Multiple tech companies have entered the car-making game recently, and one name that keeps making headlines is Xiaomi. The Chinese giant's first model is called the SU7, a weird moniker for something that's not a high rider.
The Xiaomi SU7 starts at less than $30,000 in its home market. In exchange for the money, customers get a ride that's similar in size to the Porsche Taycan, packing a 295 horsepower motor that drives the rear wheels. An all-wheel-drive version is also available, with 664 horsepower in return for $41,500.
According to the company based in the People's Republic, the all-quiet sedan utilizes the so-called Modena platform. Thus, it would make sense for its future models to keep using these underpinnings. Nevertheless, it appears that the SU8, which is the alleged name of one of their upcoming products, a crossover to be more specific, will be based on a different construction.
But is this the ride that is supposedly in the making at Xiaomi? The answer would vary depending on whom you ask. You see, some believe the SU8 (name unconfirmed) is indeed the only car in the pipeline, whereas others are convinced they might also consider additional vehicles. Maybe a long-roof version of the current SU7, which would make sense for people looking for a spacious cargo area.
Photo: Instagram | sugardesign_1
A station wagon variant of the Xiaomi SU7 would make lots of sense, especially since there are other similar rides in the market, like the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. However, while the latter costs a small fortune, with the Zuffenhausen brand asking a minimum of $141,200 for the 590 horsepower GTS in our market, the SU7 estate would be much more affordable.
Giving it new rear quarter panels that are much larger in size, bigger three-quarter windows, a tailgate, a longer roofline, and a few other modifications should be a walk in the park for the Chinese company. In case you were wondering what such a model would look like, the answer comes from sugardesign_1 on Instagram, who calls it the Xiaomi SU7 Touring.
The pixel manipulator gave it a realistic digital makeover and an aerodynamic roof box that further improves the luggage space. The wheels are identical on all virtual models, yet the colors aren't. Thus, besides the more traditional white, which looks great on the rendered SU7, the model was also presented in purple, orange, and a different hue of blue than the one of the real thing.
We think Xiaomi should also prepare a station wagon variant of the SU7 besides the SU8 crossover, which should be a hit. Nevertheless, would you buy one if it was available stateside for around $40,000-$50,000, or would you get something from a more traditional brand instead?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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