After the Xiaomi SU7 had been on the market for nearly six months, I finally had the chance to deeply experience it. This highly controversial car left me with two very distinct impressions. First, I thought it was a pretty good car. It's hard to imagine that this is the first product from a new brand, as it feels quite mature and has great quality. Second, it’s very suitable for young people, appealing to both men and women. However, for someone like me who is slightly older, it’s a bit hard to handle.
The primary challenge I faced was the driving experience. The model we tested was the four-wheel drive long-range high-end intelligent driving MAX version, priced at 299.900 yuan, and it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.
Before we officially started the road test, we tested the performance of the Xiaomi SU7 on a closed track using the Sport+ mode. By pressing the small button on the steering wheel to activate the sport mode, the car can “boom” into action within 20 seconds.
I probably didn’t fully appreciate what accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds meant. After hitting the gas pedal hard, the Xiaomi SU7 shot forward without any hesitation. When I felt a roller coaster-like drop, I knew something was wrong. After getting out of the car, I felt dizzy for quite a while. My peers, all around 40 years old, had similar reactions, making us realize that this mode’s thrill is beyond our age group’s ability to enjoy.
In normal driving conditions, the Xiaomi SU7 feels like a young guy full of energy. The car always seems to urge you to step harder on the accelerator, indicating it can run faster.
The acceleration of the Xiaomi SU7 is not very linear, especially in sport mode where the car's thrust is quite intense, almost skipping the initial acceleration phase and going straight to high speed. Even in the regular comfort mode, the car has a forward thrust. Fortunately, Xiaomi has tuned the accelerator pedal to be relatively stiff, preventing drivers from flooring it right away, allowing a gradual understanding of its acceleration effect. For those who enjoy speeding on the road, the Xiaomi SU7 is perfect, but for those of us seeking stability, taming this wild horse is somewhat challenging.
As a sports sedan, the Xiaomi SU7’s chassis is tightly controlled, particularly noticeable during braking. The vehicle feels relatively stiff while braking. However, the compact chassis allows the Xiaomi SU7 to maintain stable body posture during fast lane changes and cornering, with minimal body roll, giving drivers more confidence.
But in terms of shock absorption, the Xiaomi SU7 might not appeal to middle-aged men. The vibrations are quite noticeable when going over bumps and uneven roads. For those in their early twenties, this reflects speed and passion, but for those of us in our forties who have experienced life's ups and downs, a more stable ride is preferable.
Regarding NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), the Xiaomi SU7 suppresses wind noise well, but road noise and tire noise are still somewhat evident, which is in line with its sporty character, appealing to young people's tastes. Coupled with simulated engine sounds, it provides an exhilarating driving experience.
In June, Xiaomi's latest OTA (over-the-air) update enabled city navigation pilot assistance in 10 cities. During the test drive, we briefly experienced this feature. Since the coverage area isn’t fully complete, NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) can only be activated on some highways, while the rest are just ACC (adaptive cruise control) and lane-keeping assist.
Xiaomi SU7’s NOA matches its dynamic performance well, adopting a relatively aggressive strategy, especially when changing lanes. Some brands’ NOA systems wait until the adjacent lane is completely clear before changing lanes, but the Xiaomi SU7 changes lanes as soon as there is enough space, which suits experienced drivers but might be too thrilling for some, particularly female drivers.
Overall, as a sporty sedan, the Xiaomi SU7 offers a good driving feel, dispelling doubts about the reliability of a new brand’s first car. However, due to its positioning and price, the SU7 can't meet everyone's needs. It can satisfy young people’s pursuit of speed and excitement on the road, but for older drivers, unless seeking a bit of indulgence, the SU7 might feel too aggressive for daily driving.
Lastly, let’s briefly discuss the exterior and interior impressions of the Xiaomi SU7. By now, it’s been on the market for nearly six months, so those interested are probably familiar with its appearance. I’ll just share my thoughts.
The exterior is the most criticized aspect of the SU7. due to its apparent imitation. However, I came across an online comment that resonated: whether it imitates or not, as long as it looks good, that’s what matters. The car's appearance is key, not necessarily its originality.
Indeed, the Xiaomi SU7’s appearance is appealing, whether in body proportions, line depiction, or details. The fact that many women are buying the Xiaomi SU7 is a testament to this. While some might criticize female drivers’ skills, their aesthetics are undoubtedly on point. For young people today, brand heritage is less important; they like what they like at first sight. Hence, the Xiaomi SU7’s positioning and target audience align well.
Inside, the Xiaomi SU7 offers a simple yet refined and tech-savvy interior aimed at young users. Materials like faux wood grain are not real wood, but for young people, it’s enough that it looks good.
The central control screen, resembling "WALL-E," is mainly a clock and G-force display. Its practicality might seem limited, but young consumers find it unique and love the feel. Additionally, the row of air conditioning buttons below, reminiscent of vintage radios, stands out in an era where most brands avoid physical buttons, underscoring Xiaomi’s tech credentials.
Xiaomi's robust ecosystem is another highlight. Currently, the car comes with Xiaomi's walkie-talkie and flashlight, but future integrations might include drones and VR glasses, an area where other car brands can’t compete. Even if they seek suppliers to emulate this, they won’t achieve the same synergy, making this a critical differentiator for Xiaomi Auto.
The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, with an active side bolster support function for the driver that provides additional support during cornering, which is quite satisfying.
However, due to the low-profile body design, the rear seat height is somewhat inadequate, lacking support for long-legged users. Additionally, the steep slope of the panoramic roof makes it difficult for passengers over 185 cm tall to sit upright without hitting the roof.
Editor’s Note: Frankly, the Xiaomi SU7 is not a perfect car, but it has managed to align the needs of its target users with its strengths. Its performance and design in both exterior and interior aspects are enough to attract young users to purchase it. This is the fundamental reason why it has been a hit as the first product from a new brand.
For Xiaomi, having Lei Jun’s strong backing means that as long as the first car isn’t a disaster, it’s considered a success. The SU7’s performance has exceeded expectations. Lei Jun and the Xiaomi team, with their years of experience in smartphones and tech products, excel in details that traditional car manufacturers can’t match. Criticism alone isn’t enough; traditional car makers need to catch up quickly. Given the SU7’s strong start, small issues can be resolved with future updates, but the gap between traditional car makers and tech companies like Xiaomi might not be bridged soon. This will be crucial in determining product differentiation in the future. If traditional car manufacturers don't address these issues, they will continue to lose customers at an increasing rate.
