In a move to solidify its position in the competitive electric vehicle market, Xiaomi has taken the wraps off its significantly upgraded SU7 sedan. The announcement, made directly by founder and CEO Lei Jun during a live stream on January 7th, 2026, details a vehicle that pushes the envelope on performance, safety, and intelligent features, while also addressing recent public discourse. The new model is now available for pre-order with a planned market launch in the coming months, marking a critical next step for Xiaomi's automotive ambitions.
The Core Announcement and Live Stream Context
Lei Jun's live stream served as the primary platform for revealing the next-generation Xiaomi SU7. Scheduled for the evening of January 7th (20:00 China Standard Time), the broadcast was announced just hours earlier via Lei's social media. He explicitly framed the session as an opportunity to "introduce the new SU7" and to "respond to recent questions and doubts from the online community," inviting public queries in the comments. This direct-to-consumer approach underscores Xiaomi's tech-centric communication style and its effort to maintain an open dialogue amidst the scrutiny that follows any major product evolution in China's fast-paced EV sector.
Enhanced Specifications and Performance Claims
The technical upgrades for the new SU7 are substantial and focused on key areas of consumer concern: safety, range, and driving dynamics. In a significant safety push, Xiaomi has made laser radar a standard feature across the entire model range, enabling a more robust and comprehensive advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The company claims a "major new breakthrough" in driving range, though specific figures were not disclosed in the initial announcement; industry speculation points to targets exceeding 700 kilometers on a single charge. To improve the driving experience, the vehicle is equipped with a new, more advanced intelligent chassis system designed to enhance handling precision and ride comfort.
Intelligent Systems and Design Updates
Beyond core performance, the new SU7 receives a holistic upgrade to its digital ecosystem. Both the intelligent cockpit and the ADAS software have been updated to the latest versions, promising a smoother, more feature-rich user interface and more capable semi-autonomous driving functions. Aesthetically, the car introduces a new "Capri Blue" exterior color. Notably, this shade was developed with the assistance of Xiaomi's proprietary MiMo AI model, described as a Mediterranean sea color lying between sky blue and turquoise with distinct greenish undertones. The updates extend to new wheel designs and a refreshed interior cabin layout, completing the generational refresh.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Positioned as a "luxury high-performance pure electric sedan," the next-gen SU7 is now open for preliminary orders ("小订") as of 10:00 AM on January 7th. Xiaomi has set a pre-sale price range of CNY 229,900 to CNY 309,900 (approximately USD 31,800 to USD 42,800), with formal sales and deliveries scheduled to begin in April 2026. This pricing strategy places the SU7 firmly in the upper tier of the mass-market premium segment, competing directly with established players like the Tesla Model 3, Xpeng P7, and Nio ET5, while leveraging its standard high-end hardware like laser radar as a key differentiator.
Next-Gen Xiaomi SU7 Key Specifications & Data
- Pre-Sale Price Range: CNY 229,900 - CNY 309,900 (approx. USD 31.8k - 42.8k)
- Market Launch: April 2026 (Pre-orders opened January 7, 2026)
- Positioning: Luxury High-Performance Pure Electric Sedan
- Key Standard Feature: Laser Radar across all variants
- Claimed Improvement: "Major new breakthrough" in driving range
- New Systems: Advanced Intelligent Chassis; Upgraded Intelligent Cockpit & ADAS
- New Color: "Capri Blue" (AI-assisted definition via MiMo model)
- Other Updates: New wheel designs, refreshed interior cabin
Leadership Insight and the "Capri Blue" Story
A lighter, yet revealing moment from the live stream involved the story behind the new Capri Blue color. Lei Jun shared that the selection of this as the primary advertising and flagship color was a subject of intense internal debate a year prior. "The discussion was really intense," Lei admitted, "and in the end, they said it was chosen because of my insistence." This anecdote highlights the personal involvement of Xiaomi's iconic leader in product details and offers a glimpse into the company's decision-making process, where bold aesthetic choices can be driven from the top.
