In China, the 2024 production of Xiaomi SU7 sold out in 27 minutes

The new rival of the Tesla Model 3 in China, the Xiaomi SU7, is cheaper, more powerful, and modern. The Chinese are clamoring for it.

88,898 firm orders signed in the span of a day. This is quite an enviable statistic for the Xiaomi SU7, the first electric vehicle from the tech giant, resembling a kind of Chinese Apple. Between Tesla and the manufacturers of the Middle Kingdom, this is no longer a trade war, but an imperialistic one. Local firms, heavily supported by the Chinese government, are on a mission, no matter the cost. The electric vehicle war must be won, especially in the domestic market.

In the United States and Europe, barriers are starting to rise to slow the wave coming from China. Finally. But Xiaomi is one of the trump cards that could bring Tesla to its knees as its sales plunge in China. To the point of reducing operations at the Shanghai factory where the Model 3 intended for Europe is produced.

The Xiaomi SU7, launched in November 2023, officially started its commercial career on March 28, 2024. Production has begun at an increasing pace, and the first deliveries are promised for the end of April. Alas, patience will be required: Xiaomi estimates its 2024 capacity at around 100,000 units. Yet, in just one day (Xiaomi even reports it took 27 minutes!), nearly 90,000 SU7s have been sold! And the next day, the 100,000 mark was easily surpassed.

Beware of disappointment?

Xiaomi promises to do everything possible to reach a second milestone of 150,000 cars per year, then 300,000 at its Beijing factory. So, be careful that there isn’t a fizzle once the waiting times become too long. This could lead to a Tesla Cybertruck syndrome that disappoints more than it satisfies.

But why is there such enthusiasm for the Xiaomi whose specifications are indeed very high-tech? The primary factor is the popularity of the brand and its founder, Lei Jun, in China. He is regarded as an equal to Steve Jobs or Elon Musk and customers trust him. National pride is also very strong… and finally, the prices are competitive.

On average, the Xiaomi SU7 is 3,500 euros cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 for better performance and range (700 km on the CLTC cycle, compared to 600 km for the American model) in its base version. As for the all-wheel drive and long-range version, it offers 663 horsepower and 800 km (CLTC).

Knowing all this, there is little “risk” of the Xiaomi SU7 arriving in Europe. It would be better to already consider its successor, while Xiaomi’s industrial capabilities are prepared to meet global demand.

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