Xiaomi, the newcomer in the electric vehicle market, has announced that its flagship SU7 Ultra Prototype sports sedan will enter production. However, to get behind the wheel of what could potentially be the fastest four-door car in the world, buyers will need to first pass a driver exam set by the company.
For those who may not know, Xiaomi Corporation is a consumer electronics firm based in Beijing. While it is recognized as the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturer, trailing behind Samsung, Xiaomi also produces a range of products, including software, appliances, and electric vehicles. With its new SU7, it aims to make a significant impact in the automotive sector.
Competing with the aesthetics of Porsche and the range of Tesla, the sports sedan debuted in China earlier this year. It is available in three variants: SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max. The base version features a single-motor setup delivering 295 horsepower and a range of 343 miles, while the dual-motor SU7 Max offers an impressive 663 hp and 503 miles of range. However, the newly announced SU7 Ultra Prototype is designed for the track, boasting 1,527 hp and a remarkable 0-60 mph time of under two seconds.
According to its specifications, the SU7 Ultra Prototype outperforms a Bugatti Chiron in power while being lighter than both the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the Tesla Model S Plaid—currently holding the records for the fastest electric vehicle lap times at the Nürburgring. Porsche reclaimed the title from Tesla earlier this year, and Xiaomi is determined to seize that crown.
Although pricing details have not yet been revealed, orders are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, as reported by Carscoops, prospective buyers must pass a vehicle-specific test, although specifics of the exam have not been disclosed. Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, simply described it as a “step-by-step exam to unleash the car.”
This approach seems like a wise strategy. Many high-powered vehicles—sports, super, or hypercars—have often faced accidents due to the combination of high ego and inexperienced drivers. Given that any car with over 500 hp should ideally come with a driving school prerequisite, this policy is sensible, especially as vehicles with high power increasingly fall below the six-figure price point.
For instance, the 500-hp Ford Mustang Dark Horse starts at $60,635, while the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which offers similar performance, is priced at $54,990. In comparison, the Xiaomi SU7 Max begins at 299,900 Chinese yuan (approximately $42,000). Even if the tri-motor SU7 Ultra Prototype is priced at twice that amount, it would still represent a compelling deal.
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