Has the True “Chinese Porsche” Arrived? Xiaomi Releases SU7 Ultra
On October 29, 2024, Xiaomi unveiled the production version of its SU7 Ultra, setting a pre-sale price of 814,900 RMB. Reservations began at 10:30 PM that night, and 3,680 units were booked within the first 10 minutes. As the high-performance version of the Xiaomi SU7, the production model of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has undergone comprehensive upgrades in exterior design, interior features, and powertrain, showcasing robust performance and track capabilities. Can it become China’s very own Porsche?
1. Challenging Porsche
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra aims to match Tesla Model S Plaid’s price point while challenging the performance of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Like the Mustang or Camaro, it’s a supercar that provides a thrilling driving experience for young enthusiasts at an accessible price.
On October 28, 2024, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype achieved an official lap time of 6 minutes 46.874 seconds at the Nürburgring, marking it as the fastest four-door car on record for the track.
Before the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (Weissach package) held the record for a production electric four-door sedan with a lap time of 7 minutes 7.55 seconds, set in March 2024.
2. Performance
The SU7 Ultra is powered by two V8s motors and one V6s motor. The V8s motor generates a maximum power of 578 hp and 635 Nm of torque, while the V6s motor delivers 392 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This gives the system a combined output of 1,548 hp, enabling 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 1.98 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h. It’s equipped with a CATL Kirin II track-specific high-power battery pack, supporting a maximum charging rate of 5.2C and a peak voltage of 897 volts.
The Kirin II battery offers a maximum discharge power of 1,330 kW, peak voltage of 897 V, and power density of up to 3,075 W/kg. The 5.2C fast-charging rate allows for a 10%-80% charge in just 11 minutes, combining high performance with extended range.
The production version of the SU7 Ultra also features closed dual-chamber air springs, allowing independent adjustment of stiffness and height. Additionally, it offers an optional Bilstein EVO T1 coilover suspension to further enhance handling.
3. Exterior
Compared to the standard model, the SU7 Ultra adds sportier body styling. The show model sports a yellow body with a silver accent running from the hood to the rear trunk, creating a dynamic visual flow. The front bumper has large, color-matched air intakes and a diamond-mesh central grille, with the front emblem and headlights blacked out for a sleeker look.
Extensive carbon fiber is used throughout, with 17 areas covering a total of 3.74 square meters—90% of which is made using hot-press molding. This not only reduces weight but also enhances the car’s aerodynamics, appealing to consumers focused on aesthetics and tech. Unique elements like the carbon fiber roof and large spoiler give the SU7 Ultra a strong visual presence.
4. Interior
The interior layout of the SU7 Ultra production model continues the standard model’s design with a floating central control screen but incorporates more carbon fiber detailing and a black-and-yellow color scheme. It includes a carbon fiber sport steering wheel with a yellow center marker, and carbon fiber is used for the center console, seat backs, rear air vent trims, door sills, and door panels, creating a sport-focused atmosphere.
The front seats are dual-tone black and yellow, paired with yellow seatbelts. Made of leather and Alcantara, the front seats are marked with the “Ultra” logo. The rear seats have a 4/6 split-folding option for extra storage. Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a power tailgate. The trunk has mesh pockets and hooks for convenient storage.
5. Industry Outlook
The SU7 Ultra’s powerful performance has earned widespread praise from car enthusiasts and experts alike, who see it as a testament to the exceptional performance achievements of electric vehicles today, positioning Chinese brands as serious contenders in high-performance automotive markets.
In fact, China’s journey toward producing supercars has been building over time, with early efforts seen in models like the NIO EP9, Qiantu K50, and Arcfox GT.
As the entire supply chain matures, conditions are increasingly favorable for the emergence of models like Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra. Given the physical advantages of electric vehicles for performance, the rise of unique supercars in the electric market is more a result of a maturing Chinese EV (electric vehicle) market, rather than simply crossing a technological barrier.
This rise reflects both a desire to claim the supercar crown and a response to the growing demand for diverse models amid a relatively limited product supply.
According to Beztes Consulting, the global supercar market is projected to reach a valuation of 137.49 billion RMB by 2028. As the Chinese EV market influences the global supercar industry, Chinese brands will undoubtedly play a prominent role. Looking further ahead, EV supercars are not just single products but represent the technological prowess of an entire brand and industry.
