Lei Jun stated that it is impossible for Xiaomi's cars to be sold at 99,000 yuan, and there's no need to talk about 149,000 yuan either. We should still respect technology. What information is being revealed?

Realistically, 19.9 isn’t entirely impossible; it should at least be very close.

But as for the configuration, dual motors and a large battery are definitely out. These two are major cost contributors.

There won’t be air suspension either, but I really hope the reversible instrument panel and that ecosystem expansion can be retained in the lower-end models…

As for things like ambient lighting and inflatable seats, they are optional.

Superfast charging could also be moderately reduced, just don’t cut it drastically.

Don’t get misled by the launch event; those are just the specifications for the top models, likely to be between 35 to 40.

Having 19.9 is enough to make friends, one must still dream…

Summary of Car Launch Event Insights

After watching the entire launch event, it’s clear that Mr. Lei is a true orator. At 55, he still spoke energetically for two hours and forty-five minutes.

Firstly, let’s distill the central idea. The 99,900 price point to “make friends” seems more like a jest.

The 149,900 price for a young person’s first car is truly improbable. Just the 101-degree CATL’s high-density ternary lithium battery and CTC solution alone costs tens of thousands…

Note the details: throughout the presentation, Mr. Lei constantly compared the features of his vehicles to luxury cars like the Porsche Taycan Turbo and the Model S.

In his speech, expensive equates to good quality, a sentiment Mr. Lei expressed no less than ten times.

Whether it’s technology, exterior, interior, or suppliers, everything is top-notch. And with parameters leading in the new energy vehicle industry, plus being a C-class vehicle, it can’t be cheap…

He also used a plethora of superlatives and unique global claims, the implications of which are quite clear…

Two versions have been announced:

Standard Version: Rear-wheel drive, 0-100 km acceleration in 5.28 seconds, 668 km CLTC range (73.6 kWh battery pack), top speed of 210 km/h, maximum horsepower of 299 Ps, and a braking distance of 35.5 meters from 100 km/h.

Uses a single NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chip for smart driving, 8295 cockpit chip. 400V fast charging, 330 km in 15 minutes.

MAX Version: Dual motor all-wheel drive, 0-100 km acceleration in 2.78 seconds, 800 km CLTC range (101 kWh battery pack), top speed of 265 km/h, maximum horsepower of 673 Ps, and a braking distance of 33.3 meters from 100 km/h.

Air suspension + CDC dampers, Brembo four-piston calipers, electric suction doors, LIDAR, dual NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chips for smart driving, 8295 cockpit chip. 800V fast charging, 510 km in 15 minutes.

12-way electrically adjustable sports seats with active lateral support (common in sports and luxury cars).

…………………………

Personally, I estimate the top version will be around 350,000, and the standard version around 250,000. According to Mr. Lei, there might be two to three versions released to avoid overwhelming customers with too many options. There’s a possibility of a more accessible version, perhaps around 219,900, for younger audiences.

But this entry-level version would likely feature 400V, single motor, no LIDAR, single smart driving chip, no electric suction doors, four-way adjustable passenger seat, etc. Interior and sound system might also be inferior, though full smart ecosystem integration is expected to remain. Given the car’s aesthetics, if the actual price exceeds 200,000 with slightly inferior configurations, it might still attract buyers.

In summary, from Mr. Lei’s tone, the base model of this car is unlikely to be priced below 200,000, so it’s best to temper expectations. Unless by next March, when the official price is announced, similar market competitors are priced below 200,000, prompting a possible price adjustment.

Is it 199,900 then? A tribute to Xiaomi 1, right! Plus a full refund 10 years after the initial purchase?

Unable to start at low prices!

Now at such low prices, how can we compete with companies like BYD!

The key is low prices, the little money saved might not even guarantee higher sales!

Let’s stabilize in the 200,000 to 400,000 RMB price range, following the strategy of the new players!

We will consider the future later!

