Xiaomi unveils SU7 Max configuration, retail model enters implementation stage On January 9th, Xiaomi officially announced that in addition to the standard version, there will also be Pro and Max versions of the Xiaomi SU7. This is consistent with the information previously released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It is reported that compared to the standard version, the performance of the other two versions of the new car has been improved, including possible differences in configurations such as air suspension and electric spoilers. At the same time, Xiaomi pointed out that the Xiaomi SU7 Max version will be equipped with a laser radar, so it will prioritize the installation of more cutting-edge advanced new features in intelligent driving. The article specifically emphasizes that Xiaomi’s goal is very clear – to enter the industry’s first tier by the end of 2024. Lei Jun has always had high hopes for the car-making business. For example, in 2023, Lei Jun publicly stated multiple times that Xiaomi’s autonomous driving will enter the industry’s first camp in 2024. At the end of December’s press conference, Lei Jun also said that Xiaomi aims to become one of the top five global car manufacturers through 15 to 20 years of effort. Bold words, still fresh in our ears. However, the controversy surrounding Xiaomi’s first car is indeed quite significant.
In terms of self-research, Xiaomi’s car debut can be said to be a “show of skills” or a “popular science event.” Self-developed super motor HyperEngine V8s, with a speed of up to 27,200 rpm; self-developed “9100t super large die-casting cluster”; self-developed die-casting alloy material “Titanium Alloy”…… self-research has become the first keyword for Xiaomi cars. Despite this, there are still many doubts, believing that Xiaomi’s self-research is more of a gimmick. In response to this, Xiaomi also made its first response in the “Answering 100 Questions from Netizens.” Xiaomi stated that among the three motors released, Xiaomi’s super motors V6 and V6s were jointly developed with Lian Dian and Huichuan, with a speed of 21,000 rpm. At the same time, Xiaomi also self-developed the super motor V8s, with a speed of 27,200 rpm, and this motor has been mass-produced and will be installed in cars by 2025. This information has also been recognized by Huichuan. In addition, Xiaomi also stated today that from the beginning, the company decided to self-develop the entire chain, from design, research and development, to manufacturing, with full control and full responsibility. This is not only Xiaomi’s determination to go all in on car manufacturing, but more importantly, Xiaomi believes that only by fully controlling the entire process can they control the quality and user experience of the car at every step. In fact, this is also Xiaomi’s response to “whether it will cooperate with third-party car companies to launch a similar ‘Smart Car’ program.”
In addition to confirming the self-developed related matters, Xiaomi also raised questions about the pricing of the new car. Previously, Lei Jun said in a release that the Xiaomi SU7 is indeed a bit expensive, but there will be “reasons for the high price.” Recently, rumors about the pricing of Xiaomi cars have been fluctuating. Some believe that Xiaomi is staging a show. However, Xiaomi Car clearly stated that the SU7 series has not been priced yet, but it will not be 99,000, 149,000, or 199,000. As for the final pricing, it will have to wait until the official release of Xiaomi SU7. At the same time, Xiaomi also addressed some netizens’ concerns, stating that Xiaomi will not create a “beggar version” in order to lower the starting price. Xiaomi Cars have a consistent product development guideline, which is to prioritize “experience,” so the Xiaomi SU7 will be the standard version. Combined with Lei Jun’s recent comment in the comment section “Xiaomi Cars have no competitors under 500,000,” it can be preliminarily concluded that Xiaomi Cars will not follow the old path of smartphones, as the road from low-end to high-end is difficult. Furthermore, to “join the top tier of the industry” and “become one of the top five car manufacturers in the world,” if Xiaomi lowers its stance, it may be further away from these goals. Xiaomi also emphasized, “Although Lei’s comment was a joke, it was also serious. Xiaomi is more practical and will not set unrealistic goals, so we are still very confident that Xiaomi SU7 currently has no competitors under 500,000.” The best way to dispel doubts is to face them head-on and let the product speak for itself. It is understood that Xiaomi has recently signed cooperation agreements with the first batch of 14 sales and service partners, which means that Xiaomi’s new retail model has entered the substantive implementation phase from the planning phase. The strength of Xiaomi’s car-making will be revealed by the market in 2024.