China’s Xiaomi EV Plagued by Accidents

After the Xiaomi SU7 was launched, a big stir began when the unprecedented price of $29,742 was revealed. According to Xiaomi Chairman Lei Jun’s original statement, it was expected to be released as a flagship electric sports car worth more than $51,871, raising consumer questions about its market competitiveness.

The SU7 was released at a lower price than expected, and it sold over 50,000 units in 27 minutes. Xiaomi’s SU7, which shows unconventional moves, became controversial immediately after its launch. Some concerns about problems due to the low price have become a reality.

Disappointing Driving Range

In one test car, the tire went flat, and the suspension collapsed while going over a bump in the road. Another vehicle was caught in an accident scene, where its body tilted significantly while turning right, then staggered due to rolling and crashed into a wall. Considering this accident scene, doubts were raised about the durability of the vehicle and the performance of the vehicle attitude control software.

The shorter-than-expected driving distance is also controversial. Xiaomi has claimed that the top trim, the SU7 Max, is equipped with a 101kWh battery and can drive 497 miles on a single full charge based on China’s CLTC (Chinese driving range measurement standard). However, Chinese reviewers who drove the vehicle for about 311 miles said it showed performance that did not meet expectations.

Exaggerated advertising controversy

Of course, three people were in the vehicle, including the driver. Additionally, it must be considered that China’s CLTC measures driving range leniently. The base model has a smaller capacity, a 73.6 kWh battery, and can drive 435 miles on a single full charge. The actual driving distance is expected to be around 249 miles.

Xiaomi has been advertising that it provides more space in the rear row than the BMW 5 Series. However, actual reviewers say it is narrow. Although it is not difficult for adults to ride, many people find it uncomfortable, and some continue to point out that this is just an exaggeration. Of course, there were favorable reviews as well. The driving feel is quite excellent, and the steering wheel and pedal responsiveness are also high.

Will it work if the price is cheap?

In addition, it was evaluated that it had excellent ride comfort thanks to the air suspension and that its UX and device connectivity took advantage of Xiaomi’s characteristics. Consumers also had mixed opinions about the success of SU7, which became controversial immediately after its launch. This is because, despite controversy, it has several strengths.

There are also suspicions that it copied the design of the Porsche Taycan. However, the design itself is unrivaled in its price range. The performance is also excellent. The base model of SU7 is equipped with an electric motor in the rear wheels and produces a maximum output of 295 horsepower. It was also evaluated as superior in power performance and driving distance to the Tesla Model 3, which produces 279 horsepower.

Some South Korean consumers still expressed skepticism about Chinese electric vehicles, saying that no matter how cheap they are, they can’t compromise on safety. Many consumers are paying attention to what changes Chinese automakers’ cost-effective pricing policies will bring to the global electric vehicle market.

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