Xiaomi SU7 updated with LiDAR, AI, and longer range

Xiaomi has officially unveiled the updated generation of its SU7 electric sedan, intensifying pressure on Tesla in the world's largest electric vehicle market. The new model starts at 219,900 yuan, a price point that came in lower than initial expectations.

The key difference lies in the technological package. All versions now come equipped with a LiDAR sensor, an Nvidia Thor chip offering 700 TOPS of computing power, and a new AI module called XLA. This system integrates autonomous driving and intelligent analysis functions, enhancing the car's performance in complex road conditions.

The battery has also seen a significant update. The base version offers up to 720 km of range, while the Pro version extends that to 902 km. Thanks to a new high-voltage architecture, the top-tier Max variant can replenish up to 670 km of range in just 15 minutes.

Safety has been bolstered as well, with the body structure now featuring strength up to 2200 MPa. In a strategic move, Xiaomi has already halted production of the first-generation model to accelerate the transition to this new version.

Xiaomi's leadership indicates the updated SU7 is a central component of the company's 2026 strategy, alongside the YU7 crossover.

For buyers, this shift is important because it redefines the competitive landscape. While earlier competition with Tesla focused on raw specifications, Xiaomi is now pivoting toward making advanced technology more accessible. The company is effectively setting advanced autonomous driving systems as standard even in base models. This move could reshape consumer expectations, potentially making features like LiDAR and powerful AI not just premium advantages but essential minimums for mass-market electric vehicles in the coming years.