A new Xiaomi YU7 Max’s brakes caught fire on track, reaching over 600°C under heavy use.
The brand says organic materials in the pads ignited, but braking function remained intact.
The SUV reportedly wasn’t using regenerative braking, increasing strain on friction brakes.
Things are looking pretty bright for Xiaomi these days, but even a hot streak hits a bump now and then. Fresh off an impressive Nürburgring showing by the SU7and a hefty 289,000 pre-orders for its upcoming SUV, the YU7, the company now finds itself doing a little damage control.
This time, it’s about a different kind of heat; specifically, the kind coming off the YU7 Max’s brakes during a track test for the media that raised a few eyebrows. Here’s a quick look at what happened and how Xiaomi is responding.
Last Friday, a video of a YU7 Max in a race track pit lane with brakes on fire surfaced. That’s not a great situation since this is the brand’s high-end super SUV that makes 682 horsepower (691 kW) and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm) of torque from a dual-motor setup. Naturally, this provides plenty of oomph, but it must be accompanied by great brakes, because inevitably you also need to slow down or come to a halt at some point, right?
In the video, we see technicians standing inches away from the open flame on a caliper as one measures the temperature. According to the device he’s using, the brake pads were sitting at 619 degrees Celsius. That’s 1,146 degrees Fahrenheit, or just 50 or so degrees shy of where aluminum begins to melt.
Notably, these flames aren’t the same type that we’ve seen in the past from supercars sporting carbon ceramic setups. Instead, Xiaomi’s statement toCarNewsChinaclarifies that these brakes caught on fire due to organic materials in the low-metallic pads.
Evidently, this is totally normal when the brakes exceed 600 degrees Celsius (1,112 F) and supposedly, it’s no big deal here because they continued to function properly.
In addition, it’s worth noting that Xiaomi says the car in question wasn’t using its regenerative brakes properly. The YU7 Max has a ‘Master Mode’ with ‘Enhanced Energy Recovery.’ When using that system, the friction brakes don’t have to do as much work since the regen can provide up to 0.2G of braking force.
Instead, it seems that this YU7 was relying solely on the friction brakes. Given that it weighs some 2.3 tons, it’s no wonder the brakes were pushed to their outer limits.
Interestingly, this situation seems separate from the major brake failure seen on other Xiaomi cars. In cases from late last year, two different SU7 sedans had major crashes when their brakes failed completely. Those instances appear related to brake components not intended for track use at all. In contrast, the pads and rotors on the YU7 in this new video are up to the task.
A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype just lapped the Nurburgring in 6:22.091.
That’s almost 24 full seconds faster than the previous record it set in 2024.
It’s officially the third fastest prototype to ever lap the famous race track.
Xiaomi clearly isn’t content with simply being one of the fastest cars to ever lap the Nurburgring. It just went and made that record even faster. Less than a year after securing a top-five finish for its prototype and taking the number one spot for production electric cars, the company returned for another round. This time, not only did the team succeed, but they shaved nearly 24 seconds off their previous time at the hands of driver David Pittard.
For reference, that record was 6:46.87 for the SU7 Ultra prototype. If you’re scratching your head a bit, don’t worry; it’s not just you. Xiaomi has been setting separate record times for both the prototype SU7 and the production version of the same car, which can certainly make things a little tricky to follow.
The production car arguably has an even more impressive record, despite going slower (7:04.957) because it’s the sole leader in the production EV category. To achieve that, it beat the Porsche Taycan and none other than the Rimac Nevera. Yes, the bonkers hypercar was slower than this four-door Chinese sedan. All of that said, this new prototype record is no joke.
The New Record: 6:22.091
The not-for-sale stripped-down SU7 Ultra managed a 6:22.091 lap. That usurps the Lotus Evija X prototype that did it in 6:24.04. Now, the SU7 Ultra sits in third place, and that’ll likely be where it stays. Bumping the second-place finisher, the VW ID.R down would mean going faster than 6:05.33. First place is out of reach for just about everyone. That’s the record set by Timo Bernhard of 5:19:546.
