Xiaomi's first car, the SU7, is equipped with advanced core components and technology. What are the key points worth noting?

Xiaomi SU7 Design Review

Thanks for the invitation.

After watching the entire launch event, I am genuinely happy for the Xiaomi design team. It’s not just because the core team is composed of old friends and familiar faces, but also because, as a designer myself, I can deeply empathize with the excitement of years-long dedication finally coming to fruition.

Regarding the design of the Xiaomi SU7, Xiaomi officially invited a leading figure from the previous generation of car design, the creator of the most classic BMW design language (representative work first generation Z4), Chris Bangle, to participate in the review and provide feedback.

Chris Bangle described the Xiaomi SU7 as a “very balanced car” and “not over-designed.”

In the launch video, Xiaomi’s Chief Designer and former Chief Exterior Designer of BMW iX, my old friend Tianyuan Li, also mentioned, “We aim to create designs that stand the test of time.”

How to achieve “standing the test of time”? This requires identifying timeless elements. Xiaomi’s design team found two key aspects: the Law of Nature and Human Intuition.

Cars are moving objects, whether they are fueled by gasoline or electricity, mechanical or smart. Hence, a car’s shape must adhere to the natural laws of fluid mechanics (or aerodynamics).

Why do many people say the appearance of the Xiaomi SU7 resembles both Porsche and Aston Martin? One reason is that fast cars strive to have low air resistance and enough downforce at high speeds, and according to natural laws, the shape that meets these needs converges.

We notice several distinct features in the exterior design of the Xiaomi SU7:

1. Smooth body curves.
2. Aggressively low front.
3. Beautiful fastback lines.
4. Small rear lift.
5. Wide shoulders.

All these are related to fluid mechanics:

1. Smooth body curves for a streamlined airflow, reducing turbulence.
2. Aggressively low front, making the front more of an “arrowhead” for easier air penetration.
3. Beautiful fastback lines also reduce turbulence.
4. Small rear lift for downforce at high speeds.
5. Wide shoulders for a more “teardrop” cockpit, reducing turbulence.

Serious design is logical.

In nature, examples that comply with fluid mechanics include falling water droplets, the fastest birds and fish, and smooth river stones. You often see these shapes mirrored in supercars.

Although the Xiaomi SU7 is a sedan, its exterior design is clearly geared towards extreme performance. The actual air resistance of this car has reached a Cd value of 0.195, currently the lowest drag coefficient in global mass-produced sedans.

The scientific part is only one aspect. Design is said to be at the crossroads of science and humanities. The human aspect is another key to Xiaomi’s automotive design language: Human Intuition.

Human aesthetic standards are a complex topic, but they follow certain patterns, such as natural entities that highly conform to fluid mechanics, which we often consider beautiful, whether it’s a falcon diving in the sky, a marlin rushing through the ocean, or a cheetah sprinting across the savannah.

Our intuition tells us these forms signify “high performance.” Humans have a clear aesthetic preference for “high performance.”

Our aesthetic judgment of cars is largely influenced by this “human intuition.”

Humans also have other intuitions, like preferring “natural interactions.”

The most “natural” way to open a window is to push it open, not operate it through a smartphone app.

So, even though the SU7 is highly intelligent and has interactive interfaces like large screens and HUDs, its interior design stubbornly retains some physical buttons, such as for temperature and airflow adjustments.

In an era when more cars are moving all adjustments to the screen with increasingly complex interfaces, when you’re driving and scrambling to adjust the temperature, you’ll greatly appreciate such design.

This is a design that stems from “human intuition.”

Cars are used by people, whether they are fueled by gas or electricity, mechanical or smart.

“Because ‘natural laws’ and ‘human intuition’ are constants over millions of years, cars designed according to these principles may not always look trendy, but they are certainly classic.”

This might be what Chris Bangle meant by “not over-designed.”

In this sense, the design approach of the Xiaomi SU7 feels more akin to what Mercedes or BMW might adopt for their electric models. The design strength of these old European luxury car brands lies in their understanding of “classic.”

This may be related to the fact that many of Xiaomi’s design backbone come from Mercedes and BMW’s European design centers. The team’s overall design philosophy is not about being aggressively loud but about a thoughtful attitude.

“Maintaining the norm” is essential for “creating the extraordinary.” I look forward to Xiaomi’s second car product.

Xiaomi SU7: Design Aesthetics for the Young and Sporty

Xiaomi’s 2 PM launch event yesterday was during working hours for most people, but this car has garnered much attention. I believe many, like me, didn’t want to miss out on Lei Jun’s last entrepreneurial endeavor while working.

I watched the SU7 live intermittently and finished my work. I took a brief rest at the hotel and then decided to walk the streets of Harbin. I walked to Central Street, to the Saint Sophia Cathedral. The cathedral is beautiful, but the adjacent malls and billboards clash with it. Stepping from the bustling Central Street to the quieter alleys nearby, lesser-known but more harmonious historical buildings are revealed.

In appreciating architecture, it’s not just about the beauty of the buildings themselves but also the harmony of the surrounding environment. A glaring Manhattan red billboard right next to the cathedral seems rather inappropriate.

