This review examines the Xiaomi SU7 ("Speed Ultra"), a high-performance electric sedan from China, positioning it as a competitive rival to the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, but at a price point closer to the Tesla Model 3 (equivalent to $44k–$45k in China). The car, which is not sold in the US, is praised for its attractive styling, surprisingly high-quality interior materials, and rapid development time (2.5 years from concept). The mid-level "Max" trim, tested here, offers 665 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds. Key quirks include a dramatic flip-up gauge cluster screen, electronic door releases, massive internal storage (including a rear-seat refrigerator and under-seat cubbies), and the option for an accessory physical control panel that mounts beneath the main touchscreen. Driving impressions highlight the compliant ride, explosive acceleration, and very precise, though slightly "twitchy" at high speeds, steering. The SU7 achieves a Doug Score of 69/100, ranking it highly among EV sedans due primarily to its impressive combination of performance, technology, and value.
Quirks and Features of the Xiaomi SU7
0:05 Introduction & Market Positioning: The Xiaomi SU7 (Speed Ultra) is a Chinese electric luxury sedan, designed as a budget rival to the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S/3, though it is not available in the United States.
1:32 Rapid Development: Xiaomi, previously a cell phone company, developed the SU7 in only two and a half years.
2:27 Specifications: The SU7 is sized similarly to the Model S/Taycan. Three versions are available: Base (~300 hp), Max (AWD, 665 hp, 0-60 in 2.8s), and Ultra (~1,500 hp, 0-60 under 2s). The Ultra prototype holds the Nürburgring lap record for a four-door vehicle.
3:06 Value Proposition: The SU7 is priced in the Chinese market at the equivalent of $44,000 to $45,000, placing it at a Model 3 price point despite offering Model S/Taycan size and performance.
4:23 Exterior Quirks: The car is a four-door sedan with a traditional trunk, not a hatchback. The radar sensors for driver assistance are mounted conspicuously at the top of the windshield, giving it a "taxi cab" light aesthetic.
5:07 Automatic Charge Port: The charge port door automatically pops open when tapped.
5:17 Specialized Tinting: The factory window tint is exceptionally dark and efficient, with icons displayed on the glass bragging about blocking 99% of UV light and significant heat.
6:09 Distinctive Lighting: Features include a dual-row light bar taillight and sweeping (sequential) turn signals front and back.
7:26 Interior Quality: The interior uses high-quality materials and surprised the reviewer, feeling commensurate with a car costing around $70,000, suggesting impressive value at its Chinese market price.
8:04 Flipping Gauge Cluster: The small gauge cluster screen flips up when the car is started, and flips down to display a side profile image of the car when it is turned off.
8:29 Driver Accessories: Silver circles on the dashboard are dedicated mounts for GoPros.
9:06 Electronic Doors & Storage: The doors use electronic pop buttons instead of traditional handles. The interior boasts huge storage capacity, including multiple hidden cubbies below the center console.
9:53 Hidden Design Elements: Climate control vents are hidden within the dashboard folds for a minimalist look.
10:13 Unique Audio Features: A dedicated speaker is hidden in the driver's headrest solely for navigation voice prompts. The voice control system is area-based, knowing which window to operate based on which passenger gives the command.
11:08 Customizable Controls: To address concerns about screen reliance, Xiaomi offers an accessory physical control panel with buttons and a volume knob that mounts to the bottom of the main central screen.
14:18 Rear Seat Comfort: The Max version includes a surprisingly large refrigerator/cooler unit housed in the rear center console.
14:56 Unexpected Storage: Storage pockets under the front seat backs were eliminated, compensated by deep storage compartments hidden under the rear seat bottoms.
15:54 Tint Drawback: Despite having a giant glass roof, the heavy tint makes the cabin feel slightly dark and claustrophobic.
16:27 Large Frunk: The vehicle features a surprisingly large front trunk (frunk) accessible via the center touchscreen.
18:11 Driving Impression Takeaways: The car is well-built and handles comparably to US-market EVs. Ride quality is comfortable and compliant, even in sport mode. Acceleration is explosive (Boost Mode).
19:27 Steering Dynamics: The steering is highly precise but feels "twitchy" at higher speeds, although this contributes to its dynamic and tossable feel around corners.
20:42 Quiet Cabin: The car offers luxury-car quietness, with low road and tire noise.
22:49 Doug Score: The SU7 achieved a Doug Score of 69/100, ranking it near the top of EV sedans (only trailing the expensive Taycan Turbo S and Lucid Air) due to its impressive technology, styling, and performance when factoring in the astonishingly affordable price point.