Xiaomi’s Car Pricing Analysis

To be honest, the price tags of 99,000 RMB or 149,000 RMB are quite attention-grabbing, but they are absolutely impossible. If Xiaomi were to sell at these prices, Lei Jun’s 100 billion RMB would quickly disappear.

Let’s calculate the price based on a 101 kWh ternary battery pack. Calculating at 1,500 RMB per kWh, the 101 kWh battery pack would cost around 150,000 RMB. Estimating that the battery pack accounts for 45% of the total vehicle cost, Xiaomi’s car would be priced at around 330,000 RMB or possibly higher.

I know many Xiaomi fans are disappointed and feel that Xiaomi’s price is too high, and it’s abandoning its fan base. But honestly, if you look at the features presented during the launch event, many of them are on par with million-RMB luxury cars and even surpass them in certain aspects. With such a benchmark, expecting a price of 149,000 RMB is indeed unrealistic. Of course, Lei Jun mentioned a standard version at the end, and its price may be slightly lower, estimated to be around 200,000 RMB.

Here are some key specifications:

• 101 kW ternary battery pack, 800 km range.
• Dual motors with 495 kW, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.78 seconds.
• Braking distance of 33.3 meters from 0 to 100 km/h.
• Aerodynamic coefficient of 0.195.
• Manual/automatic adjustable electric spoiler, manual/automatic adjustable air suspension.
• All-around 800V, 220 km range in 5 minutes of charging, 510 km range in 15 minutes.
• Features 2000 MPa high-strength steel, torsional rigidity of 51,000 Nm/deg, and 7 airbags.
• Intelligent cabin with 27 speakers, 5-screen linkage, central touchscreen for light office work.
• Equipped with Xiaomi’s self-developed Penglai OS and intelligent driving features.

Xiaomi’s Strategy: The Importance of Technology and Innovation

I don’t think Xiaomi can afford to make their cars too cheap. The so-called “base version” might offer a lower price as a marketing tactic, but selling it doesn’t hold much significance.

Here are some of my thoughts on this matter:

Why do new electric vehicle startups insist on selling their cars at high prices? Why not focus on the mid-range with better cost-effectiveness?

The primary reason is that they can’t compete with established traditional automakers, especially companies like BYD. These legacy automakers have decades of experience, mature supply chains, and extensive technological resources. Can a newcomer with only a few years in the industry really outperform them in terms of cost-effectiveness? It’s highly unlikely.

Furthermore, what truly sets new EV startups apart isn’t pricing or design; it’s their technology. That’s the most crucial aspect. With substantial investments, what’s their unique selling point? It’s the fresh approach, absence of past baggage, and the ability to tell a compelling story in the capital market as they look towards the future. This vision is crucial.

So, what does the future hold? It’s easy to foresee developments in intelligent and autonomous driving, enhanced comfort, safety, and cost reduction—all of which demand new technologies. This means low-end vehicles aren’t a feasible option because these advanced technologies won’t be applicable there. How would you develop them for such vehicles?

For instance, let’s say in 10 years, autonomous driving has become fully matured. Companies that have been investing in this field for a decade will dominate the market. Their vehicles won’t be considered conventional cars by today’s standards. If you’ve been producing $10,000 vehicles for 10 years, can you catch up with their level of technology? Without the necessary technological reserves, another company might release a $10,000 autonomous vehicle, leaving you as obsolete as Nokia.

Xiaomi, as a beneficiary of the smartphone industry, surely understands this. No company that’s just starting out aims to fold within a decade. So, Xiaomi must invest in technology; otherwise, all its efforts will be in vain. It’s like no one invested a massive amount of money to build a Motorola when the first iPhone hit the market.

It’s as simple as that. Xiaomi needs to embrace technology. To begin with, its vehicles must incorporate its own technology, gather data, accumulate experience, and iterate rapidly. However, developing these new technologies inherently comes with a high cost, which means Xiaomi can only pursue a mid-to-high-end strategy. There’s no other viable option. This is what Lei Jun means when he emphasizes the importance of respecting technology.