Special Editions: Track Package and Nurburgring Edition
Still, Xiaomi’s performance here is deserving of praise, provided everything is above board. That said, the brand is celebrating the new record with two new special editions. The first, simply called the Track Package, will cost 100,000 yuan (approximately US$13,950 at current exchange rates). It adds a track-grade high-power battery pack, upgraded cooling, optimized brakes, Nurburgring-tuned suspension components, and a top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h).
An even more exclusive version is on the way, dubbed the Nürburgring edition. This special model comes with unique underbody panels, a new roll cage replacing the rear seats, and aerodynamic tweaks on the exterior to set it apart from the rest of the SU7 lineup.
Priced at 814,900 yuan in China (around $114,000), Xiaomi will produce just 10 examples for 2025, with total production capped at 100 to “ensure exclusivity.” Sure, that’s a hefty sum no matter where you are, but the level of performance you’re getting in return is undeniably impressive.
Under the slinky Porsche-esque design, you’ll find three electric motors that make a combined 1,527 hp (1,138 kW) and 1,306 lb-ft (1,770 Nm) of torque. It’s one thing for a brand to claim that it’s capable of building fast cars and a very different thing to put hypercar makers on notice.
Toyota has announced more details about its future plans in the Chinese market.
Its joint venture with GAC is developing two platforms for new energy vehicles.
The automaker will increase AI use and expand partnerships with local tech firms.
At the 2025 Toyota Technology Day in China, there was no shortage of promises and future-focused tech talk. While much of the spotlight was on product updates, the real takeaway was Toyota’s push to inject artificial intelligence and advanced electrification into its lineup, especially in partnership with local tech giants.
Among the headline announcements, next-generation versions of the Highlander and Sienna will feature extended-range electric powertrains. Alongside these updates, Toyota and its local joint venture partner GAC laid out plans for two new energy vehicle platforms and confirmed strategic collaborations with Chinese heavyweights like Huawei and Xiaomi.
Two New EV Platforms in the Pipeline
Starting with the new platforms, they are designed for “new energy vehicles”, meaning they will be compatible with fully electric, range-extender, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. One platform is optimized for compact to mid-size vehicles under 5 meters long (196.9 inches), while the other is designed for larger vehicles up to 5.3 meters (208.7 inches).
Toyota’s upcoming bZ7 will be the first model to use the larger of the two new platforms. Serving as the brand’s electric flagship in China, depending on pricing, it could positioned as an affordable rival to the similarly sized Tesla Model S. Although the bZ7 was first previewed in April 2025, its launch in the Chinese market is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
This model also marks a major shift in Toyota’s tech strategy. The fully electric bZ7 will be the first to feature the Huawei DriveONE powertrain, which combines the motor, MCU, and inverter into a single integrated unit. Inside, it gets the Huawei Hongmeng cockpit system, offering an updated suite of apps and connectivity options. It will also come equipped with a LiDAR sensor, suggesting it’s being prepped for advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
AI, ADAS, and the “Caring Butler” Future
Besides the new platforms that are being developed in China, GAC Toyota is working on a new electronic architecture that will support the next generation of ADAS and advanced intelligent cockpits. Artificial intelligence is expected to play a growing role in how these systems evolve.
According to Chinese outlet Sohu, GAC believes the in-car voice assistant will become a “caring butler” by 2026–2027, and by 2028, it’s expected to mature into a “symbiotic partner” capable of intuitively responding to user needs, even claiming to “read people’s hearts.”
The Japanese automaker will also collaborate with Xiaomi for in-vehicle technology, such as audio, and a clever intercommunication system between front and rear occupants using the built-in screens and cameras.
Digital Chassis and Broader AI Integration
Looking further ahead, upcoming GAC Toyota models will feature an AI-powered “intelligent digital chassis.” This system will be able to read road conditions in real time, adjusting suspension characteristics through electromagnetic shock absorbers and dual-chamber air suspension systems, which sounds similar to what Tesla is offering on higher end models.
GAC Toyota also envisions an AI ecosystem extending beyond vehicles. The company plans to integrate AI into areas like research and development, manufacturing, quality inspection, and logistics. What’s less clear is whether any of these innovations will make their way into Toyota’s global product lines, or if they’ll remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
The production Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with the optional track pack lapped the Nurburgring at 7:04.957.
This might be slower than the prototype, but enough to crown it the fastest production EV.
The electric sedan outperformed the rival Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and the Rimac Nevera.
