Xiaomi is now officially also in the automotive business, following the launch of its first electric car for the Chinese market. The Beijing-based electronics giant, which has made a name for itself as a value-focused smartphone brand in the Philippines and other markets where price is king, has unveiled the much-anticipated Xiaomi SU7.

(Update, March 29, 2024: These are the Xiaomi SU7’s prices!)

According to Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, the “SU” in the model name is short for Speed Ultra. At the launch event, Xiaomi’s chief executive also shared its ambitious goals in China’s highly competitive electronic-vehicle market.

“By working hard over the next 15 to 20 years, we will become one of the world’s top 5 automakers, striving to lift China’s overall automobile industry,” Lei said. He added that Xiaomi plans to introduce a vehicle “that matches up to Porsche and Tesla [models], a dream car for the new era of the automobile industry.”

Join the #XiaomiEVTechnologyLaunch LIVE now!https://t.co/ls7b4FCeHC

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) December 28, 2023

Xiaomi’s EV Technology launch, in case you missed the livestream

To help Xiaomi achieve its long-term goals, the SU7 will be produced by local automaker BAIC Group in a factory with an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

China is currently the world’s largest car and EV market with local sales of electric vehicles accounting for almost 60% of the total market. According to Q3 2023 figures, BYD is China’s biggest EV brand with one-third share, while Tesla has 9% market share.

There’s no definite date when the Xiaomi SU7 will go on sale, as the vehicle will still go under several months of testing before eventually — and finally — hitting the streets. One thing’s for sure, though: The SU7’s sports-car looks should have no problems turning heads and leaving lasting impressions, especially in the Aqua Blue color option.

#XiaomiSU7 and #XiaomiSU7Max, what's your preference?#XiaomiEVTechnologyLaunch pic.twitter.com/kiIIAIIYDw

— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) December 28, 2023

Meet the Xiaomi SU7 and Xiaomi SU7 Max

The price hasn’t been announced yet, but the EV will be offered in two versions — the single-motor SU7 and the dual-motor SU7 Max. Both variants are powered by Xiaomi’s HyperEngine electric motor, boasting up to 21,000 revolutions per minute and CATL batteries that promise a driving range of up to 800 kilometers.

Like the company’s latest smartphones, the Xiaomi SU7 will arrive powered by HyperOS, a new operating system that combines Android and the in-house Internet of Things platform Vela to deliver a unique user experience.

Powerful performance and ultimate driving experience are at the heart of #XiaomiSU7. pic.twitter.com/5PfzRSBsKl

— Lei Jun (@leijun) December 28, 2023

Some of the SU7’s features in one post

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