Trade & Industry

Xiaomi SU7 2026 Refresh Review

Xiaomi SU7 2026 Refresh ReviewXiaomi unveiled the updated SU7 sedan on March 19, 2026, in Beijing at CEO Lei Jun’s live event). It’s a mid-cycle refresh of the 2024 original sedan, and a sleek, Tesla Model 3 rivalling lift back sedan with HyperOS integration. The headline price starts at around US$31,870 only 1.9% higher than

Xiaomi SU7 2026 Refresh Review

Xiaomi SU7 2026 Refresh Review

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Xiaomi SU7 2026 Refresh Review
Xiaomi unveiled the updated SU7 sedan on March 19, 2026, in Beijing at CEO Lei Jun’s live event). It’s a mid-cycle refresh of the 2024 original sedan, and a sleek, Tesla Model 3 rivalling lift back sedan with HyperOS integration. The headline price starts at around US$31,870 only 1.9% higher than the prior base model, as confirmed by Lei Jun .

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EV Fans in Africa won’t have the option to buy or test the vehicle yet as Xiaomi has not announced any specific intention or plans to expand its electric vehicles (including the SU7) into the African market yet. Xiaomi’s EV division (Xiaomi Auto) has confirmed overseas/international expansion starting in 2027, with initial focus on Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Key Updates on The SU7 Include:

  • “Dragon Chassis” with upgraded double-wishbone front + five-link rear suspension (dual-chamber air suspension on Pro/Max).
  • LiDAR + 4D radar + Nvidia Thor-U ADAS standard across all trims (previously not universal).
  • Higher-voltage architecture: 752V on Standard/Pro, ~897V on Max.
  • New V6S Plus motors: 235 kW (320 hp) on Standard/Pro (up from 220 kW); 508 kW on Max.
  • Faster charging (up to ~416–670 km range added in 15 min).
  • Safety boosts: nine airbags, triple-redundant door release, emergency power supply.
  • Minor styling tweaks (new Capri Blue colour, wheels, revised console/ambient lighting).

Range (CLTC):

  • Standard (73 kWh): ~720 km / 447 mi
  • Pro (96.3 kWh): 902 km / 560 mi
  • Max (101.7 kWh): ~835 km / 519 mi

Review Verdict


Reviewers and analysts call it a “Tesla nightmare in China.” It delivers flagship-level range, performance, and now standard LiDAR safety/tech at a bargain price. Acceleration, handling, and build quality have noticeably improved. Minor gripes: CLTC figures are optimistic (real-world ~15–20% less), and it still lacks Tesla’s global Supercharger network. Overall, it’s an aggressive, software-rich EV that undercuts rivals on value while closing the tech gap fast. Deliveries start soon; Xiaomi already sold >400,000 SU7s in its first ~22 months.

Comparison to Tesla Sedans (China context, March 2026 pricing)


SU7 is a direct Model 3 rival (sedan); Model S is larger/luxury; Model Y is an SUV (Xiaomi counters with its separate YU7).

AspectXiaomi SU7 (2026)Tesla Model 3 (China)Tesla Model S (China/Global)Tesla Model Y (China/Global)Starting PriceUS$31,870 (Standard)~US$35,000–38,000~US$75,000+~US$39,990–42,000Top Range (CLTC/EPA est.)Pro: 902 km / 560 mi CLTC~800–830 km CLTC~650 km CLTC / ~405 mi EPA~720 km CLTC / ~320 mi EPAPowerUp to 508 kW (690 hp) MaxUp to ~350 kWUp to ~760 kW PlaidUp to ~450 kW PerformanceKey FeaturesLiDAR + HyperOS ADAS std, air suspension (higher trims), fast chargingVision-only Autopilot/FSD, minimal hardware upgradesPremium luxury, yoke steering, advanced FSDSUV practicality, 7-seat option, strong resaleStrengthInsane range + value; rapid updatesMature software & networkUltimate performance/luxuryVersatility & family appeal

Xiaomi wins on price and raw range in China; Tesla leads in software maturity, global charging, and brand prestige. The refreshed SU7 has narrowed the gap dramatically — many analysts say it now pressures Tesla’s Model 3 sales directly.

Xiaomi EV Availability in Africa

No official retail availability yet. While official Xiaomi SA statements confirm no launch plans or dealership network for passenger EVs. Import is possible privately in some markets, but no warranty, service, or charging ecosystem support exists continent-wide.

Trade & IndustryAfrican startups
Greg Stewart

Reporting for Business Tech Africa on the funding, tools and strategy shaping the continent's founders and SMEs.

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