Introduction: Xiaomi’s Bold Move into the EV Market Hits Turbulence
When Xiaomi first announced its ambitious plans to enter the electric vehicle (EV) arena with the SU7 sedan, tech enthusiasts and car lovers alike were buzzing with excitement. After all, this is the same brand that disrupted the smartphone and smart home industries with innovative, affordable gadgets. The SU7 was touted as Xiaomi’s grand introduction to the automotive world—a sleek, high-tech electric sedan packed with features at a price point that could undercut established competitors.
Unfortunately, what began as a promising leap into a new sector has turned into a rough ride. Sales started strong, but recently the SU7 has faced a series of setbacks that quickly stole the spotlight: quality complaints, a tragic accident, and a damning government-issued ranking. In the span of a few months, Xiaomi’s first foray into cars has gone from a potential game-changer to a cautionary tale.
Harsh Government Quality Ranking
At the end of the first quarter of 2025, the China Automobile Quality Network—a government-affiliated body that collects owner feedback on defects, risks, and malfunctions—released its latest quality report for premium electric sedans. The results were stark: Xiaomi’s SU7 landed in last place, with a whopping 239 penalty points. That’s 56 points higher than the average for its category, signaling serious concerns among owners.
To put that into perspective, the GAC Hyptec GT topped the list with just 149 penalty points, followed closely by the Voyah Passion at 152 points. The SU7’s performance gap raises eyebrows not only about specific flaws but also about Xiaomi’s overall quality control and production standards. For a company that built its reputation on rigorous testing and constant software updates, this ranking is a glaring red flag.
Key Issues Highlighted by Owners
Owners reported a range of problems, from unexpected electronics glitches and inconsistent panel gaps to suspension noises and software freeze-ups. While no vehicle is entirely free of complaints, the sheer volume and severity of issues flagged for the SU7 seem out of character for a brand that prides itself on tight integration between hardware and software.
Many drivers also expressed frustration at how long it took for service centers to address these defects. Some waited weeks for replacement parts or software patches, which only fueled negative sentiment. In a market where customer trust can make or break a new entrant, these delays are especially painful for Xiaomi.
The Decorative Carbon Hood Controversy
One of the most talked-about controversies swirling around the SU7 involves the optional carbon fiber hood. Xiaomi pitched this upgrade—priced at roughly 42,000 yuan (about $5,200)—as a performance-enhancing feature, claiming the large air intakes would help cool the EV’s powertrain during spirited drives. The pitch sounded great on paper, and many buyers were happy to soak up the premium look and supposed functionality.
Reality, however, was far less impressive. Those oversized vents proved to be purely aesthetic, with no real impact on temperature management or driving dynamics. Purchasers who shelled out extra cash for what they believed would be a performance upgrade felt duped. The incident quickly became a symbol of Xiaomi’s overpromising and underdelivering, casting doubt on the company’s commitment to honest marketing.
Social Media Backlash
Soon after the first disappointed owners took to social media, the story went viral. Hashtags calling out the ‘‘fake cooling vents’’ racked up millions of views on Chinese microblogging platforms. Users posted side-by-side comparisons of the SU7’s hood against functional air intakes on rival EV models, further amplifying the criticism.
This online uproar not only dented the SU7’s image but also highlighted a larger communication problem: Xiaomi seemed more focused on aesthetics and buzzwords than transparent engineering explanations. Prospective buyers started to wonder what else might be in the SU7 that looks cool but doesn’t deliver real performance benefits.
Xiaomi’s Efforts to Smooth Things Over
Confronted with mounting complaints and negative press, Xiaomi quickly issued a public apology and rolled out a compensation plan. Customers whose SU7s haven’t yet been delivered can opt for a standard aluminum hood at no extra cost. Those who’ve already taken delivery receive loyalty points—worth roughly 250 euros—to offset the hood upgrade price. It’s a gesture, but many SU7 owners argue it falls short given the original outlay.
Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, acknowledged that April was the most challenging month since the inception of Xiaomi Auto. He stressed that the company is taking the feedback seriously and will ramp up quality inspections, supply chain audits, and design reviews to prevent similar issues in future models.
Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned
Despite the rocky start, Xiaomi isn’t ready to throw in the towel. The company is already developing a follow-up model—an ultra-sporty EV that’s rumored to pack more power, advanced driver-assist features, and better build quality. Xiaomi plans to leverage its vast R&D resources and vast software expertise to turn these lessons into improvements.
For now, though, the SU7 saga stands as a stark reminder: even a tech giant with a loyal fan base can stumble when entering a complex industry like automotive. As Xiaomi double-checks its engineering specs and tightens quality controls, the world will be watching closely to see if the next chapter in its EV story is a rebound or another bump in the road.
