The rise of Chinese electric cars in the global automotive scene has been nothing short of remarkable. Companies like BYD, Zeekr, and NIO have been making waves with their technologically advanced, affordable vehicles. However, one unexpected player has now taken the lead in a surprising turn of events – Xiaomi.
In a bold move, Xiaomi, primarily known for its consumer electronics, entered the automotive market in March 2024 with the launch of its first electric sports sedan, the SU7. Priced at $30,000, the SU7 quickly gained popularity in China, with over 135,000 units sold in the first year alone. The success of the SU7 prompted Xiaomi to introduce a high-performance version, the SU7 Ultra, which aimed to disrupt the market even further.
Last October, Xiaomi released a video showcasing a prototype of the SU7 Ultra lapping the legendary Nürburgring circuit in an astonishing 6 minutes and 46.8 seconds. This lap time not only outperformed more expensive electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT but also surpassed the record set by the multi-million dollar Rimac Nevera.
Despite the production version of the SU7 Ultra not being as extreme as the prototype, it still managed to break records by setting a time of 7 minutes and 4.957 seconds at the Nürburgring. The SU7 Ultra proved its prowess by outperforming the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the Rimac Nevera, showcasing its capabilities with 1,526 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 1.98 seconds, and a top speed of 217 mph.
Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, Lei Jun, highlighted the car’s achievement on social media, expressing confidence that the SU7 Ultra’s record will be surpassed in the future. This victory not only marks Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive arena but also signals a new era where Chinese car manufacturers are challenging established Western brands in terms of performance and innovation.
While Xiaomi’s lap time at the Nürburgring may not rival the fastest production car record held by the Mercedes-AMG One, it underscores the company’s ability to disrupt the automotive industry. As the automotive landscape evolves, it will be intriguing to see how traditional players like Tesla, Porsche, and Rimac respond to the challenge posed by Chinese newcomers like Xiaomi.
In a world where boundaries are constantly being pushed, Xiaomi’s success at the Nürburgring serves as a reminder that innovation knows no limits. The automotive industry is experiencing a seismic shift, with new players like Xiaomi redefining what it means to be a competitive player in the market.
Source: Autoblog