Just as architectural aesthetics require harmony, so does automotive design, as cars are like moving architecture. The Saint Sophia Cathedral needs its solemnity, and similarly, cars for the young should be sporty and smooth.

The Xiaomi SU7 is such a car, aimed at the younger demographic. Middle-aged individuals might prefer high-end SUVs with hefty price tags, but Xiaomi’s target customers are mostly in their 20s and 30s. And almost without exception, cars aimed at the younger market need to have a sporty style. Therefore, two keywords for Xiaomi SU7 are: Youthful and Sporty.

Let’s talk about sportiness in terms of proportion. There are many things with standard answers, such as the ideal nine-head ratio for beauties.

For instance, dynamic, classic car proportions give a familiar feel.

Ensuring these proportions is a challenge, requiring extensive engineering collaboration and compromise. The most eye-catching feature of the Xiaomi SU7 is the smooth line from the B-pillar to the slightly upturned tail, which gives a very fluid look. This upturned tail, also famously known as the Bangle Butt, was first seen on a luxury car by car design master Chris Bangle, creating the myth of the fourth-generation BMW 7 Series and establishing the flagship status of sporty BMWs. This slightly upturned tail has since become popular, especially in sports cars. And legendary designer Chris Bangle is the chief design consultant for Xiaomi SU7.

Looking at the front of the car, the classic front-engine, rear-drive side proportions, the long wheelbase, very low hood, and radial-style rims all emphasize the size of the wheels and the lightness of the front cabin.

The thinness of the front cabin enhances the sense of sportiness and the visual impression of large tires, hinting at high-performance suspension. Generally, double wishbone suspension allows for a lower shock tower top, achieving a thinner front hood. The vents at the door are a necessary function for high-performance cars to channel airflow from around the wheel arches. With a top speed of 265 km/h and high-performance calipers, the Xiaomi SU7 is no slouch in performance.

Another detail is that the SU7’s front calipers are rear-mounted, while Taycan’s are front-mounted, with the ideal engineering being steering front-mounted, braking rear-mounted, and the brake caliper ideally positioned at 3 o’clock.

Classic sports cars, like the Ferrari 296 and Porsche 911, all follow this principle.

The wheel-to-height ratio, with high-spec MAX wheels having an outer diameter of 720mm and a height of 1440mm, just achieves a ratio of 0.5. This data surpasses the BRZ, which only has 625/1310=0.47. Cars with a high wheel-to-height ratio have a predatory, cat-like poised to pounce look, bursting with potential energy.

Achieving a height of 1440mm is particularly commendable for an electric car. Keeping the height low and the battery and floor thickness at 12 cm, with black side skirts to conceal this thickness, makes the vehicle appear sleek and light.

The electric spoiler Lei Jun enthusiastically presented is, honestly, a design to please the younger crowd. As a middle-aged individual, I find it somewhat superfluous, preferring the subtle upward curve of the tail for a seamless flow. Thus, in terms of proportion, the SU7 is an absolute beauty. It reflects sportiness, lightness, and potential energy.

How is youthfulness expressed? This is where the front face comes into play.

The lights are not overly complex in shape, lacking indentations or obvious folds, and are relatively large. Generally, higher-end cars have complex and elongated lights. However, the SU7 does not adopt the style of high-end car lights but opts for a more typical compact or mid-size car style. We often talk about “big cute eyes,” and indeed, the lights contribute significantly to the youthful look of the car.

Younger individuals tend to have larger eyes in proportion to their faces. Hence, some cartoons simplify children to just a pair of large, round eyes, omitting other features. The SU7’s headlights give a youthful, cute impression.

However, cuteness is hard to align with the fierceness of a sports car. Here’s where the daytime running lights of the SU7 come into play. A bright white line, like the spark in the eyes of an energetic youth, conveys vigor and determination. Without these distinctive daytime running lights, the car might look young but would lack that spirited edge. Observe the bright and deep look of ambitious young individuals; that’s the vibe of the SU7.

The air intake below and the small intakes on the sides could technically be combined into one, eliminating complexity. However, the SU7’s design is a nod to traditional performance fuel cars, which often have multiple radiators with varying airflow needs. The three intakes of the SU7 suggest individual oil coolers and transmission fluid coolers, a strong performance hint understood by those familiar with high-performance cars.

The tail lights continue the approachable theme, fitting well with the curvature of the fenders and trunk lid. The two prominent diffusers below are reminiscent of GT3 race cars.

If there’s an opportunity to discuss the real car in the future, I’ll have more to say after seeing it in person.

But if I were in the position of the SU7’s designers now, I think the biggest challenge would be: How to make people accept its design at first glance.

I believe Xiaomi has delivered a classic, timeless answer. Classic proportions are never wrong, combined with engineering efforts to meet each substantial challenge in overall layout. The overall design of the SU7 clearly conveys a sense of vitality and anticipation for the younger generation.

Xiaomi SU7: Innovating the Smart Cockpit

Typically, launch events start with the brand story and design philosophy, followed by the exterior and interior design, then the hardcore technical part. When Xiaomi announced a three-hour slot for the launch event, many speculated that Lei Jun might spend the first hour sharing his entrepreneurial journey to move the audience before getting into the main topic.