Xiaomi’s Car: A Look at Key Features

1003 days ago, Lei Jun announced Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry.

1003 days later, after much anticipation, Xiaomi unveils its first car, the Xiaomi SU7. Here, we’ll discuss some standout features from the launch event.

Let’s dive in without further ado.

1. Xiaomi Super Motors

Xiaomi has invested significantly in developing its motors for cars, aiming to lead in this core technology. They have introduced V6 and V6s motors in the SU7. However, the showstopper is the next-generation V8s Xiaomi Super Motor, set to debut in 2025. This motor surpasses even Tesla Model S motors in performance, thanks to innovations like high-strength silicon steel and a SiC control module with a conversion rate of 99.85%.

2. Xiaomi Car Factory

Efficiency is at the core of Xiaomi’s car factory. They’ve incorporated 9100-ton Xiaomi die-casting machines and developed their own die-casting equipment cluster system. The use of Xiaomi Titan Alloy, a specialized material, adds to the factory’s capabilities. This one-piece die-casting process ensures high-quality, reliable parts with minimal manual intervention.

3. Infotainment System & Interior Expandability

The Xiaomi SU7 boasts a 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio central screen, similar to a large miPad but fixed in the car. The infotainment system, powered by HyperOS, offers smooth operation and user-friendly logic. It’s one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems available.

HyperOS Connect allows seamless interaction between your Xiaomi car and other devices. It’s one-to-many or many-to-many connectivity with an almost invisible connection. Xiaomi’s ecosystem devices can also be effortlessly integrated, making your car an extension of your smart home.

4. Exterior Design

Xiaomi SU7’s renderings may not do justice to the actual vehicle. The real car looks stunning with its sleek design, long hood, low profile, and eye-catching paint colors. The “Xiaomi Titan Alloy” material enhances structural strength, reduces cabin noise, and improves durability. The minimalist yet stylish exterior design is complemented by a luxurious and functional interior.

In summary, Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry brings exciting innovations in motor technology, manufacturing processes, infotainment systems, and design aesthetics. Their commitment to technology and efficiency sets them on a path to be a significant player in the automotive world.

Real Car Photos - First on the Web

• Let’s start with real car images. After attending the launch event, I have selected 20 original beautiful images of the SU7.
• If you don’t want to see the images, you can skip ahead for pricing discussions.
• Please seek authorization before using these images.

Front Exterior

Gulf Blue This is my favorite image.

Elegant Gray Another great image, with a low-slung profile.

Olive Green There were three cars in the exhibition area, and this one is Gulf Blue + Elegant Gray.

Front View / Xiaomi Logo Headlights

Olive Green Front view in Elegant Gray Front view in Gulf Blue Xiaomi logo headlight close-up

Rear Exterior

Olive Green Rear view from afar in Olive Green SU7 Max in Elegant Gray SU7 Standard Edition in Gulf Blue SU7 Max

Detailed Shots

Rearview mirror Active spoiler Tires, Brembo calipers

Interior / Seats

Currently, I can’t go inside for a closer look, but I managed to capture a glimpse of the interior.

Beige interior Beige seats Black interior Red interior

Before Talking About Pricing…

• Firstly, it’s important to understand that SU7 is a series with multiple models.
• Based on the information disclosed earlier, there are at least three models: Standard Edition, Pro, and Max.

Many of the high-end features discussed today, such as the active spoiler, air suspension, 101 kWh large battery with an 800 km long-range, 2.78s 0-100 km/h acceleration, are exclusive to the SU7 Max (some might also be available in the SU7 Pro, but it’s unclear at the moment).

Now, let’s compare the SU7 Standard Edition and Max.

SU7 Standard Edition / Max Configuration Comparison

The information below is derived from official images.

SU7 Size Comparison with Similar Models

This table, created a month ago, shows that SU7’s size is closest to the Model S, making it a standard midsize car. In contrast, competitors like “007” are in the B+ category.

