Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese consumer electronics brand, has made an electrifying (see what I did there 👀) debut in the automotive industry with its first-ever electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7.
The battery-powered sedan, designed to compete directly with the Tesla Model 3, has captured the attention of Chinese consumers, amassing an impressive 90,000 pre-orders within the first day of its unveiling.
Overwhelming Demand and Long Waiting Times
The demand for the Xiaomi SU7 has been nothing short of remarkable. Within just four minutes of the order form opening last Thursday, 10,000 pre-orders had already been placed.
This number skyrocketed to 50,000 in a mere 27 minutes, showcasing the immense anticipation for Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive world.
According to reports from Reuters, those who placed a 5,000-yuan (KES 90,900) deposit for the Xiaomi SU7 will have to exercise patience, with delivery times ranging from 18 to 30 weeks, depending on the trim level.
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The most expensive model, the Xiaomi SU7 Max, priced at 299,900 yuan (KES 5,452,349), has a delivery window of 27 to 30 weeks, potentially pushing deliveries into the next year.
Xiaomi SU7 Pricing
The Xiaomi SU7 is poised to be a formidable competitor in the Chinese electric vehicle market. Priced at 215,900 yuan (KES 3,925,182) for the entry-level Standard version and 245,000 yuan (KES 4,454,237) for the Pro model, the SU7 undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by approximately $4,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Despite its competitive pricing, the SU7 boasts impressive specifications. Powered by in-house developed electric motors, the car offers rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options, depending on the trim level.
Employing an 800-volt architecture and high-voltage batteries from CATL or BYD, the SU7 promises an impressive driving range of up to 515 miles (830 kilometers) on the CLTC procedure.
Seamless Integration with Xiaomi Ecosystem
Beyond its impressive performance and affordability, the Xiaomi SU7 offers a unique selling point – seamless integration with Xiaomi’s consumer product ecosystem.
Featuring multiple screens, a head-up display, and an upmarket interior, the SU7 promises to deliver a tech-savvy experience that seamlessly blends with Xiaomi’s other devices.
The Xiaomi SU7 will be built under contract by BAIC at a new factory in Beijing, with an initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, and a planned expansion to 300,000 vehicles per year in the second phase.
While the SU7 faces competition from other affordable electric vehicles like the Zeekr 007, Xiaomi’s marketing efforts and brand recognition appear to have resonated strongly with Chinese consumers in the highly competitive EV market.
As Xiaomi ventures into the automotive industry, the overwhelming response to the SU7 serves as a testament to the company’s ability to diversify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities, even in sectors outside its traditional domain.