Contrary to expectations, Lei Jun adopted an approach I particularly appreciate for the launch event: He directly dived into the hardcore technology of high-speed motors with 21000rpm, 27500rpm, and 35000rpm, followed by discussions on the motor, large-scale casting, intelligent driving, and intelligent cockpit, placing hardcore technology at the forefront. This sequence of content in the launch event is a nod to the industry’s technical personnel, and I personally liked it a lot.

Xiaomi Tech Launch Event: Motor, Battery, Large-scale Casting, Intelligent Driving

I am quite interested in Xiaomi’s motor, battery, and large casting technology and have made a research plan to gradually share with everyone. Today, let’s talk about one of Xiaomi’s strengths: the intelligent cockpit.

Xiaomi Car Launch: Intelligent Cockpit

1. Innovation in On-board Screens

As Xiaomi is a smartphone company venturing into car manufacturing, expectations are high for innovative screen technology! In recent years, the automotive industry has been innovating with screens, some of which are innovative for the sake of being innovative, and some are quite unconventional. Here are some examples for you to discern which are innovative and which are just gimmicks:

• Screen quantity: From a single central control screen to three screens, then to dual screens configured as electronic rearview mirrors, and sometimes even a screen on the steering wheel.
• Screen form: Dual screens, triple screens, ultra-wide screens, vertical screens.
• Screen motion: Flat rotation, left-right rotation, multi-degree rotation.

However, Xiaomi opted for a more conventional and simple form: a single large central control screen. This choice probably aligns with Lei Jun’s car-making philosophy, paying homage to Porsche and then Tesla. A single screen is relatively traditional and minimalist, nodding to Porsche; at the same time, this screen layout is also obviously a nod to Tesla.

The lone central control large screen boasts impressive specs: a 16.1-inch 3K resolution, ultra-narrow bezel with 91.7% screen-to-body ratio, and 16:10 golden ratio. Lei Jun mentioned they’ve essentially mounted a Pad onto the car, which didn’t elicit much reaction at the event, possibly because people thought this was the norm. Personally, I believe Lei Jun’s point is that they’re as stringent with the central control screen as they are with their Pads.

Of course, having only one central control screen doesn’t mean the Xiaomi SU7 only has one screen. It also includes four screens not strictly defined as such, specifically the instrument panel, HUD head-up display, and rear extension screens, each with its own unique features!

From a traditional perspective, Lei Jun only mentioned the rotating instrument screen during the launch event, not the others. In reality, the design of the instrument panel is quite meticulous. As shown, the instrument screen is embedded into the interior, avoiding the drastic changes in environmental lighting affecting the display, ensuring that drivers can efficiently observe information during intense driving.

Additionally, the instrument screen is compact, which is a reasonable design. Firstly, the instrument information is limited and doesn’t require a large screen. Secondly, a smaller screen is more compatible with a circular steering wheel — you can see the entire instrument panel through the steering wheel. Some users have complained about why the instrument panel isn’t larger? That’s actually a pseudo-need; a larger instrument screen would necessitate a half-wheel steering to be reasonable.

The flip design of the instrument panel, according to Lei Jun, is a kind of ceremonial feel, considering the luxury aspect in Xiaomi’s car-making. This ceremonial feel is also reflected in the physical button design. Especially the Start/Stop button, which embodies a fusion of tradition and intelligence — simultaneously nodding to Porsche and Tesla. The principle of ceremonial design should not compromise functionality. Xiaomi SU7 has designed physical buttons, but neither the two cup holders nor the two phone slots have been sacrificed, which is reasonable.

When Musk was creating the Model S, he strongly advocated for automatically extending door handles. Engineers were reluctant, saying it wouldn’t significantly reduce drag and might bring many problems.

Musk insisted, saying it’s not just a functional requirement but also an emotional one: the door handle automatically extending as the user approaches has an emotional value that can’t be measured by drag reduction. Lei Jun’s insistence on the flip screen might have gone through a similar process. This design is still a first in recent years of smart electric cars.

In fact, similar design philosophies can be found in the adjustable triple screens of Zhiji LS7 and Lantu FREE, just executed differently.

The third screen is the 56-inch head-up display HUD. Compared to Huawei’s AR-HUD, Xiaomi Car didn’t pursue AR augmented virtual reality functions but chose to enhance the performance of traditional HUDs: the contrast ratio reaches 1500:1, with brightness up to 13000nits. For comparison, Huawei AR-HUD has a contrast ratio of 1200:1 and a maximum brightness of 12000nits. It has additional AR functionality but weaker display parameters. Which do you prefer?

The rear can extend two Xiaomi Pads, similar to Huawei’s Maglink function. These two extended screens can share content with the front screen or control car functions, especially allowing the right rear passenger to move the front seats forward, truly befitting a boss!

2. Similar Screens, Different Experiences

A good horse deserves a good saddle. With the rise of smart cars in recent years, the biggest fear is a good screen coupled with a lagging system. For Xiaomi cars, there is no such worry because this is Xiaomi’s forte.