As a midsize car, even the base model SU7 cannot be sold for CNY 9,900 or CNY 14,900, as it’s unrealistic. Lei Jun’s statement makes sense.

Standard Edition - Basic Parameter Comparison with Similar Models

Let’s compare the basic parameters like motor, battery, and performance of the SU7 Standard Edition with similar models. This table is sorted by the similarity in body size.

It’s evident that vehicles with similar motor, performance, and battery capabilities are all priced at CNY 250,000 or above (although other configurations may differ).

Moreover, the SU7 Standard Edition’s basic configurations can compete with competitors' Pro or even Max models, underscoring Xiaomi’s straightforward and modest naming.

Therefore, even for the entry-level SU7 Standard Edition, a price range of CNY 200,000 to CNY 250,000 is more realistic.

Max - Basic Parameter Comparison with Similar Models

Many vehicles with similar motor, performance, and battery capabilities are priced at CNY 500,000 or even in the million-dollar range (Model S being the most representative at CNY 699,000).

This table is sorted by the similarity in body size. “007” is placed on the far right because it’s one size smaller than SU7, belonging to the B+ category. Yet, it’s priced at CNY 299,000 and lags behind SU7 Max in terms of power, top speed, acceleration, and range.

Hence, setting SU7 Max’s price at CNY 300,000+ is quite certain. If it’s priced around CNY 350,000, it would still be considered a good deal.

Conclusion

After reading my analysis, I believe any reasonable person wouldn’t expect SU7 to be priced at CNY 9,900 or CNY 14,900, whether it’s the Standard Edition or Max.

Lei Jun’s statement is entirely reasonable. Xiaomi aims to provide value for money, not engage in charity.

• For the SU7 Standard Edition, you can expect a price range of CNY 200,000 to CNY 250,000.
• For the SU7 Max, a price range of CNY 320,000 to CNY 350,000 would be reasonable.

Like all of you, I’m eagerly awaiting the official pricing announcement.

Electric Vehicle Battery Costs and Pricing Estimates

Lei Jun mentioned that the “battery pack… accounts for 40%-50% of the total vehicle cost.” In general, for electric vehicles, a battery pack accounting for around 40% of the total cost is considered normal.

Xiaomi’s electric cars come with two battery options: 73.6 kWh and 101 kWh.

• The 73.6 kWh battery uses phosphate iron lithium cells provided by CATL, operating at 400V voltage platform, with a range of 628 km and 668 km, respectively.
• The 101 kWh battery, supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL), uses ternary lithium cells and operates on an 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform (871V), with range options of 750 km and 800 km, respectively.

Considering Xiaomi’s supply chain integration capabilities, procurement prices could be negotiated to be among the top-tier.

Given that the base model only has a 400V voltage platform, and the extent of cost-cutting elsewhere is unknown, it’s challenging to estimate the price. Therefore, we’ll focus on the top-end version, which features the ternary lithium battery. The procurement cost is approximately ¥950 per kWh, translating to a cost of around ¥9.6 million for the 101 kWh battery. The overall vehicle cost could be kept within ¥240,000. Calculating with a 15% gross margin on the entire vehicle, a price of ¥279,000 for the top-end version is plausible. However, an actual price of ¥299,000 is also reasonable, and ¥259,000 would be considered quite friendly.

Comparing with a nearby competitor, the “Jike 007,” priced between ¥259,000 and ¥299,000, falls within a reasonable pricing range for Xiaomi’s 101 kWh version.

Of course, it’s still early, and in the months leading up to Xiaomi’s release, if any other carmakers roll out aggressive pricing strategies, Xiaomi might reluctantly make further adjustments. While Lei Jun may not say it aloud, he might be silently thinking, “If only it were half a year earlier, just half a year, it would be so much more secure!”

