Is China’s Xiaomi SU7 a Road Warrior or a Circuit Breaker? Shocking Track Failures Revealed

Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) model, the SU7, is causing controversy. Carscoops, a famous overseas automobile media outlet, reported that some SU7 drivers had accidents due to brake failure while driving on the track and losing control of the vehicle. The SU7 is a vehicle with excellent cost-effectiveness to the point that it has been nicknamed Mainland China’s Mistake.

The SU7 became a hot topic when the Ford CEO Jim Farley praised it. He left a one-line comment: “We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I’ve been driving it for six months now, and I don’t want to give it up.”

Cost-Effectiveness vs. Performance

Compared to Tesla’s Model 3, the SU7 is affordable without compromising performance. The base model offers a range of 434 miles with a 74 kWh battery pack, while the SU7 Max delivers an impressive 497 miles with a 101 kWh battery. Starting at 215,900 yuan (approximately $29,820), the SU7 has become an attractive option for price-conscious EV buyers, particularly in China.

Production Milestone Overshadowed by Brake Concerns

Thanks to this, Xiaomi’s representative recently announced on social media that the SU7 has surpassed 100,000 units in production. This is an incredible achievement made in just 230 days since its launch. Accordingly, Xiaomi announced that it will revise its production target of 60,000 EVs this year and increase production. Xiaomi plans to deliver 120,000 units by the end of this year.

A Chinese influencer reported crashing an SU7 at the Shanghai Tianma Circuit after the vehicle failed to handle a corner, citing significant brake pad wear after only five laps. While the SU7 Max delivers up to 663 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds, it appears the brake system struggled to keep up with its performance capabilities on the track.

Xiaomi Responds: “Not Designed for Circuit Use”

In response to the controversy, Xiaomi clarified that the SU7 Max is intended for road use, not track driving. The company explained that the NAO brake pads used in the vehicle are designed for balanced, everyday driving but may experience rapid wear under the high temperatures and extreme conditions of circuit driving. Xiaomi advised against using the car on tracks to prevent excessive wear and potential failures.

To address concerns and expand its lineup, Xiaomi is preparing to launch the SU7 Ultra, a top-spec model equipped with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes—430 mm (16.9 inches) at the front and 410 mm (16.1 inches) at the rear. This upgrade aims to make the Ultra suitable for track driving, showcasing Xiaomi’s willingness to adapt and improve in response to consumer feedback.