Chinese mobile phone developer Xiaomi has partnered with state-owned Beijing Automotive Group Co. for the production of its first electric vehicle offering, as shown in a filing released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Bloomberg noted that the upcoming model, Beijing Xiaomi SU7, will be a five-seater sedan that has a panoramic glass roof.
Production plans
Beijing Automotive Group Co., through its business unit BAIC ORV, apparently plans to manufacture the SU7 and SU7 Max at No. 21 Huanjing Road, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, Beijing.
TechStory further indicated that BAIC ORV will produce these models under the Xiaomi brand. It deviates from the mobile phone giant’s plans to build its own production plant with an annual capacity of 200,000 EVs.
Xiaomi apparently aims to launch the new EV as early as 2024, with production starting before this year ends.
First glimpse at the 650+ hp Xiaomi SU7
MIITT has also released the first photos of the new Beijing Xiaomi SU7 ahead of its official debut. It also revealed some of the EV’s key specifications, like weight, power, and variants available at launch.
The Beijing Xiaomi SU7 features a 118″ wheelbase and fastback roofline, nearly similar to the Tesla Model S’ packaging, as noted by Electrek. Length-wise, it is only less than 30mm shorter than the Tesla car. For context, the upcoming EV is 4997mm long, 1963mm wide, and 1440mm tall.
Without further ado, below are some of the indicated specs in the filing:
| Emission Standards: | Fuel Type: | Electric | |
| Maximum speed (km/h): | 265 | Gross weight (kg): | 2655 |
| Load mass utilization factor: | Rated load weight (kg): | ||
| Steering type: | steering wheel | Curb weight (kg): | 2205 |
| Number of axes: | 2 | Quasi-total mass of trailer (kg): | |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 3000 | Tire Specifications: | 245/45R19,245/40R20/265/40R20 |
| Number of leaf springs (front/rear): | -/- | Maximum permissible load weight of semi-trailer saddle (kg): | |
| Number of tires: | 4 | Number of cab passengers (persons): | |
| Wheel base (front/rear) mm: | Front track: 1693 Rear track: 1699 | Angle of Approach/Departure (degrees): | 13/16 |
| Reflective logo manufacturer: | Reflective Logo Model: | ||
| Reflective logo trademark: | Anti-lock braking system: | Yes | |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): | LNBSC1WK××××××××× | Front/rear overhang(mm): | 975/1022 |
Competition
The highly awaited Beijing Xiaomi SU7 is part of the company’s efforts to penetrate the electric vehicle space and establish “an all-around ecosystem” for its customers.
In fact, it has already equipped its smartphones and home appliances’ operating systems to support EVs in the future. However, it would be challenging for the company to sway the Chinese market, considering the ongoing price war there.
It will also face significant competition against established local brands who also plan to launch new models in the following years, including BYD, Li Auto, Geely, Zeekr, and XPeng.
Germany’s Volkswagen AG also plans to launch at least two new models in China in partnership with XPeng by 2026. Meanwhile, Stellantis partnered with Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology to develop a model that would meet Chinese customers’ preferences.
Moreover, Tesla’s strong presence in the country will undoubtedly make it hard for newcomers like Xiaomi to settle in the industry immediately. It prompted a price war by significantly reducing its EV prices and offering discount schemes, pushing other brands to do the same. That said, it may be challenging for the Beijing Xiaomi SU7 to become profitable in the first years, especially if the brand decides to join the price war.