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Well, I can’t resist calculating the 73.6 kWh phosphate iron lithium battery version. The procurement cost is approximately ¥850 per kWh, translating to a cost of around ¥625,600 for the battery pack. The overall vehicle BOM cost could be around ¥156,000, with a gross margin of approximately 15%. Therefore, ¥179,000 is feasible, and ¥199,000 would also be reasonable. However, this would result in a substantial price difference between the two versions.

New Energy Vehicles: A Shift in Pricing Strategies

In the era of new energy vehicles, domestic automakers are fiercely competing, and their price points are far from modest. Over the past two years, cars launched in China have started at around 300,000 CNY (Chinese Yuan), and some even go beyond 600,000 CNY.

In contrast, traditional foreign automotive giants have been aggressively lowering their product prices. Entry-level models from Mercedes-Benz and Audi can now be found for as low as tens of thousands of CNY. This trend has led to a humorous saying circulating among consumers: “If you don’t work harder, you’ll soon only be able to afford a BBA car,” referring to BMW, Benz, and Audi.

This transformation in the automotive industry can be traced back to Tesla’s impact. Tesla initially introduced cars priced at several hundred thousand CNY, but later launched models in the range of two to three hundred thousand CNY, effectively disrupting the market.

I have a high school classmate who bought a Tesla around 2016 or 2017. He used to flood his social media with Tesla-related content, even expressing his amazement each time he charged his car. However, when Tesla reduced its prices to around 300,000 CNY, he limited his posts to only being visible every three days.

Of course, in any industry, moving downmarket is easier than breaking through to higher price points.

During the era of traditional combustion engine vehicles, it was challenging for Chinese brands to offer cars priced above 200,000 CNY, except for a few special models. With the help of government policies, technological advancements, resource allocation, and market cultivation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Chinese brands gained an advantage, and naturally, they aimed to enter the market from the top.

The problem is that back then, Tesla was also a pioneer, starting from scratch, while most other entrants were, to some extent, working for others.

Apart from Tesla’s relentless downmarket strategy, there is also BYD, a kingpin with a full product lineup, and the hidden giant, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) – that’s the reality. Other automakers don’t have their own battery solutions; they rely on CATL’s batteries. Making cars priced below 200,000 CNY means risking losses while working for CATL. BYD, priced below 200,000 CNY, is truly a formidable presence; they handle nearly everything themselves, and their cost control capabilities after vertical integration are incredibly strong.

Considering brand positioning, the initial prices of flagship products also set the tone for the brand. Xiaomi, known for offering great value for money in the smartphone industry, seems to be adopting a different strategy in the automotive sector. If they followed the same approach, competing with BYD could prove difficult for Xiaomi, even with its substantial resources.

So, in terms of brand positioning, Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, is directly benchmarking against Porsche and Tesla. He aims to align his brand’s positioning with Porsche and Musk’s Tesla, and then focuses on stacking various technical specifications, aiming to establish a strong presence in the minds of global consumers right from the start.

Rebus has become Resk, it seems that Mr. Lei did not stay up all night to entertain the executives and couldn’t make friends.

The Xiaomi Car SU7 has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.78 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h.

The CLTC has a range of 800 km, with a 800V super fast charge that achieves 5 minutes of charging for 220 km of range, and 15 minutes of charging for 510 km of range.

Price: Not disclosed, Mr. Lei says it’s a bit expensive!

Clarifying the Speculations about SU7’s Price

It’s not at all realistic for the SU7, which is being compared to Porsche and Tesla, to sell for just tens of thousands like some other cars. Should it be priced similarly to the Wanjie M9, which goes for over 400,000 CNY? Even Lei Jun mentioned that the normal price should be above 400,000 CNY!

Of course, even if Xiaomi’s pricing is high, it won’t be as expensive as the Wanjie M9, and Xiaomi hasn’t claimed to surpass Porsche or Tesla; they are simply aiming to provide a comparable driving and smart experience.

Xiaomi aims to create a dream car for everyone, emphasizing a higher level of technology and ecological advancement compared to other vehicles.

