Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese electronics maker, is making significant strides in the electric vehicle market with its first EV, the SU7, touted as the “best looking, easiest to drive and smartest car” under 500,000 yuan ($69,424). This announcement from CEO Lei Jun, shared on his official Weibo account on Monday, marks a pivotal moment as the company prepares to start taking orders for the eagerly awaited vehicle.
The official price range of the SU7, short for Speed Ultra 7, is set to be announced on Thursday evening, a milestone event that will also kickstart the order process for this highly anticipated car. Lei Jun’s revelation about the price ceiling is the first time Xiaomi has confirmed the upper limit of the SU7’s cost, adding to the growing excitement among potential buyers and industry observers.
Since its unveiling in December, the Xiaomi EV has been the subject of much speculation and anticipation. The company’s ambitious goal to rank among the world’s top five automakers is underscored by Lei’s confidence in the vehicle’s superior technology, which he claims delivers acceleration surpassing that of Tesla and Porsche EVs.
In a move that ramps up the excitement, seventy-six Xiaomi stores across 29 cities in China began showcasing the SU7 on Monday. The displays have attracted considerable attention, with prospective customers and car bloggers flocking to a central Beijing showroom for a closer look at the “ocean blue” model among others. This physical introduction of the car to the public is a strategic step in bolstering consumer interest and familiarity with the brand’s new venture into the automotive sector.
In addition to the showroom displays, Xiaomi has also launched its “Xiaomi Car” app on Chinese app stores, further enhancing the accessibility and information available to potential buyers. This digital tool is likely to be a key component in the company’s marketing and sales strategy, providing a convenient platform for interested parties to explore the vehicle’s features and capabilities.
Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle market with the SU7 represents a bold and strategic expansion beyond its established presence in the electronics industry. The competitive pricing and advanced technology of the SU7 signal Xiaomi’s serious intent to make a mark in the automotive sector, potentially reshaping the landscape of electric vehicle manufacturing and consumer expectations. With the official launch just around the corner, the automotive world is watching closely to see how this new entrant will fare in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market.