Several car machine experiences mentioned at the launch could be highly boasted about by any car manufacturer, but they are just standard for smartphone companies. Currently, three smartphone companies have entered the car manufacturing industry: Huawei, Xiaomi, and Meizu. In the Geely series, users call for their car models to integrate the Meizu system, showcasing the overwhelming experience capability of smartphone companies in car machines.

Let’s look at some of these “ordinary” experiences.

First is the flexible framework, freely adjustable size. Seemingly a minor feature, it is a significant challenge to implement. Different from the design logic of tablets, the content weight on the left and right sides of the tablet is not the same for drivers (left > right), and attention cannot be fully focused on the tablet, nor can operations be entirely hands-free. Therefore, there’s much debate about system page layout among users.

A flexible framework that can be freely adjusted solves this problem. To do it well is not so easy; the well-known Xpeng Motors in the smart car field won’t achieve this functionality until their brand new Tianji system in 2024, and it seems it might not be as powerful as Xiaomi’s.

Second is car-phone connectivity. Some car manufacturers have collaborated with mobile companies to implement such functions, like Nio’s NioPhone, FAW-Volkswagen’s F7 with Xiaomi/vivo/oppo connectivity, and Geely with Meizu connectivity. However, they each have their own issues: NioPhone and Meizu have very low sales, and F7 has low sales too. Xiaomi’s phones have high sales, and people believe Xiaomi cars will also sell well, making them more willing to develop and adapt for them — the so-called ecosystem cannot have any weak links.

I’m also happy that I bought two Xiaomi 13U phones in 2023, which now seem to have a new use! Additionally, another detail is that Xiaomi phone pages can seamlessly become car machine cards when logged onto the car machine, giving a subjective sense of complete interconnectivity.

The third is seamless, smooth experience. Xiaomi car machines have reached a new height, from outside to inside the car, from navigation to car control, from sunny to rainy and snowy environments, the switch in the car’s viewpoint is as smooth as high-end graphics cards playing 3D blockbusters, achieving a seamless flow.

From the perspective of car manufacturers, what’s the big deal about this? Isn’t it just about organizing an engineering team for optimization? Indeed, some car manufacturers have done this, optimizing resource use and scheduling, which is much better than the initial lag, but still not as good as what mobile companies do.

Actually, this is a sophisticated field. “Perceived stutter,” “brain-perceived stutter,” and “actual frame rate” are not directly correlated. This kind of hand-eye-brain ergonomics problem also requires accumulating a lot of experience, and in this regard, companies like Xiaomi with a background in smartphones definitely have an advantage.

Besides rich optimization experience, absolute hardware level is also a requirement. Xiaomi SU7 directly uses the flagship chip 8295, ensuring each screen’s effect is silky smooth. Lei Jun mentioned at the launch event that there are advantages to being late, directly using 8295 might be one of them. The rise in car machine hardware level makes it easier for Xiaomi to leverage its advantages in the cockpit.

3. What Exactly is Ecosystem Manufacturing?

Before the launch event, Xiaomi had already built momentum around the concept of “ecosystem manufacturing.” Some car manufacturers were skeptical, thinking: Isn’t so-called ecosystem manufacturing just car-phone connectivity? Don’t we car manufacturers have that too?

But Xiaomi Car has played a different game.

For instance, the central control screen has expansion PIN ports on all four sides and magnetic absorption ports at the bottom. If NIO’s NOMI can play various tricks, Xiaomi Car’s design with magnetic absorption and data PIN ports can really play out an entire ecosystem.

The seatbacks, in addition to being able to hang Xiaomi Pads, also support hardware ecosystem expansion with 22.5W charging magnetic absorption ports.

Xiaomi has led many ecosystem chain companies with strong appeal, and many talented teams are actively adapting their products for Xiaomi cars. At the launch event, Lei Jun revealed that at the official product launch of Xiaomi SU7, they will directly bring dozens of hardware expansion ideas, which I am very much looking forward to!

Summary

Even compared to Huawei and Meizu, smartphone companies deeply integrated with car manufacturing, Xiaomi’s smart cockpit can be said to be full of innovations, with CarIoT ecosystem being the main highlight. It’s just the beginning. As the ownership of Xiaomi SU7 increases, talented teams will join this ecosystem to strike gold, potentially becoming one of Xiaomi’s moats. Quite ingenious and very Xiaomi.

Xiaomi CTB Battery Technology Overview: The New Peak of Kirin Battery System

Xiaomi’s recent release of CTB integrated battery technology has garnered widespread attention in the electric vehicle field. Based on the Ningde Times Kirin battery solution, this technology achieves outstanding performance through innovative design and efficient integration. This article will delve into two key aspects of Xiaomi’s CTB battery technology: Efficient Integration and Range Safety.

