Xiaomi is actively preparing to enter the European electric vehicle market, targeting a launch in 2027. Recent efforts include an 800-kilometre test drive of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra across Germany, spearheaded by Xiaomi Group President and Partner Lu Weibing. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to validating its vehicles under real-world European conditions before its official entry.
Testing on German Autobahn and Evaluating Charging Infrastructure
Lu Weibing’s two-day journey began in Berlin, travelling to Hamburg and then to Frankfurt. The test drive provided valuable insights into the performance of the SU7 Ultra on Germany’s famed autobahn, where sections are known for their lack of speed limits. Weibing reported reaching a speed of 260 km/h while maintaining stability—a significant measure of the vehicle’s handling and safety.
Beyond speed, the road trip also provided an opportunity to evaluate Germany’s public charging infrastructure, which Weibing described as “well-developed overall.” He noted that the SU7 Ultra attracted significant attention at charging stations, with some observers recognizing the model. This indicates a growing awareness of Xiaomi’s entry into the EV space.
SU7 Ultra: Key Specifications and Performance
The SU7 Ultra boasts impressive specifications designed to compete within the premium EV segment:
- Battery: 93.7 kWh CATL Qilin II battery pack operating at 897 volts
- Range (CLTC): 630 km
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 1.98 seconds
- Top Speed: 350 km/h
The vehicle has previously undergone road testing in Munich and performance trials at the Nürburgring, demonstrating Xiaomi’s rigorous approach to vehicle development.
Road Testing and Regulatory Approval in Europe
Xiaomi began European road testing of the SU7 Ultra in July 2023, marking a significant milestone as the first Xiaomi vehicle to receive full regulatory approval for public road use in Europe. A production-spec unit, registered in Munich, Germany, with the license plate “M SU7088E,” symbolized the company’s presence in the region. The “M” in the plate represents Munich, while “Mi” refers to Xiaomi, highlighting a personalized approach to its European validation process.
Financial Outlook and Future Plans
While Xiaomi’s automotive division is still several years away from full profitability, the company is making steady progress. Though it narrowed its quarterly operating loss to 300 million yuan (approximately $41.8 million USD), the division has already accumulated more than 30 billion yuan (approximately $4.18 billion USD) in investment. The company expects its automotive division to achieve profitability by the second half of 2026, setting the stage for its official European market entry in 2027. The recent German test drive is a key part of ensuring the SU7 Ultra is fully validated and ready for the demands of the European market.
Xiaomi’s commitment to extensive road testing and regulatory approval demonstrates a thoughtful and strategic approach to entering the competitive European EV market.
