticism after reports of fires and driver assistance system failures.
Extended Range and Performance Options
The updated SU7 offers three variants with varying ranges. The base Standard model provides a CLTC-rated range of up to 720 kilometers (447 miles). The Pro variant extends this to an impressive 902 kilometers (560 miles), while the high-performance Max model delivers 835 kilometers (519 miles). It’s important to note that these figures are based on China’s CLTC standard, which tends to be more optimistic than EPA or WLTC ratings.
All models benefit from the new V6s Plus motor. The Standard and Pro versions now produce up to 320 horsepower, while the Max variant boasts a formidable 690 horsepower. Improved dual-chamber air suspension with CDC dampers is also standard on the Pro and Max models.
Pricing and Availability
The updated Xiaomi SU7 starts at ¥229,900 (approximately $32,856), slightly higher than the original model’s $31,000 price tag. This pricing remains competitive against Western rivals like the Tesla Model 3. The vehicle is slated for official launch in April 2026, with pre-orders open now.
The exterior design remains largely unchanged, with only minor adjustments to the rear tires and front grille. However, the shift in marketing focus towards safety, rather than pure performance, underscores Xiaomi’s commitment to addressing consumer concerns and rebuilding trust in its EV technology.
The SU7’s upgrade is not just about faster speeds or longer distances; it’s about demonstrating that Xiaomi has learned from past mistakes and is prioritizing the safety of its drivers.
