Xiaomi SU7: The Tech Giant's Electrifying Entry into the Automotive Arena

A few weeks after its reveal, the new Xiaomi SU7 gives us some news. The electric sedan is still under development and is currently undergoing winter testing. She also takes the opportunity to reveal additional information about her interior.

The tech world received a jolt in December 2023 when Xiaomi, the renowned smartphone and electronics manufacturer, unveiled its first electric car, the SU7. This wasn't just another foray into a new market; it was a bold statement marking Xiaomi's ambitious entry into the fiercely competitive automotive landscape. Let's delve deeper into the SU7, exploring its features, capabilities, and potential impact on the industry.

If we talk to you about Xiaomi, you probably think of smartphones, and that's completely normal. The latter represent no less than 57% of the company's sales, which also markets electric scooters and all kinds of electronic devices. But now she wants to think even bigger.

An ultra-techno interior

This is how last December, the Chinese firm lifted the veil on its first electric car, the SU7. A high-end sedan, which rivals the Tesla Model S and the BYD Seal. A presentation that came a few weeks after a leak on the internet showing some official photos in advance. And now, at the start of the year, the firm is giving us news about its car.

This time, it's to tell us in more detail about his driving position, which had already been shown a little earlier. We had therefore already been able to discover its large 16.1-inch central screen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as its 56-inch head-up display. This time, the Chinese site AutoHome gives us new information on the design of this interior.

The brand's designers wanted to design a driving position focused on the driver, with careful ergonomics. Unlike Tesla, we find numerous physical controls to facilitate access to the most important functions. A good thing, when we know that all touchscreen can be dangerous when driving. This was confirmed by a study carried out by a Swedish journal. We can only see, however, that it is inspired by Tesla with its large central screen.

Xiaomi even offers the possibility of adding additional buttons under the screen, thanks to an element that can be clipped. But that's not all, because the design of the passenger compartment itself has been designed to optimize driver comfort, with a position that is intended to be as natural as possible. All with a modern design that remains quite conventional.

Comfort and technology

The design of the seats was also the subject of special work by the brand's teams, while they benefit from a seat padded with 15 millimeters of memory foam. The steering wheel has also been designed to be as practical as possible, integrating several features and displaying a relatively small diameter for better grip. A subsequent test will allow us to form an opinion on the latter.

We will still have to wait a little longer before knowing all the technological equipment of the electric sedan. However, we already know that the latter will be equipped with an infotainment system called HyperOS, which works thanks to the Snapdragon 8295 chip. It will be compatible with remote OTA (over-the-air) updates. Habitability should be there, with a wheelbase displayed at three meters. The trunk volume is not yet known.

The Car News China site also informs us that Xiaomi is currently testing its new SU7 in extreme winter conditions. The sedan was put to the test in the snow in northern China, in temperatures around -33 degrees. The manufacturer wants to be among the most efficient in the field of energy management in winter. For the moment, another car from the Middle Kingdom is doing the best, namely the HiPhi Z.

We know that the range of an electric car melts very quickly when the cold arrives, while recharging is also slower. However, some models are doing better than others, such as the Tesla Model S which remains one of the benchmarks on the market. And this is even if the firm has just been overtaken by BYD.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The SU7's success hinges on navigating several challenges. Building brand trust in a new market, establishing a robust service network, and ensuring quality control across large-scale production are crucial hurdles. But if Xiaomi manages to overcome these, the SU7's innovative approach and competitive edge could propel it to become a force to be reckoned with in the electric vehicle segment.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi SU7 marks a significant turning point, not just for the company but for the automotive industry as a whole. It signifies the increasing convergence of technology and transportation, where tech giants like Xiaomi are challenging established players with their unique approach. While the road ahead holds challenges, the SU7's debut is undoubtedly electrifying, and its future journey promises to be an exciting watch for industry observers and potential buyers alike.