Remember when Xiaomi burst onto the auto scene at the end of 2023? The gadget guru famous for smartphones introduced its first-ever electric car, the SU7 sedan. It even spawned a supercharged SU7 Ultra in early 2024, packing a jaw-dropping 1,548 horsepower and rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in just under two seconds. All thanks to three electric motors pulling double duty under the hood.
But high-priced supercars come with big expectations—and bigger headaches. In recent weeks, Xiaomi has weathered its share of drama. First, a tragic crash took the lives of three young women, prompting the company to cap the SU7’s power via over-the-air update. That move sparked customer outrage, forcing Xiaomi to backpedal and apologize.
New Controversy: The Useless Carbon Fiber Hood
Just when the storm seemed to settle, a fresh controversy erupted around an optional carbon fiber hood for the SU7 Ultra. Priced at about 5,250 euros, Xiaomi billed it as a “track-grade cooling enhancement” with dual air intakes to keep those electric motors frosty under pressure. On paper, it sounded like the icing on an already impressive performance cake.
Reality check: independent auto bloggers at Car News China tested the superhood—and found it did virtually nothing. They placed a small silk ribbon near each vent, aimed a fan at the hood, and got zero airflow. In other words, the fancy scoops are more cosmetic than functional. SU7 buyers who shelled out extra now feel cheated and are demanding refunds.
Public Apology and Compensation Plan
Xiaomi didn’t sit on its hands after the hood fiasco blew up online. The company issued another public apology, admitting its marketing around the hood wasn’t crystal clear. It clarified that the carbon fiber piece was “mainly designed to mimic the prototype’s appearance,” while offering only “partial airflow guidance and auxiliary front compartment cooling.” In other words, it was made to look fast more than it actually cools.
To pacify unhappy customers, Xiaomi rolled out a compensation package. Folks still waiting for delivery can swap the carbon fiber hood for a standard aluminum one at no additional cost. Delivered SU7 owners will receive 20,000 loyalty points—about 250 euros in value. But considering the hood sticker price, many think this gesture falls short of what they paid.
Community Response and Outlook
The fallout has seen at least 300 SU7 owners now demanding full refunds for the pricey carbon fiber hood. Entire online communities have sprung up, urging Xiaomi to “take responsibility for its mistakes instead of passing the cost to consumers.” One disgruntled owner summed it up: “We bought a performance hood, not a plastic prop. We deserve better.”
Will Xiaomi double down on its current plan, or will pressure from hundreds of angry owners force a rethink? Either way, the SU7’s reputation is on shaky ground. For a brand that built its name on cutting-edge tech and tight attention to detail, this misstep feels especially out of character. Stay tuned—Xiaomi’s next move could determine whether the SU7 ends up as an EV icon or a cautionary tale in automotive hype.
