Hello everyone!
Priced between 215.900 to 299.900 yuan, Xiaomi SU7 has sparked unprecedented online interest. Despite the deposit refund controversy, the attention on SU7 hasn't waned.
However, amidst the buzz, for those genuinely considering purchasing the SU7. questions arise about whether its value for money truly surpasses its competitors, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and which customers it best suits. We've previously discussed the pros and cons of the SU7 from a macro perspective. Today, we'll focus on addressing some of the most concerned questions.
1. Can Mi Fans Buy Without Hesitation?
Admittedly, the starting price of 215.900 yuan for the Xiaomi SU7 is quite enticing. Not everyone may like its style and positioning, but for true Mi fans, this "friendship" price seems worth a shot. Is it really so?
Here's a clear answer: Unless you're a wealthy Mi fan who can casually spend 300.000 yuan on a car as a toy, I do not recommend buying the SU7 impulsively.
The reason is simple. Even before seeing the actual car, I suspected that the rear-seat comfort of the SU7 wouldn't be great. Now that the real-life experience is out, Chen shared several core issues of the SU7 in his review video.
Chen is 180cm tall.
In short, as a mid-to-large sedan, the SU7's rear space does not reach the advertised "BMW 5 Series level"; in fact, it is even inferior to many mid-sized sedans. Moreover, typical problems of electric sedans with large coupe-style backs such as high floor affecting leg stretch, inability to stretch feet under the front seats, and cramped headspace, are all present in the SU7.
Additionally, the SU7's rear seatback angle cannot be adjusted and the set angle is somewhat steep. These issues combined result in average rear-seat comfort even for medium-sized passengers.
In comparison, the Zeekr 001. which is also mid-to-large but not strictly a sedan, offers better rear space (especially headroom) and seating posture, with the added benefit of adjustable backrest angles. Even the smaller Zeekr 007. thanks to better space utilization, provides more comfortable rear seating than the SU7.
Zeekr 007 rear seats
Actually, the Xiaomi SU7 is positioned as a pure electric sports sedan, where the rear seats are not a selling point. Frankly, in similar models, the SU7's space is quite decent. But if you're considering it as a primary family car, it is recommended to experience the actual car before making a decision.
2. Mid and Low Configurations Only Have 400V Architecture
Xiaomi officially recognizes the Model 3 as the direct competitor of SU7. but in the market, it actually competes more with models like Zeekr 001. 007. Smart Dragon S7. and Avita 12.
Straight to the conclusion: as a mid-to-large electric sedan focused on performance and handling, the SU7's pricing is indeed low (basically the lowest entry-level price in its category), but looking closely at its features and configurations, its value for money is not particularly outstanding.
Firstly, the range. SU7's figures are generous, with a range of 700 km for the 215.900 yuan rear-wheel-drive version, and 830 km for the mid-tier version. However, battery capacity is a more important indicator than range. SU7's three configurations have capacities of 73.6kWh, 94.3kWh, and 101kWh, respectively.
In comparison, the new Zeekr 001 dropped the 75kWh small battery version, upgrading to a combination of 95kWh and 100kWh, with the rear-wheel-drive version having a range of 750 km. Although this is 80 km less than SU7 Pro, the battery capacity is actually larger.
It can be seen that excluding the 73.6kWh small battery version, the 245.900 yuan SU7 Pro version is very close in price to the 269.000 yuan Zeekr 001 rear-wheel-drive version. At the 269.000 yuan price point, Zeekr 001 offers both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options, while SU7 only offers the four-wheel drive option at 299.900 yuan for the Max version.
Moreover, a pre-launch complaint about the SU7 was that it didn't come with the 800V architecture and high-rate cells (4C/5C) like the new 001. The Pro mid-tier version does come with 4C-rate Ningde Shenxing batteries (same as the new 001 four-wheel-drive WE version), but it uses a 400V voltage platform, resulting in little improvement in charging speed compared to the base model.
Only the 299.900 yuan Max version comes with both the 800V architecture and 5C-rate Kirin batteries, with a 10-80% charge time of 0.32 hours, while the new 007's Shenxing battery version only takes 0.25 hours. Thus, in terms of charging efficiency, the SU7 lags behind the new 001.