Part One: Efficient Integration for Outstanding Performance

Xiaomi’s SU7 is equipped with two battery options: Ningde Times' ternary battery with an energy density of 101 kWh and a system energy density of 157 Wh/kg, and a lithium iron phosphate battery with 73.6 kWh and 127 Wh/kg, offering fast charging capabilities and remaining competitive. The presentation didn’t go into detail. Xiaomi’s event provided a detailed breakdown of the battery, revealing the intricacies of system design involving CTB and Kirin solutions. The showcased system boasts an energy density of 132 kWh, marking its first appearance in the industry, demonstrating a high level of integration, especially within Kirin’s high system integration solution, where 77.8% is a remarkable figure.

Xiaomi’s CTB battery stands out with an impressive integration efficiency of 77.8%. Innovative designs, such as the floor-covering top, inverted battery cells, multi-functional flexible layers, and minimal wire harness, have collectively contributed to a 24.4% increase in overall integration efficiency.

• Floor-covering Top: The two-in-one design frees up 10mm of height, improving integration efficiency by 9.1%.
• Inverted Battery Cells: The use of inverted battery cell technology allows multiple modules to share the bottom space, releasing an additional 7mm in height and enhancing integration efficiency by 5.8%.
• Multi-functional Flexible Layers: These layers serve both as liquid cooling plates and structural components, increasing integration efficiency by 6.5%. These designs establish a solid foundation for high-standard safety in the CTB battery system.

Safety Considerations: The downward-facing pressure relief valve design ensures rapid energy release in extreme situations, maximizing cabin safety. Inverted design, with downward gas release, presents challenges in terms of thermal insulation separation design. However, from the perspective of simplifying top-side integration, especially for CTB, it still holds certain advantages. The large side panels provide a total cooling area of 7.8m², and high-performance thermal insulation aerogel is placed on the narrow side of the battery cells to ensure lateral heat dissipation, demonstrating Xiaomi’s confidence in battery system and cell thermal safety. The mechanical design of the system, similar to Kirin’s design, indicates the use of practical materials, enhancing overall safety.

With a system voltage of 871V (Umax), 198 battery cells, and a single cell voltage of 4.4V, it represents the highest production value for nickel-based cells in high-voltage systems. This provides a solid foundation for the battery system’s high performance. Xiaomi SU7’s fast charging capability is also a highlight, especially in low-temperature conditions. At 10 degrees Celsius, it takes only 38 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, surpassing Tesla Model 3 Performance. Further details on fast charging were presented: 220km range in 5 minutes, 390km in 10 minutes, and 510km in 15 minutes.

In practice, Xiaomi has collaborated with Ningde Times to fully utilize the Kirin battery, validating the CTB solution’s practical application on Xiaomi SU7, confirming its excellent performance in integration efficiency and safety.

Part Two: Range and Safety Alerts

Xiaomi’s CTB battery excels in range performance, supporting a maximum capacity of 150 kWh, with a theoretical CLTC range of up to 1260 km. This provides electric vehicles with greater range flexibility, making it highly adaptable. If consumers require larger batteries, this solution is fully supportive.

1. Battery Cloud Security Technology: Real-time data collection, analysis, and warnings through encrypted cloud networks enable precise, round-the-clock warnings. The system features a three-fold independent thermal runaway redundancy monitoring and alert strategy, achieving the highest functional safety level, ASIL-D, with over 1050 safety tests and 96 times the international durability testing duration. This includes seven safety design optimizations and 16 oversize validations.

2. Thermal Management: Robust thermal management capabilities make Xiaomi’s CTB battery system excel in electric cars during winter conditions. Here, we observe the battery and heat pump working in tandem.

As a high-efficiency application of Ningde Times Kirin battery solution, the CTB integrated battery system has made significant strides in integration efficiency, safety, and range performance. Xiaomi’s ongoing quest to balance cost and effectiveness may lead to further optimization of the technical solution.

Conclusion:

The release of Xiaomi’s CTB battery technology marks a new peak for the Kirin battery system. The unveiling of Xiaomi SU7’s battery technology showcases breakthroughs in energy density, system design, cell structure, fast charging performance, thermal management, and system mechanical design. Despite some seemingly ordinary metrics, SU7’s overall performance is highly anticipated. Xiaomi’s continuous innovation in electric vehicle technology will bring new possibilities to the entire industry.

Xiaomi’s Breakthroughs in Super High-Pressure Die Casting

As a potential customer interested in Xiaomi’s car, I’ve been following this topic for a while, but I intentionally waited to respond.

Just to let the excitement settle a bit.

Talking about PowerPoint presentations, even with endorsements from some authoritative experts, one can still have doubts about whether the technology showcased is genuinely cutting-edge.

Because, in the end, it’s not about data or appraisal reports; it’s about the driving experience.

No matter how impressive the V8S might be, if I haven’t sat in it, I consider it non-existent. As for claims about the chassis and handling, every automaker claims to be top-notch, and after attending numerous car launches, it’s not easy to get excited anymore.

Though Mr. Lei presented the information impressively, in-depth, and passionately.

Then I watched these two videos.

This is where the true essence of advancement lies.

While one is an official video and the other is produced by a collaborating media outlet.

During these tests, the Xiaomi car SU7 displayed a genuinely beautiful posture, indicating that it must be a great car to drive.

This can’t be faked.

