From Phones to SUVs: Xiaomi’s Next Big Move in the Automotive Industry

Xiaomi’s bold move
Now they’re making SUVs
What does the Xiaomi SUV look like?

Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi recently made headlines worldwide when it launched its first electric vehicle, the electric sports sedan SU7. It was released at an unprecedented price of around $30,000, breaking the previously expected price of $50,775 and showing excellent cost-effectiveness.

Xiaomi is pursuing an SUV market entry this time. There is news that the company will begin developing the crossover SUV SU8 following the SU7. While it is expected to rival Tesla’s Model Y, consumers’ attention has already been focused as predictive renderings for the SU8 have already emerged.

Design based on the SU7
Controversy over resemblance to Porsche

Of course, as it is still in the development stage, detailed specifications and design have not been released. Based on the design of the SU7, the designer’s imagination was added to create the SU8. Xiaomi will take another big storm if the vehicle is released as expected. Let’s take a look at what it looked like.

As for the front part, it is almost similar to the SU7. Round headlamps reminiscent of Porsche and a thin triangular air duct were added to the bottom. The horizontal bumper grille that extends along the vehicle’s width emphasizes the wide overall width. As for the side part, the overall height appears to be higher than that of the SU7, as expected from an SUV. The roof line rises smoothly from the A-pillar and slowly falls from the B-pillar to the rear.

Aggressive rear spoiler
A horizontal tail lamp was applied

As for the doors, they open in the form of coach doors and have frameless windows. The B-pillar is made of a material similar to the window, creating the feeling that there is no B-pillar when the door is closed. In addition, a hidden type door handle was applied to complete the smooth side part. In the case of the rear, elements of the SU7, such as the horizontal tail lamp and air duct design, were taken as is. A rear spoiler that rises to the top was installed, and the lines have been reconfigured to match the crossover shape.

Xiaomi is expected to launch SU7 and SU8 at an unprecedented price. Many doubts are still being raised about Xiaomi, which is not a traditional automobile manufacturer, entering the electric vehicle market. In particular, there are high-quality concerns about Chinese products, so Xiaomi needs proof to eliminate them.

Xiaomi enters the price war
At what price will the SU8 be introduced?

Analysis has been raised that Xiaomi, which launched the SU7 at a low price to enter and establish a foundation for the electric vehicle market, is selling the vehicle without making a profit. The battery’s price alone is around $15,000, and there is expected to be no significant difference between the production price and sales price. Consumers are focused on how Xiaomi, prepared for fierce competition, will present the SU8.