In the fiercely competitive electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla has long been the undisputed king. But a new challenger has emerged—one that’s turning heads and rewriting the rules. The Xiaomi SU7, particularly its Ultra variant, is proving to be a formidable rival to the Tesla Model Y, outperforming it in key areas, especially battery capacity and value.
The Battery That Changes the Game
The most striking advantage of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is its massive 150 kWh battery pack, the largest in its class. This dwarfs the Model Y Long Range’s 75 kWh offering, effectively doubling the range potential. Early tests suggest the SU7 can achieve over 800 km (497 miles) on a single charge under real-world conditions—far surpassing Tesla’s claimed 330 miles for the Model Y.
But it’s not just about capacity. Xiaomi has integrated next-gen 800V ultra-fast charging, allowing the SU7 to go from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Tesla’s Supercharger network is still faster in some regions, but Xiaomi’s partnership with major charging infrastructure providers in China means it’s rapidly closing the gap.
Performance That Matches (and Beats) Tesla
While Tesla has built its reputation on acceleration, the SU7 Ultra doesn’t back down. With a dual-motor AWD setup producing 673 horsepower, it hits 0-60 mph in just 2.78 seconds—marginally quicker than the Model Y Performance’s 3.5 seconds.
But where Xiaomi truly shines is in handling and ride comfort. Early reviewers praise its adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering, giving it agility that the Model Y can’t match. One test driver noted, “The SU7 feels like a sports sedan, while the Model Y still leans into its SUV roots.”
Tech & Luxury: A New Benchmark
Inside, the SU7 Ultra is a tech marvel. A 16.1-inch rotating central touchscreen (larger than Tesla’s 15.4-inch display) runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS, seamlessly integrating with smartphones and smart home devices. The cabin also features premium materials, including Nappa leather and aluminum trim, a step above Tesla’s minimalist (and sometimes plasticky) interior.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) still leads in autonomous tech, but Xiaomi’s Pilot 2.0 system offers strong Level 2+ capabilities, including automatic lane changes and parking assist. Given Xiaomi’s rapid software updates, it may not be long before it catches up.
The Price Factor
Here’s where Xiaomi delivers a knockout punch. The SU7 Ultra starts at just ¥349,900 (~48,500)∗∗,undercuttingthe∗∗ModelYPerformance(¥368,900/ 48,500)∗∗,undercuttingthe∗∗ModelYPerformance(¥368,900/ 51,000) while offering more range, power, and luxury.
As one industry analyst put it: “Tesla should be worried. Xiaomi isn’t just competing—it’s redefining expectations for what an EV should offer at this price.”
The Verdict: Is This the Tesla Killer?
While Tesla still has brand loyalty and a vast charging network, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra proves that the underdog can bite back—hard. With superior range, faster charging, better handling, and a more luxurious cabin, it’s clear that the EV crown is no longer uncontested.
For more details on how the SU7 Ultra stunned critics, check out this in-depth review.
What do you think? Can Xiaomi dethrone Tesla, or is the Model Y still the king? Share your thoughts on Weibo.
Post a Comment