3. Industry-Leading Human-Vehicle Interaction, but Half a Step Behind in Smart Driving
Besides the performance and handling emphasized by Xiaomi from the beginning, the SU7's most notable aspect is its intelligence, which needs to be examined from two perspectives.
Firstly, the car machine and human-vehicle interaction of the SU7 are outstanding. It comes standard with the Qualcomm 8295 car machine chip and Xiaomi's self-developed Surge OS car system. The operational smoothness, UI aesthetics, and system logic match that of HarmonyOS and Meizu's car machines, placing it in the top tier.
In addition, the SU7 is designed with standard interfaces for extending phone mounts and other functions and features innovative detachable physical buttons, showcasing the creativity of a tech company entering the automotive industry.
However, in terms of smart driving, the SU7's performance remains to be seen. The 215.900 yuan entry version lacks an Orin chip and LiDAR, only achieving high-speed smart driving.
The mid and high configurations, equipped with dual Orin chips and LiDAR, have the potential for city smart driving, but it will be partially available in May and fully open in August. This schedule lags behind Zeekr 001/007 and Huawei-powered models, and the actual effectiveness is still uncertain.
4. Though the Price is Low, Configurations Have Shortcomings
Excluding competitors, the entry version of the SU7 is not poorly configured, with standard features like seat heating and ventilation. However, the car's highlights are technology and handling, making the mid and high configurations the real value. At these price points, the SU7's shortcomings compared to competitors become apparent.
Leather seats are standard on the new 001. but optional across the SU7 range.
In addition to heating and ventilation, models like Zeekr 001. 007. and Avita 12 offer seat massage, which the SU7 lacks entirely.
Xiaomi's much-touted large HUD display is only available on the top configuration, while it is standard on the 001. and the 007's entry-level is below 230.000 yuan; Zeekr 001 comes with independent rear air conditioning as standard, which is absent in the SU7.
Considering the high threshold for four-wheel drive, lack of an 800V platform in mid configurations, and other mentioned issues, the overall value for money of Xiaomi SU7 is, at best, on par with core competitors, without a significant advantage.
5. The Countermeasures from Competitors Have Just Begun
Whether attending the launch event like Nio, XPeng, and Li Auto, or external competitors like Geely, Changan, and Huawei, the pricing of the SU7 has certainly stirred them up. However, this is not necessarily good news for Xiaomi, as countermeasures from competitors have already started.
Firstly, Changan updated the 2024 version of Avita 12 the day after SU7's launch, dropping the price from 300.800-400.800 yuan to 265.800-378.800 yuan, with standard 3 LiDARs, Harmony car machine, and Huawei's ADS smart driving system. Compared to SU7. it also boasts front zero-gravity seats, enhancing its value for money.
At the same time, the newly positioned mid-to-large sedan Qiyuan A07. not a direct competitor of SU7. reduced its price from 155.900-179.900 yuan to 135.900-159.900 yuan, with a large battery version offering a 710 km range at a threshold below 160.000 yuan. For real Mi fans, Qiyuan A07 might be a more suitable choice.
More alarmingly for Xiaomi is Huawei. The poorly selling Smart Dragon S7 will launch a new version on the 8th, essentially a re-release, with expected significant adjustments in price, performance, and configurations.
Given Huawei's competitive nature, they will likely reference the Xiaomi SU7's price, potentially bringing new surprises in pricing.
Furthermore, the currently hot-selling Zeekr 001. if affected by SU7. will not sit idle. Additionally, the upcoming Lynk & Co 07 may also lower its price to target the SU7. creating a multi-brand, multi-model encirclement from Geely, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co.
Of course, competition is ever-present, and the key to success lies within. However, considering the strengths and weaknesses of Xiaomi SU7. it is not a universal model but one with distinct pros and cons.
This is, after all, Xiaomi Auto's first product. Its lower price threshold means it won't perform badly in sales. After taking this difficult first step, the more crucial part is what products Xiaomi Auto will launch next.
What do you think of the SU7 after reading this?