The recent rumor of a 149,990 CNY price tag has put Xiaomi in a difficult position. People tend to fixate on such rumors, making it hard for Xiaomi to retreat from this price point.

It’s unclear if this information was fabricated by internet users or intentionally leaked by Xiaomi itself, but public expectations for the price of Xiaomi’s first car are not high.

Lei Jun and Xiaomi have been emphasizing that the higher price is justified.

Proving That Xiaomi’s Car Won’t Cost Just Tens of Thousands

If Xiaomi wants to deliver the perfect ecological and tech experience as Lei Jun has mentioned and compete with Porsche and Tesla, the price won’t be lower than a regular Tesla. It’s estimated that to include all the features, it might cost over 300,000 CNY.

Appearance vs. Price

With an exterior design that suggests a higher price, it’s clear that the features and technology will need to match. Otherwise, it would be like the old days of Zotye!

With the price rumors spreading, many uninformed individuals assume that Xiaomi’s car will indeed be priced this low, making it challenging for Xiaomi to exceed these expectations. Hopefully, as Lei Jun mentioned, the driving experience of the Xiaomi SU7 will far surpass what people anticipate.

I believe Lei Jun isn’t misleading us. According to the current information, the Xiaomi SU7 is not a budget car, and it should be quite good. As for the actual performance of Xiaomi’s car, we’ll have to wait and see!

No specific information here, just that Kirin battery, costs over 100,000, and let’s not mention the rest, 14.9, you can just sit directly on the battery.

Pricing and Positioning of Xiaomi’s SU7 Electric Car

The launch event didn’t disclose the price, but based on the product positioning, performance configuration, and technological content, the price range for different variants of this car is likely to be between 200,000 and 300,000 RMB.

To elaborate, Lei Jun and Xiaomi are positioning the SU7 as a “Dream Car” rather than a mass-market vehicle.

If it were a mass-market vehicle, it would indeed have the potential for high sales, as 45% of domestic car sales in China fall within the 100,000 to 200,000 RMB price range. In the 200,000 to 300,000 RMB price range, sales account for only about 15% of the market.

However, in the mass-market 100,000 to 200,000 RMB range, it would be impossible to offer the features found in Xiaomi’s SU7, including the 800V platform, advanced electrification technology, intelligent cockpit, intelligent driving capabilities (high computing power and LiDAR), air suspension, and CDC, among others.

After watching Xiaomi’s automotive technology presentation, Lei Jun has gained even more respect.

Xiaomi’s Pricing Strategy for its First Car

Whether Xiaomi can sell cars for 99,000 RMB and 149,000 RMB, let’s not even consider the hard costs of the battery, which are already in the hundreds of thousands. Looking at it from a branding perspective, Xiaomi’s first car model is unlikely to be priced so low.

Just like Xiaomi smartphones, Xiaomi cars are expected to follow a strategy of starting with lower-end models and gradually moving upmarket. It’s challenging to shed the image of being a low-cost brand once it’s established.

The best strategy is to start from the mid to high-end market and gradually establish a foothold. Brand value is built this way.

Otherwise, like BYD, struggling to break free from the perception of being a low-cost brand and aggressively targeting the high-end market can lead to repeated ridicule.

Once brand value is established, it’s difficult to change consumer perceptions quickly. Making consumers believe that buying such a car is worth it in a short time is a tough task.

Xiaomi has experienced setbacks in the smartphone market and is unlikely to repeat them in the car industry.

The actual selling price of Xiaomi’s first car model is likely to start around 200,000 RMB, with the top configuration priced around 310,000 RMB, which is reasonable.

Xiaomi SU7’s price is unlikely to be in the range of making friends; in the future, Xiaomi may introduce extended-range electric vehicle models priced below 200,000 RMB.

If Xiaomi’s first car model becomes a hit, they may expand their lineup from low-end to high-end models (pure electric and hybrid), and we may see Xiaomi cars priced at 99,000 RMB and 149,000 RMB in the future.