It demonstrates that the core components are indeed advanced because the best cars in the world are built this way.

Although every automaker claims to be advanced, they usually don’t release videos of their cars on the racetrack or undergoing rigorous tests.

In reality, they don’t look very appealing while doing so.

When assessing a complex system, it’s essential to consider the overall performance first. Delving into the details comes after the system has demonstrated excellence as a whole, and the question becomes “Why.”

Many Porsche and German luxury car (BBA) owners I know don’t even ask “why” when buying a car; they simply trust their own test drive experience.

Xiaomi’s SU7 Unveils Cutting-Edge Battery and Motor Technologies

Xiaomi’s first-ever car, the SU7, made a significant impact on the automotive industry during its launch event, especially with its revolutionary battery technology. It boasts four core battery technologies:

• Innovative CTB cell inversion technology
• 871V silicon carbide high-voltage platform
• Advanced thermal management system
• Exceptional battery safety performance

Batteries are crucial for electric vehicles, impacting not only their cost but also their range and safety. The SU7 MAX model, in particular, uses the 871V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, enabling rapid charging. Lei Jun, during the event, humorously pointed out that some brands claim to have an 800V platform but don’t achieve that voltage, whereas Xiaomi’s car genuinely does, even though they modestly refer to it as an 800V platform.

Xiaomi’s new car utilizes Kirin cells produced by CATL and features the world’s first inverted CTB integrated battery technology. This groundbreaking design allows for rapid energy release through a pressure relief valve in case of thermal runaway, significantly enhancing battery safety.

The CTB integrated technology combines the vehicle’s chassis with the battery cover, saving interior space, increasing overall structural rigidity, and enhancing integration efficiency. With Xiaomi’s introduction of multifunctional elastic interlayers and minimalist wiring harnesses, the battery pack’s safety is exceptional.

Xiaomi’s car can have a maximum battery capacity of 150 kWh, theoretically achieving a CLTC range of over 1200 kilometers. In production models, the battery ranges from 668 kilometers to 800 kilometers. The MAX model, using the 800V high-voltage platform, features super-fast charging, adding 220 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes.

Among Xiaomi’s five core technologies, the battery is key, along with the electric motor. Xiaomi has independently developed three super motors: HyperEngine V8s, HyperEngine V6/V6s, setting industry-leading standards with innovations such as bidirectional full-oil cooling and S-shaped three-dimensional oil circuit design.

Xiaomi’s SU7 offers three motor versions: V6, V6s, and V8s, providing varying power levels that take inspiration from traditional internal combustion engines. Notably, HyperEngine V6 and V6s motors reach an industry-leading 21,000 rpm, surpassing Tesla Model S Plaid’s 20,000 rpm. The V6 motor offers 299 PS and 400 Nm of peak torque, while the V6s increases to 374 PS and 500 N·m of peak torque.

HyperEngine V8s stands out with its high-efficiency bidirectional full-oil cooling system, S-shaped three-dimensional oil circuit design, and the use of an 8-layer flat wire winding technique. These innovations result in an astonishing power density of 10.14 kW/kg, surpassing the most advanced electric motors on the market. In addition, the V8s motor excels in heat dissipation, maintaining 98.11% efficiency while delivering a maximum output power of 425 kW and peak torque of 635 N·m.

Xiaomi’s unique motor technology philosophy is “speed above all.” Current technological trends validate this choice, with V6 and V6s motors reaching 21,000 rpm and V8s achieving an astounding 27,200 rpm. Furthermore, Xiaomi announced its research on the next-generation super motor, utilizing carbon fiber laser curing winding technology. Laboratory tests have already achieved rotor speeds of up to 35,000 rpm, showcasing Xiaomi’s ambition and prowess in motor technology.

Unprecedented, the first time seeing a car from a certain brand. They are pulling out suppliers one by one… If you thoroughly investigate every brand, you will find that they are all quite similar. However, it’s Xiaomi that happens to receive this kind of treatment. Whether it’s smartphones or cars… If Xiaomi ventures into real estate, they might even be compared to cement brands and brick brands.

Xiaomi has never claimed that the V6 series motor is self-developed; they have clearly stated that it’s a collaboration with Huichuan. The self-developed claim is for the V8S.

After Huichuan’s denial: the narrative has changed to Huichuan taking money and keeping quiet.

I advise Huichuan not to deny it anymore; you simply can’t withstand Xiaomi’s punches.

Xiaomi Unveils Advanced Technology for Its Upcoming Electric Vehicles

Xiaomi, known for its smartphones and other consumer electronics, has been making waves in the automotive industry with its foray into electric vehicles (EVs). On December 28th, 2023, Xiaomi held a technology conference to showcase the advancements it has made in various aspects of EV technology. Here are the key highlights:

Xiaomi’s Super Motors

Xiaomi introduced its Super Motors, including the V6 and V6s models, with impressive specifications. The V6 boasts a top speed of 21,000 RPM, 299 PS (220 kW) of power, and 400 N·m of torque, while the V6s reaches 21,000 RPM, 374 PS (275 kW) of power, and 500 N·m of torque, utilizing an 800V electric drive. These motors are among the industry leaders in terms of RPM.

