Xiaomi just launched something that’s making Tesla sweat in China. The next-generation SU7 electric sedan delivers up to 902 km of range on the CLTC cycle, comes with LiDAR standard on every trim, and starts at 229,900 yuan (around $33,000) — still undercutting the Tesla Model 3 by about $800.
The timing couldn’t be more pointed. Two years after Xiaomi shipped its first car ever, the company is already rolling out a meaningfully improved second generation that addresses virtually every weakness of the original. Xiaomi racked up nearly 89,000 pre-orders in the first 24 hours when reservations opened back in January.
This isn’t just another Chinese EV trying to copy Tesla’s homework. Xiaomi outsold the Model 3 in China for the first time in late 2025, and with these aggressive upgrades — including an 897V charging architecture on the top model and 700 TOPS of computing power across the entire lineup — the gap is about to get a whole lot wider.
Xiaomi SU7: The EV With 900+ km Range, LiDAR, and a Tesla-Beating Price
The updated SU7 delivers a 902 km CLTC range on the Pro variant while making LiDAR standard across all trims, paired with an 897V charging architecture on the Max that enables remarkably quick charging times.
How Xiaomi Achieved a 900+ km CLTC Range
The SU7 Pro achieves 902 km of CLTC range through a combination of its 94.3 kWh CATL Qilin NMC battery and an improved 752V platform. The single V6s Plus motor configuration prioritizes efficiency over raw power, delivering 320 hp to the rear wheels while maintaining an impressive drag coefficient of 0.195.
Xiaomi equipped the Standard trim with a 73.6 kWh BYD Blade LFP battery that provides 720 km CLTC range. The dual-motor Max variant carries a larger 101 kWh battery but achieves a slightly lower 835 km range due to its performance-oriented setup with 690 hp output.
The company refined the voltage architecture across the lineup. Both Standard and Pro trims jumped from 400V to 752V, while the SU7 Max operates at 897V. This high-voltage platform improves thermal management and charging efficiency, contributing directly to the extended range figures.
LiDAR Technology and Autonomous Driving Features
Every 2026 model includes LiDAR and 700 TOPS of computing power as standard equipment, eliminating the previous entry-level compromise. The roof-mounted LiDAR system works alongside three 4D millimeter-wave radars, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors to create a comprehensive sensor suite.
The standard Pilot Pro system handles adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane centering, and automatic lane changes on highways. It recognizes traffic signs, provides automatic emergency braking, and includes a 360-degree camera with 3D visualization for parking assistance.
Buyers can upgrade to Pilot Max for enhanced capabilities. This optional system adds urban navigation on autopilot and autonomous parking with memory functions, though these features require ongoing mapping updates to function in specific regions.
The 700 TOPS computing chip processes sensor data in real-time, enabling the system to handle highway autonomous driving scenarios with confidence. The integration of LiDAR helps the SU7 electric sedan detect obstacles more accurately in complex city traffic situations.
Charging Speeds and Battery Platform
The 752V architecture on Standard and Pro trims supports peak DC charging rates of 250 kW. In real-world conditions, users can expect consistent 220-230 kW speeds from 10-50% state of charge, making quick top-ups practical during road trips.
The Max variant’s 897V charging architecture pushes capabilities further with support for up to 490 kW peak charging. Xiaomi claims this enables adding 670 km of range in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions, though this requires access to compatible ultra-fast charging infrastructure.
The system incorporates silicon carbide inverters that reduce heat generation and improve power conversion efficiency. Battery preconditioning activates automatically when navigating to a DC fast charger, warming cells to optimal temperature for maximum charging speeds.
All trims support dual-gun charging capability, allowing simultaneous use of two DC charging ports for even faster speeds. AC charging maxes out at 11 kW across the lineup, requiring 7-9 hours for a full charge depending on battery size.
Trim Breakdown: Standard, Pro, and Max Variants
| Specification | Standard RWD | Pro RWD | Max AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Single V6s Plus (Rear) | Single V6s Plus (Rear) | Dual V6s Plus |
| Power | 320 hp | 320 hp | 690 hp |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.7 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 2.78 seconds |
| Battery | 73.6 kWh BYD Blade LFP | 94.3 kWh CATL Qilin NMC | 101 kWh CATL Qilin NMC |
| CLTC Range | 720 km | 902 km | 835 km |
| Voltage | 752V | 752V | 897V |
| Price | RMB 229,900 | RMB 269,900 | RMB 329,900 |
The Standard trim starts at RMB 229,900 (approximately $32,800) and includes the full LiDAR sensor suite with Pilot Pro. It uses the more affordable LFP chemistry for the battery pack, sacrificing some energy density for improved longevity and thermal stability.
Pro buyers get the range-topping 902 km CLTC rating with the larger NMC battery and dual-chamber air suspension with continuous damping control. The 25-speaker Xiaomi Sound audio system comes standard on this trim.
The dual-motor Max targets performance enthusiasts with its 2.78-second sprint time and all-wheel drive traction. Despite carrying the heaviest battery pack, it maintains 835 km of range while offering the fastest charging capability through its 897V platform.
Design, Comfort, Safety, and Everything Else That Makes SU7 Stand Out
The Xiaomi SU7’s exterior draws inspiration from premium sports sedans while achieving a 0.195 drag coefficient, and inside it packs dual-chamber air suspension with real-time damping control that adapts to road conditions. The 2026 refresh adds structural reinforcements and increases airbag count to boost crash protection.
Aerodynamics and Exterior Innovations
The SU7’s sleek profile isn’t just for looks. That 0.195 drag coefficient ranks among the lowest in the sedan segment, translating directly to extended range and quieter highway cruising.
Flush door handles retract smoothly into the body, contributing to the aerodynamic efficiency. The redesigned front grille for 2026 improves airflow without drastically changing the aggressive stance.
At 4997mm long, 1963mm wide, and 1440mm tall, the car commands road presence. The 2970mm wheelbase creates generous interior space despite the fastback roofline.
New for 2026 is the Capri Blue paint option joining the existing Bay Blue in the palette. The 20-inch wheels feature a revised design that enhances brake cooling while maintaining the car’s visual impact.
A small frunk provides practical storage for charging cables and smaller items.
Inside the Cabin: Tech, Comfort, and Storage
The cabin features a 16.1-inch infotainment screen powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip, delivering instant response times. The HyperOS interface integrates with over 1,000 Xiaomi smart devices, allowing drivers to control home lighting, climate systems, and appliances directly from the car.
Front seats offer 12-way power adjustments with generous bolstering. Rear passengers get three fingers of headroom and ample legroom even behind a 6’2″ driver, thanks to that long wheelbase.
Dynamic ambient lighting sets the mood without overwhelming the senses. Pro and Max trims feature a 25-speaker audio system that delivers crisp highs and deep bass.
Cargo capacity reaches 517 liters in the trunk, expandable via 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Soft-touch materials dominate the upper dashboard and door panels, with premium synthetic leather on the seats.
Safety Upgrades and Structural Improvements
The 2026 model increases structural rigidity using 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel in critical areas. Xiaomi hasn’t published Euro NCAP crash test results yet, but the company claims the enhanced structure improves side-impact protection.
Every trim now includes LiDAR-equipped driving assistance as standard equipment. The system uses one LiDAR unit, three millimeter-wave radars, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. The 360-degree camera provides a 3D view for tight parking situations.
The 2026 refresh increases total airbag count, though specific numbers weren’t disclosed. Four-piston fixed front brake calipers now come standard across all trims, improving stopping power and pedal feel.
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