Xiaomi's SUV Challenge to Tesla: SU7 Sedan Successor Set for Year-End Launch

In an ambitious move, Xiaomi is set to challenge Tesla's electric vehicle (EV) supremacy by introducing an all-electric SUV by the end of this year. This follows the recent launch of its SU7 sedan, a direct competitor to Tesla's Model 3.

Xiaomi Eyes Electric SUV Market After SU7 Sedan Launch, Challenges Tesla Model 3

According to industry watchers in China, smartphone giant Xiaomi may strike. At the same time, the iron is hot this year so that an all-electric SUV will be released following the launch of the SU7 sedan this week. The SU7 sedan has much potential, particularly compared to the country's most popular premium all-electric sedan, the Tesla Model 3, as per Teslarati.

When Xiaomi released the SU7, it somewhat defied expectations. Before the SU7, China's electric vehicle manufacturers typically entered the market with an SUV or crossover. Nio, one of China's premium domestic EV manufacturers, began with SUVs. Li Auto, another Chinese electric car manufacturer, offers an all-SUV lineup. Xiaomi's decision to launch an all-electric sedan sparked some debate, according to a CNEV Post report.

According to Blue Whale Finance, Xiaomi is also looking to secure a position in the all-electric SUV segment. The publication cited industry insiders to report that Xiaomi may release an SUV by the end of 2024.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun Advocates for Electric Sedans, Highlights Market Potential

Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun, for his part, stated that sedans remain a significant portion of the market. In a Weibo video, Lei stated that cars are for driving, and sedans offer a better driving experience than SUVs. According to the executive, they are also better suited for single drivers.

Lei noted that the sedan market remains very large, indicating that the segment has great potential. He also stated that there aren't many good pure electric sedans on the market today, aside from market veterans like the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model S. Lei's comments on pure electric sedans carry a lot of weight given that he was one of the first Tesla Model S owners in China.

A now-deleted post on Xiaomi's official website from 2013 also stated that Lei had visited Musk several times. “I went to the United States twice this year, once in July and the second time in October. I went to meet Elon Musk both times. Unlike other Silicon Valley tycoons who meet to talk about business topics, I went to meet Elon Musk purely out of interest: this guy is so amazing that it’s almost ‘counterintuitive,'” the post noted.

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