However, Xiaomi didn’t stop there. They also unveiled the V8 version with an incredible 27,200 RPM, making it the world’s fastest electric motor. The V8 motor achieves a remarkable power density of 10.14 kW/kg, setting a new standard in the industry.

Innovative Battery Technology

Xiaomi developed an innovative 800V silicon carbide (SiC) high-voltage platform for its batteries, with a peak voltage of 871V. This platform integrates the battery into the vehicle’s structure, optimizing vertical space and enabling up to 132 kWh of capacity for a range of over 1000 km on the CLTC test cycle. Additionally, Xiaomi’s batteries are designed with safety in mind, featuring 14 layers of protection and advanced insulation.

Advanced Casting and Materials

Xiaomi’s commitment to advanced manufacturing is evident in its proprietary large-scale casting technology. They have developed a unique “super casting” process, which includes 60 devices and precise control over 433 process parameters. This approach allows Xiaomi to create an integrated cast floor, reducing weight, noise, and enhancing durability.

Furthermore, Xiaomi uses its self-developed Titan alloy, balancing strength, toughness, and stability for critical components. This alloy enables Xiaomi to create a one-piece cast floor with 72 functions, achieving significant weight reduction and improved longevity.

Intelligent Driving

Xiaomi aims to be at the forefront of intelligent driving technology. They leverage cutting-edge algorithms such as BEV+Transformer and high-resolution occupancy networks for precise perception and decision-making. The variable focus BEV technology allows dynamic adjustments to the perception range, ensuring accuracy in identifying obstacles, even down to 5cm grid sizes.

Xiaomi’s “road big model” technology generates real-time road topology, offering high-definition maps and real-time road condition assessment, making it less reliant on traditional HD maps.

Smart Cabin

Xiaomi’s cars will feature a connected cabin environment. With Xiaomi’s PENGPAI OS, the car will be an integral part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, connecting seamlessly with other devices. The cabin will offer five synchronized screens, including a 16.1-inch 3K central display, a massive 56-inch HUD, a reversible full LCD instrument cluster, and an additional Xiaomi Pad display. These screens are powered by the advanced 8295 chip.

Xiaomi’s Automotive Journey

Xiaomi’s journey into the automotive world began on March 29, 2021, when founder Lei Jun announced the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to EVs with an initial investment of 10 billion RMB. Since then, Xiaomi has been actively recruiting talent and making significant advancements in EV technology.

The culmination of this effort was seen on November 15, 2023, when Xiaomi’s first EV, the SU7, was listed in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s directory. While Xiaomi has yet to reveal all the details about SU7, they have set high aspirations for it, aiming to compete with Porsche Taycan in terms of handling and Tesla Model S in terms of intelligence.

In summary, Xiaomi’s recent technology conference showcased the company’s commitment to advancing EV technology. With innovations in motors, batteries, manufacturing, and intelligent driving, Xiaomi aims to make a significant impact in the automotive industry with its upcoming SU7 and future EV models.

No matter whether Xiaomi’s cars are advanced or not, considering the overall level of China’s electric vehicle supply chain, even if Xiaomi’s cars are of lower quality, it doesn’t make much of a difference. My main concern is how long Xiaomi’s car business can survive. After all, if the main factory goes out of business, at least half of the value of the cars is lost. Not to mention software updates, even spare parts and warranties become a major issue. Electric cars are not like gasoline cars; there are too many electronic components inside.

Without using concealed door handles, while retaining some physical keys, the central control can also expand a row of physical keys and knobs.

Avoiding the two major pain points that I think car companies blindly follow now.

Xiaomi SU7: A Closer Look at Its Advanced Technology

Although I took some automotive courses during my school days, it was merely scratching the surface, and I would not dare to draw any conclusions about whether Xiaomi SU7 is technologically advanced or not.

Fortunately, Mr. Lei Jun is an honest man who, during the launch event, covered several key aspects of technology, from electric propulsion, batteries, high-pressure die-casting, to intelligent cockpit and autonomous driving. As an observer, let’s analyze if it meets the required standards logically.

Electric Propulsion

Xiaomi Super Motor V8s

With a speed of 27,200 rpm, Xiaomi reaches the global motor speed ceiling, even paying homage to competitors who claim “3000 rpm is not unlocked.”

Besides speed, it boasts a power density of 10.14 kW/kg, a global leader.

Yield strength of 960 MPa is also a significant advantage.

(Seems like Xiaomi is paying tribute to 9.6 million square kilometers here, quite humorous!)

However, the most valuable aspect, in my opinion, is that this super motor is completely independently developed and produced by Xiaomi.

Furthermore, this motor has received the “international leading level” certification from the China Electrical Technology Society and the National New Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Center’s expert group. Such professional endorsements are undoubtedly more convincing than mere words.

As for the 35,000 rpm motor in the research phase, there’s no need to mention it since it hasn’t been mass-produced, making it more of a muscle-flexing exercise.