Breaking speed records isn’t just reserved for hypercars these days. Xiaomi, better known for smartphones than for chasing lap times, caught out attention last year when a prototype of its SU7 electric sedan clocked a 6:46.874 at the Nurburgring. Now it’s back with something more official. The production version has secured the title of fastest electric vehicle at the Green Hell, posting a verified lap time of 7:04.957.
Despite being a full 18 seconds slower than the stripped-out prototype that came with more aggressive aero, the production Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was faster than the Rimac Nevera hypercar (7:05:298) and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (7:07:55).
Faster Than a Rimac. Yes, Really
While the new time is a full 18 seconds slower than the earlier prototype run, which featured stripped-out weight savings and more aggressive aerodynamics, the production SU7 Ultra still managed to outpace all the heavy hitters. It not only beat the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT’s time of 7:07.55, but also edged out the Rimac Nevera, which previously clocked a 7:05.298.
Xiaomi hasn’t confirmed who was behind the wheel for the Nurburgring run, but it did clarify that the car used was a production-spec model fitted with the optional track package.
CEO Lei Jun added that this won’t be the last we see of Xiaomi at the ‘Ring, suggesting the company is settling in for the long haul. To back it up, Xiaomi released an onboard video of the lap, which was also picked up by the official Nurburgring website and YouTube channel.
The video shows that the EV reaching 345 km/h (214 mph) on the long straight, just shy of its claimed top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph). Powering that performance is a tri-motor setup delivering a combined 1,527 hp (1,138 kW or 1,548 PS) and 1,306 lb-ft (1,770 Nm) of torque. That’s enough to send the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 1.89 seconds.
Interestingly, SU7 Ultra owners don’t get the full 1,527 hp right out of the box. By default, the car delivers around 888 hp (900 PS or 662 kW). To unlock the rest, drivers need to complete a qualifying lap on a Xiaomi-approved track. The car’s onboard Qualifying Mode logs and verifies the lap time, proving whether the driver can handle the extra power.
Hypercar Numbers, Mid-Range Price
Despite offering performance and specs that rival hypercars, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is surprisingly affordable. The performance flagship starts at ¥529,000 (about $73,600) in China, making it significantly less expensive than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which starts at ¥1,998,000 ($278,000) locally.
The YU7’s massive aluminum clamshell hood spans nearly 34 square feet in total.
Xiaomi has confirmed three versions of the SUV, with single- and dual-motor options.
Pricing for the all-electric model that rivals Tesla’s Model Y will be revealed in July.
Xiaomi clearly decided that making one of the fastest and most powerful EVs on the market wasn’t enough. Earlier this month, the company launched the long-awaited YU7, its second model and first-ever SUV, following the SU7. While it shares many design elements with the sedan, the YU7 is larger and packed with its own unique features. And, just to top it off, it also boasts the largest clamshell hood on any production car currently on the market.
New details from China reveal that the YU7’s massive clamshell hood spans a hefty 3.11 square meters (33.5 square feet or 4,820 square inches). That’s a solid jump over the Genesis G90’s impressive 2.6 square meters (28 square feet or 4,030 square inches). Just what the EV world was missing, a full-blown hood-measuring contest.
Normally, a hood as big as the YU7’s should weigh a lot. But, instead of steel, Xiaomi has made it out from aluminum and, thus, reduced its weight by half. Despite its lightweight construction, though, it still needs to be supported by a pair of massive struts just to keep it from collapsing like a flimsy lawn chair.
Beneath all that metal, the YU7 houses a 141-liter (4.9 cubic-foot) storage compartment, or “frunk” if you want to get technical. It’s not the biggest frunk in the EV world, but it’s decent enough. However, there’s a little mystery here, as it’s unclear if this is the frunk for the single, rear-wheel drive model, or if it’s also present in the two dual-motor, all-wheel drive versions.
Xiaomi / Autohome
One of the most interesting features of the YU7 is the narrow, 43.3-inch HyperVision Panoramic display that’s positioned at the base of the windshield. It includes all important car information and a multi-media screen in front of the passenger. BMW is also working on a similar panoramic display, but its solution has yet to grace a production model.
