Smartphone big Xiaomi launches 664-hp SU7 as first EV

Xiaomi could also be finest recognized for its smartphones, however the Chinese language know-how firm on Thursday entered the automotive world with the reveal of the SU7, a smooth electrical sedan harking back to the Porsche Taycan and boasting as much as 664 hp.

The SU7 is predicated on a newly developed platform referred to as Modena, the identify taken from the Italian city that’s house to automotive manufacturers like Ferrari and Maserati. The platform is designed to suit batteries with a cell-to-body development which Xiaomi says saves area.

The SU7 is a little more than an inch longer than a Taycan, and Xiaomi claims efficiency may even be much like the German EV. The powertrain choices take their names from internal-combustion engines, with the bottom possibility, dubbed V6, that includes a single motor on the rear rated at 295 hp. Above it is a V6s possibility which incorporates a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration rated at a peak 664 hp, or sufficient for 0-62 mph acceleration in lower than 2.8 seconds.

The efficiency will not finish there, nonetheless. On the reveal, Xiaomi mentioned it’s engaged on a powertrain possibility dubbed HyperEngine V8s. It is due in 2025 and can probably provide extra horsepower than the V6s.

The usual battery is a 73.6-kwh unit however a 101-kwh unit will probably be obtainable. Xiaomi additionally plans 132- and 150-kwh items. With the largest battery, the SU7 may ship a variety of greater than 600 miles, in line with the corporate.

Xiaomi in 2021 mentioned it has dedicated an funding of $10 billion over ten years for its EV division. A part of these funds have been used for a plant in Beijing chargeable for the SU7, in addition to future fashions.

The SU7 is at present in pre-production however will probably be prepared on the market within the coming months, in line with Xiaomi. Pricing data will probably be launched nearer to the market launch.

The SU7 will initially be supplied in China completely, however Xiaomi is contemplating increasing to different markets. On the reveal, Xiaomi chief Lei Jun mentioned he needs to remodel Xiaomi into one of many world’s prime 5 automotive firms.