Forget Tesla – Why the Xiaomi SU7 Could Be Your Next Electric Car
April 10, 2025 by Mario Christou
Car changing is a big deal
Does a car from a Chinese tech giant have what it takes to take on the best-selling EVs in Europe? The answer is yes, and if the Xiaomi SU7 does fly off the shelves over the Channel there’s a good chance we’ll see it on our shores. Mario Garces, our colleague from Carwow Spain, has got behind the wheel to see how it fares.
Xiaomi – yes, the smartphone maker – has just launched its first-ever electric car: the SU7. It turns heads by looking suspiciously like a Porsche Taycan with frameless mirrors and a hump on its roof. It’s certainly striking, both elegant and sporty, though you might find yourself explaining repeatedly that, no, it isn’t German.
Inside, Xiaomi goes for the high-end look without breaking the bank. Alcantara, faux-wood plastics, and synthetic leather are giving posh, while quirky details such as a hidden fridge drawer in the Max model and a massive 56-inch head-up display add to the high-tech feel.
The digital experience revolves around a very responsive Snapdragon processor running Xiaomi’s own ‘HyperOS’. It’s impressively smooth, though you’ll have to cope without local language support for now. If you’re not keen on touchscreens, Xiaomi thoughtfully offers a ‘Button Bar’ accessory with physical buttons.
Space is generous. The back seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom, and the flat floor means that even middle-seat passengers will be comfortable. Luggage capacity impresses too. There’s a useful 107-litre frunk (that’s ‘front trunk’ for the uninitiated) on top of a decent 500-litre rear boot. Practical, yes, although the lack of rear-seat pockets feels rather cheap.
The base SU7 sports a single rear motor with 299 horsepower, while the SU7 Max ups the ante dramatically with all-wheel drive, 673hp and a 0-62 mph time of under 3 seconds. Officially, you get up to 497 miles per charge in the lax Chinese cycle, but realistically expect around 270 miles in the real world. It’s brisk, whisper-quiet at speed, and boasts an impressively small turning circle for a car of this size.
On the road, the SU7 is comfy rather than sporty, aided by adaptive air suspension that can be switched from a super-soft comfort mode to a sharper sport plus setting. Customisable driving modes ensure everyone from laid-back cruisers to wannabe racers can find their ideal setup but be warned. The brakes, adequate for everyday driving, reportedly get overwhelmed with some serious track use.
In terms of tech, Xiaomi packs the SU7 with all the gadgets you’d want: 25-speaker audio synced with LED lights, fully autonomous driving tech arriving later this year, and a suite of cameras and sensors ready to take the load off of your drive. Xiaomi’s confident claims of top-notch aerodynamics promise efficiency on paper, though its aerodynamic efficiency hasn’t been officially tested in Europe yet.
Pricing is competitive, equivalent to around £60,000 in Germany, not far off of a Mercedes EQE’s starting price. Even with import tariffs, it represents solid value given its size, tech credentials, and power. If Xiaomi decides to bring the SU7 to the UK you can expect a bit of a price bump for right-hand drive models, but the European pricing should be fairly representative.
So, is the Xiaomi SU7 the best electric saloon you can buy? It’s certainly a tempting blend of premium touches, practicality, and smartphone-style innovation, but whether it’s the absolute best depends on your appetite for a Chinese newcomer with a hint of Porsche envy.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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