Battery

In-House Battery Pack Factory

Self-Developed 800V Silicon Carbide High Voltage Platform

It’s worth emphasizing that Mr. Lei Jun explicitly stated that the battery cells are from CATL, and the battery pack is jointly developed by Xiaomi and CATL. Xiaomi operates its in-house battery pack production factory and self-developed high-voltage platform, providing the foundation for confidently claiming an 800V high-voltage battery pack.

Even the safety standards for battery thermal failure exceed both national and industry standards.

I won’t delve into heat dissipation, insulation, battery management, and thermal management, as they are important but clearly not as crucial as the two points mentioned above.

There’s a rather amusing incident where someone pretended to be an industry expert and claimed that Xiaomi’s standard didn’t include a time element. It must be said that people have varying levels of comprehension. Anyone who can understand three standards should not say Xiaomi’s standard lacks a time element. The national standard requires a minimum of 5 minutes, and both industry and Xiaomi’s standards specify 5 minutes or more without an upper limit. If there’s no upper limit, why should there be a time element?

So, it’s best not to pretend to understand and mislead others. If you really understand, why hasn’t anyone from the industry questioned Xiaomi even after a full day of the launch event? Ning Wang’s stance is clear –

Do you think you know better than Ning Wang?

High-Pressure Die-Casting

Fully Self-Developed High-Pressure Die-Casting Cluster (Led by Xiaomi Super Die-Casting Machine with 9100t Clamping Force)

Self-Developed Die-Casting Alloy (Xiaomi Titan Alloy)

Regarding the self-development of high-pressure die-casting, Xiaomi has covered almost all aspects of the industry chain, which is not surprising given Xiaomi’s background in Unibody all-ceramic technology. From equipment to material understanding, they are not starting from scratch.

As for software, it’s hard to determine the clear winner by just talking; hands-on experience is needed. I won’t dwell on this aspect.

However, when Mr. Lei Jun mentioned the ecosystem at the end, whether it’s the software or hardware ecosystem, claiming Xiaomi is far ahead, there should be no doubt. If people still doubt this, there’s no hope…

This level of technological achievement, in my opinion, might not be an all-around leader, but it certainly doesn’t lag behind in the respective categories.

Xiaomi SU7’s Ingenious Smart Cabin

Let’s not dwell on the mechanical aspects and instead delve into the intriguing smart cabin of the Xiaomi SU7.

Honestly, I find Xiaomi’s smart cabin fascinating.

Firstly, there’s the in-car screen, featuring not only a large central control screen, a sizable HUD display, and a flip-up instrument panel but also the option to mount two Xiaomi tablets in the rear for rear-seat entertainment.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t just about attaching tablets; they are integrated with the native infotainment system. You can even use them to adjust the front seat positions, essentially adding two screen DLCs for the rear seats—a genuinely interesting feature, especially considering the affordability of Xiaomi tablets.

Apart from connecting tablets to the infotainment system, there’s also seamless integration with smartphones. You can mirror the apps currently running on your phone onto the central control screen, significantly expanding the infotainment system’s functionality.

Xiaomi’s previous work in the smartphone and tablet space has laid the groundwork for the SU7. The power of an integrated ecosystem is truly impressive.

As mentioned earlier, Xiaomi’s “Smart Home, Smart Car, Smart Life” concept is finally coming to fruition in the automotive segment. Xiaomi SU7 can seamlessly connect with Mi Home devices and even set up some automation. With hypermind continuously optimizing the home device environment, a complete smart home automation system is just around the corner.

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What’s most interesting about Xiaomi SU7’s smart cabin is that it’s not exclusive to Xiaomi users alone. It even accommodates Apple users, creating quite a comical spectacle.

Honestly, when I saw this, I couldn’t help but laugh—it’s just too amusing.

Supporting wireless CarPlay is one thing, but they’ve gone a step further by allowing iPads inside the car. It’s as if they’re trolling Apple with this move.

Some might wonder if Xiaomi’s cars connecting to other brands of smartphones would affect Xiaomi phone sales. My answer is, it won’t. Xiaomi SU7’s best-matched phone will always be a Xiaomi device. Looking at the system’s underlying architecture, Apple’s CarPlay integration stands no chance against Xiaomi’s hyperOS ecosystem. Why let someone else take the lead?

On the contrary, adding CarPlay is a clever move by Xiaomi, likely aimed at enticing Apple users. In the current new energy vehicle market, the connectivity between smartphones and infotainment systems is becoming a crucial feature for consumers. Many car manufacturers are reluctant to cede control and opt for closed infotainment systems, leaving consumers with no choice.

Xiaomi SU7 is breaking this mold, providing Apple users with a new option. If Apple users find the Xiaomi SU7 driving experience enjoyable, they might consider upgrading their accessories, like purchasing a Xiaomi phone or adding Xiaomi tablets in the rear.

In the grand scheme of things, Xiaomi SU7’s potential is vast, and in the smaller picture, it can even capture the attention of Apple users. Quite a strategic move, isn’t it?

So, looking at the smart cabin alone, Xiaomi SU7 has a lot to offer. I’m genuinely curious to see what other innovations Xiaomi SU7 will introduce once it officially hits the market.