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Xiaomi’s SU7 Refresh Off to a Flying Start
Xiaomi’s updated SU7 electric sedan has ignited fresh excitement in China’s EV market: the company announced more than 100,000 preorders in the first 15 days after sales opened on January 7. For a brand that only began building cars a few years ago, the result reinforces Xiaomi’s rapid rise from smartphone maker to one of the country’s most disruptive automakers.
Why buyers are lining up
The SU7’s appeal is a familiar Xiaomi formula — premium features and tech-forward hardware priced aggressively. Compared with rivals such as the Tesla Model 3, the SU7 has been positioned as a larger, more luxurious alternative with advanced electronics and competitive pricing. That combination helped the SU7 deliver strong retail results in 2025, and the refreshed 2026 model appears set to extend that momentum.
Key highlights of the 2026 SU7
- Presale price: 229,000 yuan (~$32,500), roughly 14,000 yuan higher than the previous SU7.
- Powertrain update: an 800-volt electrical architecture across all trims for faster charging and stronger performance.
- Range tease: CLTC-rated figures reportedly top 900 km (about 560 miles), outpacing the Tesla Model 3 LR RWD in the same cycle.
- Official launch: set for Auto China 2026 in Beijing this April.
Dealers told reporters they were surprised by how many buyers placed orders without a test drive — a sign of strong brand trust and a hot market for competitively priced electric sedans.
Performance and tech
The switch to an 800-volt architecture is notable: it normally enables faster charging rates and can improve power delivery and thermal management. Xiaomi has also focused on in-car technology — an area where its smartphone pedigree gives it a clear advantage — promising high-end infotainment, driver assistance features and refined cabin packaging.
Market context: a legitimate challenger to Tesla
Xiaomi’s handheld rise in the EV world has been quick. The SU7 sedan (launched in 2024) and the YU7 crossover (launched in 2025) have upset expectations. In 2025, Xiaomi reportedly delivered 258,164 SU7s versus 200,361 Tesla Model 3 deliveries in China — a milestone that prompted talk of the SU7 as a true “Tesla killer.”
That said, Tesla remains a dominant global force; Xiaomi’s gains reflect strong domestic momentum and a strategy that blends value pricing with rich features. The company is now pressing its advantage across segments: the YU7 targets the Model Y’s territory, and production bottlenecks show demand often outstrips supply.
Quick takeaways
- The 2026 SU7 presales indicate robust consumer interest even with a modest price increase.
- Advanced architecture (800V) and an impressive teased CLTC range make the SU7 competitive on paper.
- Xiaomi’s strength lies in marrying technology-first features with aggressive pricing.
Whether the SU7 can convert preorder momentum into sustained sales will depend on production capacity, delivery times and real-world range and performance. Still, Xiaomi’s aggressive entry into mainstream EV segments makes the 2026 SU7 one of the most watched releases this year — especially for buyers comparing electric sedans against the Tesla Model 3.
Follow Auto China in April to see the SU7’s official specs and trim breakdown when Xiaomi unveils the refreshed lineup in Beijing.
Source: autoevolution
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