Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi has quietly brought its new electric car, the SU7, to India, hinting at a possible future launch. The car will be displayed in Bengaluru, but the company says it has no plans for an immediate launch. This exhibition might be a way to gauge interest in the Indian market or celebrate Xiaomi’s 10 years of business in the country.
The SU7, or Speed Ultra, is a major project for Xiaomi, with a USD 10 billion global investment in the automotive sector. The car has been well received in China since deliveries began in March. The base model costs under USD 30,000 (around INR 25 lakh), which is about USD 4,000 (INR 3.3 lakh) cheaper than the base model of Tesla’s Model 3 in China.
Xiaomi seeks to represent its brand strength and wide range of products, beyond smartphones. The company will also display household appliances in Bengaluru. There are three versions of the SU7, one which draws power from a 73.6 kwh battery pack, generating a range of 700 km on a single charge and the other one is a base version, named SU7 Pro, sourcing power from a 94.3 kwh battery, delivering a total range of 830 km on a single charge.
The last trim names SU7 Max, which is the longest range version, being powered by a 101 kwh battery pack, offering a range figure of 800 km on a single charge. This avails the consumers with options in range and performance, based on trims they choose.
A source said the company will also showcase household appliances and announce new product categories. This is part of Xiaomi’s strategy to expand its product range and strengthen its market presence. A company spokesperson said they are focused on their main products in India but are always looking for market opportunities.
As Xiaomi celebrates its tenth anniversary in India, the company appears enthusiastic about promoting their electric sports car. However, any decision to launch the Xiaomi SU7 in India will depend on future market evaluations. Once launched, the SU7 will rival the likes of Lotus Eletre, sharing a similar price tag in Indian auto market.
