Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun reveals the inner workings of the SU7 electric sedan in a massive teardown. Explore the tech and safety features. Read more!
In a bold move toward transparency and quality assurance, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun recently hosted a marathon 3.5-hour livestream dedicated to a complete teardown of the Xiaomi SU7 Pro. Accompanied by renowned automotive safety expert Zhu Xichan, Lei Jun systematically disassembled the electric sedan to showcase the engineering precision and safety standards embedded in the vehicle.
The SU7 Pro, a mid-range variant, features a rear-wheel-drive system, a 96.3 kWh LFP battery, and an advanced air suspension system, retailing at 249,900 yuan (approximately $36,290). This event follows a similar deep-dive Lei Jun performed on the Xiaomi YU7 crossover earlier this year.
Mastering the Exterior: More Than Just a Pretty Paint Job
The teardown began with a look at the vehicle’s “skin.” Xiaomi utilizes a sophisticated 3C2B painting technology, which stands for three layers of paint and two baking processes. To prevent corrosion, the body is treated with galvanized steel, pre-treatment, and electrophoresis.
- The Base: An intermediate layer provides a uniform foundation and increases resistance to stone chips.
- The Color: The primary color layer is baked at 160°C for 20 minutes to ensure maximum durability.
- The Finish: A double-layered transparent topcoat is applied and baked at 140°C, providing a high-gloss finish and superior scratch resistance.
Attention to detail extends to the wheels, which undergo a rigorous 13-hour milling process using 22 different cutting tools. The front bumper is equally high-tech, integrating a new 4D mmWave radar and an adjustable active air filter. For those opting for the top-tier SU7 Max, unique side air intakes are included to keep the braking system cool during high-performance driving.
Cutting-Edge Lighting and Smart Features
Xiaomi has reimagined automotive lighting with a 4-module headlight system featuring copper bases and cylindrical heat sinks for maximum thermal efficiency. The system is further supported by active air cooling, utilizing a dedicated fan and dual 90-degree air ducts.
At the rear, the taillights are a work of art, featuring a three-layer spray-painted finish and laser engraving, housing 360 individual LEDs spaced precisely 10mm apart. Additionally, the side mirrors are equipped with panoramic cameras offering 90.7% coverage, integrated blind-spot warnings, and heated lenses to ensure visibility in all weather conditions.
Interior Innovation and Space Optimization
The SU7 Pro optimizes every inch of its layout. The front trunk (frunk) is electronically operated via voice commands, physical buttons, or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) control, offering a generous 105-liter capacity. By utilizing an inclined radiator design and cast aluminum triangular beams, Xiaomi saved significant space compared to traditional vertical layouts.
Inside the cabin, luxury meets functionality:
- Acoustics: A premium 25-speaker sound system is paired with metal door grilles and sound-absorbing cotton covering over 90% of the door panels for a quiet, studio-like experience.
- Comfort: The driver’s seat is constructed from seven layers of specialized materials and offers 18-way power adjustment.
- Utility: A convenient 18.4-liter storage area is located in the center console.
The “Brain” and the “Bones”: Electronics and Chassis
Xiaomi has streamlined the vehicle’s electronics with a 4-in-1 control module. This unit integrates the cockpit, driver assistance, vehicle control, and communications into a single block, significantly reducing weight. The SU7 is also equipped with electronic fuses for ultra-fast power cut-off in emergencies.
The sensor suite is comprehensive, featuring LiDAR, 4D mmWave radar, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 11 cameras, ensuring the car has a 360-degree understanding of its environment.
Underneath, the SU7 utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and a 5-link rear setup. All versions come standard with 265mm rear tires. The air spring system and continuous damping control (CDC) allow the car to adjust its height and stiffness in real-time. While the standard version uses 4-piston fixed calipers, the SU7 Max upgrades to high-performance Brembo 4-piston calipers with ventilated discs.
Uncompromising Safety Standards
Safety is where Xiaomi leaves nothing to chance. The vehicle’s structure is composed of 90.3% high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, including ultra-rigid 2,200 MPa steel used for the A and C pillars and door beams. The front bumper beam is crafted from high-grade aluminum with a width of 1,490mm.
The SU7 is equipped with nine airbags, including specialized rear side airbags and integrated mesh curtain airbags. The battery pack is encased in a fortress-like frame featuring cross-beams made of 1,500 MPa and 2,000 MPa high-strength steel.
To prove these claims, Lei Jun demonstrated a 50% offset crash test at 60 km/h. The results showed excellent energy absorption in the front crumple zone; while the bumper deformed as intended to absorb impact, the A-pillar remained intact, ensuring the survival cell stayed protected.
Final Verdict
With dimensions of 4,997 x 1,963 x 1,445 mm and a 3,000 mm wheelbase, the Xiaomi SU7 is a commanding presence on the road. Since its domestic launch on March 19, the vehicle has already seen an overwhelming response with 40,000 orders, proving that Xiaomi’s transition from smartphones to smart EVs is a resounding success.