Entry-level versions of the YU7 use a 96.3 kWh battery pack. The base model pairs this battery with a 316 hp and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) motor that drives the rear wheels, while the mid-level YU7 gets all-wheel drive thanks to its two motors producing a combined 489 hp and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm). Meanwhile, the flagship YU7 Max uses a 101.7 kWh battery and two motors with a total of 681 hp and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm). There’s no word on whether the YU7 will also get a 1,526 hp Ultra version like its sedan sibling.
The YU7 is set to launch in China this July, with Xiaomi promising to share more details at that time, including pricing and any plans for availability outside its home market.
The Xiaomi YU7 is the latest electric SUV from China, designed to challenge Tesla’s Model Y.
Offering up to 681 hp, it looks like a budget-friendly Ferrari Purosangue with a McLaren nose.
Pricing in China starts at $34,500 for the base model and rises to $44,700 for the flagship trim.
Update: Xiaomi has just announced pricing and range details for the new YU7, with the electric crossover starting at a reasonable RMB 253,500 (around $34,500 at current exchange rates) for the Standard ‘ultra-long-range’ rear-wheel-drive model. It boasts a claimed driving range of 830 km (516 miles) on the CLTC cycle and is powered by a single motor that delivers 315 hp (235 kW), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.
For those looking for all-wheel drive, the Pro version is available at RMB 279,900 ($37,900). Featuring the same 96.3 kWh LPF battery as the Standard model, it has dual motors producing a combined 489 hp (365 kW) and offers a claimed range of 770 km (478 miles), again, based on the optimistic CLTC cycle.
Finally, the Max model takes things up a notch with high-performance AWD capabilities, priced at RMB 329,900 ($44,700). The dual motors here produce a combined 681 hp (508 kW) and 866 Nm of peak torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.23 seconds. The 101.7 kWh NMC battery provides a claimed range of 760 km (472 miles).
These prices undercut one of its most important rivals, the domestically made Tesla Model Y. It starts at RMB 263,000 ($35,200) for the RWD version, which hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and offers 593 km (368 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle. The Long Range model starts at RMB 313,500 ($41,300), offering 719 km (446 miles) of range and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.3 seconds. Tesla has yet to launch the flagship Performance version of the updated Model Y Juniper.
What’s even more impressive is Xiaomi’s claim on social media that it received over 289,000 orders for the YU7 within just an hour of opening pre-sales. The company noted that customers who place a 5,000 yuan deposit (about $670) before July 31 will receive a discount of 66,000 yuan ($8,800).
The electric SUV game just got a little more interesting. Xiaomi gave us our first look at the stylish YU7 last year, and now the crossover has officially been launched in China. It’s big news as the YU7 is the company’s second model and their first SUV, following the SU7. That sedan has been a runaway success in its home market, racking up 258,000 sales in just 14 months, including 28,000 deliveries in April alone.
The crossover follows in the footsteps of the SU7 and is a high-performance luxury SUV with an impressive design. It features a shark nose front end that is flanked by “waterdrop” headlights, which have channels that direct air out through the hood. Speaking of which, the crossover has the largest clamshell aluminum hood among mass-produced vehicles.
Aerodynamics played a huge role in the YU7’s development and the production model has “10 through-flow air channels and 19 optimized vents to manage airflow precisely.” They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized wheels and an active grille shutter system. Thanks to all this attention, the model has a drag coefficient of 0.245.
Since we’ve already seen the crossover before, we’ll just briefly mention a few highlights including flush-mounted door handles and a standard panoramic glass roof. They’re joined by a distinctive rear end with “halo” taillights and two spoilers. The model is being launched in three eye-catching colors – Emerald Green, Titanium Silver, and Lava Orange – and they contrast with gloss black accents.
In terms of size, the YU7 measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long, 78.6 inches (1,996 mm) wide, and 63 inches (1,600 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.1 inches (3,000 mm). That means the crossover is 2.3 inches (58 mm) shorter than the Tesla Model X and has a 1.4-inch (35 mm) longer wheelbase.
Minimalist Interior, Maximalist Screens
While the exterior is stylish and expressive, the cabin is overly minimalist. It’s dominated by a 16.1-inch infotainment system and a HyperVision Panoramic Display, which sits at the base of the windshield.
The latter echoes BMW’s Panoramic iDrive Display and spans 43.3 inches. It’s customizable, but can act as a speedometer, a navigation display, and a front passenger display.
