As an automotive media outlet outside the tech sphere, we at Jiashi Pai may not excel at generating buzz, but we prefer to offer a subjective evaluation of hits like the Xiaomi SU7 from a professional perspective on car manufacturing and usage. So this time, we rented a rear-wheel-drive, long-range intelligent driving version priced at 215.900 RMB to help fans of the Xiaomi brand see if the base model SU7 is worth buying.
Regarding the design, materials, and engineering layout of the Xiaomi SU7. various experts have analyzed it since its release. Jiashi Pai also attended the launch event and published a static review by a writer involved in car development. Interested readers can find related articles and videos on the Jiashi Pai account. (Refer to “Automotive Engineer Reviews Controversial Design Points of Xiaomi SU7: High Scores for the First Car”)
The SU7 I got from the rental company was a rear-wheel-drive long-range intelligent driving version. Despite being a new car with only a few thousand kilometers driven, all car machine and intelligent driving functions were unusable without the owner’s app authorization. Only CarPlay could be connected for basic needs like navigation and music. So, if you want to borrow a friend’s SU7. be sure to download the Xiaomi Auto app and get the owner’s authorization first.
Of course, even without experiencing the intelligent features, the Xiaomi SU7. which emphasizes driving pleasure in early promotions, is still worth a try. After three days of driving the SU7 with former vehicle subjective evaluation engineer Zhang Gong, we compiled some impressions.
Key Takeaways:
The public's evaluation of the Xiaomi SU7 is fair. At least from the perspective of the rear-wheel-drive single-motor version, it is a relatively “normal” car. It is well-balanced in various aspects, with a low learning curve and no particularly uncomfortable aspects while driving. As Xiaomi’s first car, achieving such mature tuning is commendable.
Even from the feedback of the steering and suspension, it is clear that the Xiaomi SU7 has a bias towards a sporty setup. However, it cannot be entirely considered a traditional sports car. It feels more like a family sedan with a touch of sportiness, similar to the Volkswagen Bora from 20 years ago or the BMW 3 Series from 10 years ago.
Steering:
The Xiaomi SU7 has a well-balanced steering torque dead zone and window in the center area. The steering response is adequate at the center position, making the vehicle quite agile. The SU7 offers three steering assist modes. The steering feels relatively light in the first two modes, but it becomes significantly heavier and more responsive in sport mode. However, the steering feels somewhat artificial, with a strong electronic taste, and the self-centering torque feels excessive.
Suspension:
Regarding suspension, the Xiaomi SU7 performs well in single-lane changes, with well-controlled body roll and moderate roll speed. The progressive feeling is evident, and confidence and stability during lane changes are excellent. On daily road conditions, the vehicle rolls smoothly and suppresses minor road surface stimulations effectively. Although vibrations from larger road impacts can be felt in the cabin, they are acceptable and not overly jarring like a sports car.
Power Performance:
As the entry-level single-motor version, the low-end Xiaomi SU7 feels relatively “ordinary” in terms of acceleration. If you are used to the explosive acceleration of high-performance dual-motor electric vehicles, this single-motor version lacks sensory stimulation.
In our tests, the Xiaomi SU7 achieved a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.24 seconds at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, consistent with official data. In a closed-field test, the Xiaomi SU7 completed a 0-400m sprint in 13.66 seconds, reaching a terminal speed of 165 km/h. Comparable models include the BMW M135 and Audi S4 with 3.0T engines.
Driving Ease:
Don’t worry about the Xiaomi SU7 being difficult to drive. In everyday use, the performance of this powertrain is very subdued, similar to driving a regular 2.0T vehicle, with more low-end torque at startup. It accelerates effortlessly in any mode, with direct power response, linear torque delivery, and precise speed control, closely resembling the driving experience of the Tesla Model 3.
High-Speed Range Test:
Given that we rented the Xiaomi SU7. it had to undergo Jiashi Pai’s signature segment, “Extreme Anxiety.” In the summer heat, we charged it to 90% capacity, set the air conditioning to 22 degrees at level 2. and drove around Chengdu’s second ring highway at an average speed of 107 km/h for 222.3 km.
Upon returning to the charging station, the Xiaomi SU7’s range decreased by 332.6 km, which translates to about 67% of the declared CLTC range. This suggests it can maintain 470 km of high-speed range when fully charged.
The Xiaomi SU7’s displayed energy consumption was 15.7 kWh/100 km, similar to the Tesla Model 3 rear-wheel-drive version, indicating good energy control in its three-electric system. The SU7’s display showed 35.1 kWh consumed, with 89% used for driving, and the state of charge (SOC) dropped by 47%. After recharging to 90%, the display showed 39 kWh charged, matching up well with the actual data and demonstrating Xiaomi’s transparency in energy calculation rules.
Tires and NVH:
The SU7 I tested used standard 19-inch Michelin e-Primacy tires, with a high tire pressure of 3.0 bar, giving it an inherent advantage in energy consumption over performance tires. This tire setup, combined with the SU7’s low drag design, also optimized NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), maintaining an interior noise level of around 64 decibels at 120 km/h.
Jiashi Summary:
For novice drivers, the 215.900 RMB SU7 rear-wheel-drive long-range intelligent driving version is a better choice than the dual-motor top model. The frequent collision incidents with the SU7 suggest that for many drivers, the 2-second acceleration is challenging to handle.
Opting for the lower-spec Xiaomi SU7 not only saves nearly a third of the cost but also offers Xiaomi ecosystem support, with more manageable yet powerful performance, less discounted driving pleasure, and enough range for most intercity commutes. Its shortcomings are minimal.
Considering the current reservation queue and no further price reductions, the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i3 don’t offer the same emotional value as the Xiaomi SU7.
