Xiaomi’s SU7: A Breakthrough in Electric Vehicle Design
The Transition from Smart Devices to Cars: Xiaomi’s Success Story
The automotive industry has witnessed the rise of electric vehicles, attracting various companies to venture into this domain. One such company is Xiaomi, a renowned Chinese smartphone maker. With their foray into the electric vehicle market, Xiaomi has managed to make a significant impact, according to Chris Bangle.
Chris Bangle: A Design Visionary
Chris Bangle, the former design director at BMW, left an indelible mark on the German automaker during his tenure. Despite some controversy surrounding his designs, Bangle’s influence on BMW’s future direction was acknowledged by Klaus Draeger, BMW’s head of development. In 2009, Bangle established his own design studio and consultancy firm, Chris Bangle Associates. It is in this capacity that he has been involved in assessing Xiaomi’s all-electric sedan, the SU7.
Bangle’s Impression of Xiaomi’s SU7
In a promotional video released by Xiaomi, Bangle expresses his admiration for the SU7’s design. He commends its balanced proportions and praises the impressive interior. Bangle believes that the SU7 is not over-designed and credits the team behind it for their accomplishment.
Former BMW Designers Shaping Xiaomi’s Future
The appeal of the SU7 to Bangle comes as no surprise, considering that Sawyer Li, another former BMW designer, is leading Xiaomi EV’s design department. Although their tenures at BMW did not overlap, Li has carried on Bangle’s design legacy and now has the opportunity to establish his own.
The Right Start for Xiaomi
Bangle sees Xiaomi’s SU7 as an emotional entry point into the automotive market. He believes it aligns perfectly with Xiaomi’s vision and represents a promising start for the smartphone brand’s venture into electric vehicles.
The Power and Performance of Xiaomi’s SU7
In addition to its impressive design, the SU7 boasts remarkable performance. The top trim of the car features two motors producing 664 horsepower (673 PS / 495 kW), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.78 seconds. With a 101 kWh battery, the SU7 can travel up to 497 miles (800 km) on a single charge. Bangle’s assessment that this is a strong beginning for Xiaomi’s electric vehicle endeavors is hard to dispute.