Xiaomi’s updated SU7 electric sedan has secured nearly 100,000 pre-orders within 15 days of opening deposits on January 7, 2026. This rapid response underscores the model’s enduring popularity in China, where the original SU7 has delivered over 360,000 units since April 2024. For EV buyers, this milestone highlights Xiaomi’s ability to maintain momentum with targeted upgrades like extended range and standard LiDAR, positioning it as a key player against Tesla in the premium sedan segment.
Background: Xiaomi’s Rapid Rise in EVs
Xiaomi entered the electric vehicle market in March 2024 with the launch of its first mass-market EV, the SU7 sedan. Deliveries began in April 2024, and by the end of 2025—over 21 months—the company had delivered more than 360,000 units, averaging over 17,000 per month. This performance made the SU7 the best-selling sedan priced above 200,000 RMB in China, according to Auto Home data cited by CEO Lei Jun.
Xiaomi EV, the company’s automotive unit, delivered over 410,000 vehicles in 2025 and targets 550,000 in 2026—a 34% increase. The SU7’s success came despite competition and production shifts toward the YU7 SUV launched in June 2025, which caused SU7 sales to soften after a peak of 29,244 units in March 2025. Pre-orders for the refreshed model, announced as the ‘next-generation SU7,’ opened on January 7, 2026, via the Xiaomi EV app with a 1,000 RMB deposit, leading to the 100,000-order surge by January 23.
Key Specifications
| Trim | Price (RMB) | USD Approx. | CLTC Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 229,900 | ~$31,700 – $32,900 | Details not yet confirmed | LiDAR standard, V6s Plus motor, 4-piston front calipers, 245/265mm staggered tires, 752V platform |
| Pro | 259,900 | ~$35,800 | Up to 902 km | Dual-chamber air suspension, CDC shocks, 752V platform, Night Black interior |
| Max | 309,900 | ~$42,700 | Details not yet confirmed (670 km in 15 min charging) | 897V architecture, full ADAS hardware (up to 700 TOPS), 9 airbags, 20-inch wheels |
Prices and ranges based on official announcements; USD conversions vary slightly by source (e.g., $1 = ~6.98 RMB). All trims include Capri Blue paint option, redesigned interior, integrated roll-cage with 2,200 MPa steel, and enhanced safety like rear side airbags.
Performance and Range Upgrades
The 2026 SU7 refresh prioritizes range and power. The Pro trim achieves up to 902 km CLTC combined range, a jump from the original’s maximum 830 km. The Max variant adds 670 km CLTC range in 15 minutes using Xiaomi chargers under normal conditions. Powertrains upgrade to V6s Plus motors across the board, with Standard/Pro on a 752V silicon-carbide platform and Max on 897V.
Handling benefits from staggered tires (245mm front, 265mm rear), four-piston front calipers, and standard closed dual-chamber air springs plus CDC variable-damping shocks on Pro/Max. These changes address prior sales slowdowns partly linked to competition from Tesla’s Model 3.
Safety and Intelligence Enhancements
Safety is a core upgrade, with LiDAR now standard on all trims—doubling down on ‘safety as the basis,’ per Lei Jun. The suite includes 4D millimeter-wave radar and up to 700 TOPS computing for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Passive safety features 9 airbags (adding rear sides) and an integrated roll-cage using 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel.
Exterior updates retain the signature design but add Capri Blue paint and 20-inch wheels. Interior refreshes feature the Night Black theme, revised center console, steering wheel, and seats. Official deliveries start in April 2026.
Market Comparison
The updated SU7 undercuts Tesla’s Model 3 RWD (235,500 RMB, 634 km CLTC) despite a slight price hike from the original’s 215,900 RMB base. Competitor ranges: Tesla Model 3 offers 634 km; BYD Han EV tops at ~1,000 km CLTC but starts higher at ~250,000 RMB (details vary). Xiaomi’s standard LiDAR and 902 km Pro range give it an edge in tech and endurance over the base Model 3, though real-world EPA equivalents remain unconfirmed.
| Model | Base Price (RMB) | Max CLTC Range | LiDAR Standard? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi SU7 2026 Pro | 259,900 | 902 km | Yes |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 235,500 | 634 km | No |
| BYD Han EV | ~250,000 | ~1,000 km | No |
Verdict
The 100,000 pre-orders in 15 days affirm Xiaomi SU7’s dominance in China’s premium EV sedan market, blending affordability, range breakthroughs, and safety tech effectively against Tesla and BYD. It’s ideal for tech-savvy urban drivers prioritizing ADAS, long range, and value under 310,000 RMB—though questions linger on exact Standard/Max ranges, U.S./global availability, and real-world efficiency beyond CLTC. Xiaomi’s 2026 target of 550,000 EVs looks achievable if production scales match demand.