For a nearly 5-meter long C-segment car, with support for an 800V high-voltage platform, SiC motors, intelligent driving, and high-voltage fast charging technology, it’s implausible to expect it to be priced at 99,000 RMB or 149,000 RMB.

Following Lei Jun’s strategy of delivering value for money, a future A-segment car paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries priced around 90,000 RMB might be possible.

However, Xiaomi’s first car model is unlikely to follow this path, and it wouldn’t be conducive to Xiaomi’s brand value in the automotive industry.

Xiaomi’s SU7: Setting a New Standard in Electric Vehicles

After watching the launch event, it’s clear that Xiaomi’s SU7 has achieved something extraordinary in the automotive industry.

In just 1,000 days, Xiaomi has successfully created its first car, and the SU7 showcases top-tier capabilities among existing electric vehicles in the market.

• Super Motor with 21,000 RPM, 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds
• 800V High-Voltage Battery Pack with an 800 km range
• Fully self-developed 9100T high-pressure die-casting technology
• Intelligent cockpit, autonomous driving with 1 LiDAR, 11 high-definition cameras, 3 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
• Powered by Penglai OS

These features, if placed in the lineup of any other manufacturer, would surpass many of their current models.

I believe the talk of prices like 9,900 or 14,900 RMB is simply a joke. After all, just the 800V battery pack alone costs over a hundred thousand RMB.

I think the pricing should start at around 200,000 RMB and go up from there. It’s highly unlikely to be lower than that.

We can only hope for continuous advancements in the domestic industry chain to make electric vehicles more affordable.

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Finally, here’s a glimpse of the interior - clean, sleek, and stylish.

Xiaomi’s New Car Pricing Strategy and Competitive Landscape

The pricing of this car is clearly aimed at competing with the new car released by that “friendship-breaking” company. If you observe Lei Jun’s interest in that company, it’s evident that Xiaomi intends to counter it on all fronts.

As for its competitor, with a motor power of 292 horsepower and a speed of 22,000 RPM, Xiaomi’s V6 boasts 299 horsepower and a speed of 21,000 RPM. Essentially, they are closely matched products, and the overall cost of the powertrain system is likely to be quite similar. The differences in the cabin will be even smaller.

Therefore, Xiaomi’s new car pricing strategy is probably to position it just slightly cheaper, around 1,000 RMB less than its competitor, in the price range of 250,000 to 300,000 RMB. Don’t expect any significant price fluctuations.

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Currently, domestic car manufacturers in China are clearly entering a phase of all-out competition. It’s evident that they don’t want joint ventures and foreign brands to survive beyond 2024. In this context, prices are bound to drop significantly. In such a highly competitive environment, you can’t expect overly aggressive pricing strategies. The room for further price reductions is already limited. If this continues, even foreign car manufacturers might struggle to hold successful launch events.

In summary, 2024 will be a pivotal year for the transition from traditional combustion engine cars to new energy vehicles, especially for domestic brands in the new energy vehicle market. The automotive industry is poised for an exciting transformation.

I absolutely respect technology.

But please, Lei Buqun, also respect our shrinking wallets.

Mutual respect breeds prosperity.

Xiaomi’s Cutting-Edge Autonomous Driving Technology Insights

Xiaomi’s founder, Lei Jun, is truly remarkable, and I’d like to call him the pioneer of automotive autonomous driving technology education. While other companies boast about features like “picture-less landing” and “commuting NOA” at their car launches, Lei Jun earnestly delves into autonomous driving education.

1. The Significance of GOD Network and Resolution Lei Jun even reveals that the common grid resolution is usually between 0.2m to 0.3m, while Xiaomi’s grid resolution is 0.1m, providing higher precision. He goes on to create dedicated rendering videos to explain this, which is quite impressive.

   Grid resolution is indeed a crucial parameter in network design.