Putting screens aside, the crossover has Nappa leather zero-gravity front seats with one-touch recline and a 10-point massage function. They’re joined by power-adjustable rear seats with backrests that can tilt from 100° to 135°.
Rear seat passengers will also find dedicated climate controls and a dual-screen entertainment system. Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charger, hidden air vents, and soft-touch materials throughout.
The crossover can accommodate 23.9 cubic feet (678 liters) of luggage and that can be expanded to 62.1 cubic feet (1,758 liters) by folding the seats down. There’s also a small frunk, which provides 5 cubic feet (141 liters) of space.
Power, Range, and Charging Speed
Three different configurations are available and the entry-level YU7 has a single electric motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 389 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Buyers will also find a 96.3 kWh battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 519 miles (835 km).
The mid-level YU7 Pro has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 489 hp (365 kW / 496 PS) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque. This cuts the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) to 4.3 seconds, but the top speed remains unchanged. Unfortunately, the range drops to 472 miles (760 km).
The range-topping YU7 Max has an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 681 hp (508 kW / 690 PS) and 639 lb-ft (866 Nm) of torque. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in a blistering 3.2 seconds and drivers will eventually hit 157 mph (253 km/h) if they keep their foot planted on the accelerator. The Max is also notable for having a larger 101.7 kWh battery, which delivers 478 miles (770 km) of range.
When the battery is low, owners can go from a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 12 minutes. After 15 minutes, they can get up to 385 miles (620 km) of range.
The YU7 has a double wishbone front and five-link rear suspension with air springs. The latter provide five levels of adjustment, meaning the crossover can provide up to 8.7 inches (222 mm) of ground clearance. Other highlights include continuous damper control and a high-performance braking system with four-piston Brembo calipers.
Xiaomi also confirmed the crossover will have advanced driver assistance technology. This is made possible by a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a 4D millimeter-wave radar, 11 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars.
Xiaomi claims a criminal gang ran a smear campaign using 10,000 fake accounts.
The gang allegedly used automated software to fabricate content and stir opposition.
After the SU7 Ultra sports sedan, the company will launch the new YU7 SUV this week.
The drama at Xiaomi’s automotive division doesn’t seem to be winding down anytime soon. Just days after the company was forced to apologize to owners of the SU7 who spent $6,000 on an aero hood only to find out the vents were little more than cosmetic, and not long after a software update nearly reduced the Ultra’s 1,526hp to a mere 888hp, Xiaomi now claims it’s uncovered what it calls a smear campaign against the brand.
The news comes just days before Xiaomi is set to reveal the YU7 electric SUV and the Xring 01, its first in-house developed smartphone chipset. In a posting on their social media page, Xiaomi’s legal team posted an update saying they had uncovered a coordinated effort to defame the company across nearly 10,000 social media accounts. Several suspects are now under investigation by Chinese authorities.
As reported by several local media including Car News China, the criminal gang was allegedly active since December 2024. The company claims that the bad actors used automatic copywriting software to fabricate false information about Xiaomi, and manipulated nearly 10,000 social media accounts to maliciously spread rumors and false statements. The group reportedly engaged in tactics such as stirring up online opposition and pitting rival brands against each other, all in an effort to damage Xiaomi’s reputation.
In a statement, Xiaomi described the situation as a new form of online “water army” crime, where a criminal gang uses automated software to generate fake content on a massive scale. “The distribution chain is complex, and the scale of the operation is enormous,” the company said. “This has had a severely negative impact on both the online environment and our corporate reputation.”
Who’s Behind It?
Even though no names were named, any number of rivals could be at play here. Cars are nowadays more tech-defined than ever and are bound to become even more so in the near future, as the chipset and automotive industries become more intertwined. Thus, when a disruptor comes along and threatens to change the status quo, apparently all gloves are off since there are billions of dollars at stake.
In the epic Iliad, Helen of Troy’s beauty sparked a war that would go down in history. Now, nearly three millennia later, Xiaomi has found itself in the strange position of being the brand that launched 10,000 social media accounts, each working to smear it in the months leading up to its first electric crossover. If anything, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and if rival companies are going to such lengths to bring down Xiaomi, it’s clear they fear what’s coming next.
Xiaomi claimed the new hood would improve cooling for the flagship SU7 Ultra.
Independent tests have shown the hood’s air vents are almost entirely cosmetic.
More than 300 owners have banded together and are demanding full refunds.
Owners of the Xiaomi SU7 have been quick to share their enthusiasm for the innovative electric vehicle, but they’ve also been equally eager to voice their concerns when things go south. Recently, this has included a backlash over a software update that drastically reduced the SU7 Ultra’s peak power from a 1,526 horsepower to a more modest 888 hp. Now, the latest source of frustration is the optional carbon fiber hood.
This new carbon fiber hood comes with a hefty price tag of 42,000 yuan, or about $5,800, and takes its design cues from the hood seen on the original SU7 Ultra prototype. It’s equipped with a pair of huge air ducts that Xiaomi claims enhance cooling. However, several Chinese automotive bloggers recently put the hood to the test, only to find it provides virtually no extra air flow, meaning it’s a mostly cosmetic, and not a performance upgrade.
One blogger, as reported by CarNewsChina, conducted a simple test by placing a piece of paper near the vents and positioning a fan at the front of the car. The result? The paper remained perfectly still, proving that the cooling benefits were nonexistent. It’s a bit of an embarrassing reveal for Xiaomi.
The Chinese automaker moved quickly to address the issue. It issued an apology, clarifying that the hood was primarily intended to mimic the design of the one from the SU7 Ultra prototype. Furthermore, Xiaomi admitted that the carbon fiber hood option was never part of the original plan during the development of the production model.
To pacify disgruntled customers, the company announced that those with undelivered orders could switch to the standard aluminum hood. For those who had already received their cars with the carbon fiber hood, Xiaomi promised 20,000 reward points, which translate to a meager 2,000 yuan, or around $275 at current exchange rates.
Understandably, this gesture has done little to satisfy everyone. Reports suggest that up to 300 owners have banded together to demand full vehicle refunds, with many feeling that the promised upgrade was little more than an overpriced piece of carbon fiber with no real benefits to back it up.
While Xiaomi has built a brilliant performance sedan with the SU7 Ultra, it seems its marketing team needs to improve its messaging, as any slip-up or using too much hyperbole may come back to bite it.
Xiaomi has backtracked on a software update that restricted the 1,548 hp SU7 Ultra to 888 hp.
Owners previously had to set a qualifying time on a track to unlock the EV’s true performance.
Xiaomi also scrapped the 60-second wait time for launch control to activate on the Taycan rival.
Have you ever upgraded your phone or computer to the latest operating system and instantly regretted the decision, wishing you could just go back to the earlier version? That’s a scenario familiar to Chinese owners of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra who discovered an update cost them around 650 hp.
The Ultra is the halo car in Xiaomi’s phenomenally successful SU7 lineup, a rival to the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT that costs a quarter as much and has laid waste to the German car at various racetracks thanks to its incredible 1,526 hp (1,548 PS / 1,138 kW) triple-motor drivetrain.
But owners were furious to learn that version 1.7.0 of its software reduced power to around 888 hp (900 PS / 662 kW) unless they could prove they were worthy of the true maximum. To unlock it, drivers had to complete a qualifying lap time on a Xiaomi-approved track that would be logged and verified by the SU7’s onboard Qualifying Mode laptime assessment feature, Car News China reports.
The update also made drivers wait an agonizing 60 seconds before the launch control function was ready to showcase the Ultra’s possible 1.89-second zero to 62 mph (96 km/h) times, ruling the tech out for impromptu stoplight races.
Xiaomi claimed the version 1.7.0 update’s power restrictions were designed with safety in mind, claiming the maximum performance potential was only created with track use in mind and by drivers who could handle all those Watts. But while some owners appreciated the sentiment, many took to online forums to complain that they now owned EVs with far less performance than they’d paid for, and which Xiaomi had advertised.
Following the backlash, Xiaomi pulled a U-turn, scrapping the performance limitations and promising to be more up-front about future software updates.
“We appreciate the passionate feedback from our community and will ensure better transparency moving forward,” Car News China reports a company representative saying.
Do you think Xiaomi was right to demand drivers prove their skills before being allowed the SU7’s full power?
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