2. Challenges with Perception Algorithms Equipped with Lidar Lei Jun acknowledges that perception algorithms with lidar still face issues like rain, fog, and water splashes, making the idea of “one-click noise reduction” a bit of a joke. He emphasizes that noise reduction algorithms must be active throughout, as they have to handle scenarios like trailing vehicle exhaust and water spraying vehicles. Laser noise reduction is just the basic technology, but the attention to detail is noteworthy.

   Laser noise reduction is a fundamental technique, but attention to detail matters.

3. End-to-End Parking Solution Following in Tesla’s footsteps, Xiaomi’s end-to-end parking solution is quite advanced, although it seems to be in the demo stage and not yet in mass production. Lei Jun even explains the principles behind end-to-end technology.

   End-to-end and embodied intelligence are the next generation’s development direction, whether they are realized or not, they are forward-looking.

   After explaining, he even kindly asks if everyone understood and if they need him to repeat. This shows his genuine desire for the audience to comprehend, in contrast to those who just start by misleading the audience. He’s very considerate!

4. Proactive Safety Xiaomi takes the lead in emphasizing the reduction of AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) false activation rates. Lei Jun understands that achieving sensitivity in proactive safety is relatively easy, but balancing the right trigger probability and false activation probability is challenging. Many companies focus solely on how fast their cars can stop, which may not be very meaningful. Balancing the trigger rate and false activation rate is the key.

   However, focusing solely on a low false activation rate is also not the right approach. The system must function correctly.

   Finally, Lei Jun sets a goal for his autonomous driving team to “enter the first echelon of the autonomous driving industry by 2024.” However, what Lei Jun truly hopes for is more time, indicating that the company’s leadership has a clear understanding of their team’s capabilities.

   The concept of this “first echelon” is somewhat vague, but at least Lei Jun believes that his team has not yet reached it.

Looking at Xiaomi’s technology demonstrations and releases, it’s clear that they are a company with unique creative ideas and forward-thinking in self-driving technology, but they are still navigating the challenges of mass production experience as a latecomer. Their strength should not be underestimated, and there’s optimism for their future!

Welcome, Xiaomi!

Xiaomi’s Domestic Competitors Revealed: Extreme Kr007

Battery

• Rear-wheel drive version (75kWh lithium iron phosphate battery) starts at 209,900 RMB.
• Rear-wheel drive intelligent driving version (75kWh lithium iron phosphate battery) starts at 229,900 RMB.
• Four-wheel drive version (75kWh lithium iron phosphate battery) starts at 229,900 RMB.
• Four-wheel drive intelligent driving version (75kWh lithium iron phosphate battery) starts at 259,900 RMB.
• Four-wheel drive performance version (100kWh ternary lithium battery) starts at 299,900 RMB.
• Also equipped with a 100kWh ternary lithium battery, which accounts for 40% of the car’s price, adding 120,000 RMB.

So, it’s “impossible to sell for 99,000 RMB."

Acceleration Performance

The Extreme Kr007 is built on an 800V architecture and is equipped with the same silicon carbide rear motor as the Extreme Kr001FR. In the four-wheel drive dual-motor models, the maximum power of the front and rear motors is 165kW and 310kW, respectively, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.84 seconds (the world’s fastest acceleration for a midsize sedan, holding the record for only a few days?).

(Xiaomi SU7, on the other hand, is based on an 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, with a dual-motor configuration capable of unleashing 673 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 2.78 seconds, 0-200km/h in 10.67 seconds, completing a 400m lap in 11.13 seconds, reaching a top speed of 265km/h, and braking from 0 to 100 km/h in 33.3 meters.)

Chassis

The Extreme Kr007 features a chassis system with a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension structure, equipped with air suspension, active damping, electronic stability system, and more.

(Xiaomi’s car suspension uses a front double-wishbone and rear five-link structure, with apparent air suspension from the images.)

Looking at this, there’s no need to talk about Xiaomi’s car for “149,000 RMB” anymore!

Lei Buqun Unveils a Big Move, Offering Discounts on Extreme Kr007: 168,000 to 239,800 RMB