Ford CEO Jim Farley has recently turned heads by choosing an unexpected daily driver: the Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle (EV). As the leader of one of America’s most iconic automakers, Farley’s decision to drive a Chinese-made EV for the past six months—and his glowing praise for it—has sparked curiosity. This article explores how Ford CEO Drives Xiaomi SU7 EV.
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What is the Xiaomi SU7?
The Xiaomi SU7 marks the bold entry of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi—best known for smartphones and consumer electronics—into the electric vehicle market. Launched in March 2024, this compact battery-electric sedan has taken China by storm. Priced at an affordable starting point of around $30,000, the SU7 combines cutting-edge technology with competitive performance. Key features include:
Range: Over 500 miles on a single charge, rivaling top-tier EVs.
Autonomous Driving: Advanced capabilities for a hands-free experience.
Smart Integration: Seamless connectivity with Xiaomi’s ecosystem of devices.
Design: A sleek, modern aesthetic that appeals to luxury sedan fans.
Since its debut, Xiaomi has delivered 135,000 units and secured over 248,000 orders, cementing the SU7’s status as a breakout hit in China’s booming EV market. Its success has even caught the eye of global industry leaders like Ford’s Jim Farley.
Jim Farley’s Experience with the Xiaomi SU7
In a revealing interview on The Fully Charged Podcast, Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, shared his firsthand experience with the Xiaomi SU7. “I don’t like talking about the competition so much, but I drive the Xiaomi,” Farley admitted. “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.” His enthusiasm is unmistakable—he called the SU7 “fantastic” and hailed Xiaomi as an “industry juggernaut” with a consumer brand that outshines many traditional automakers.
Farley’s decision to drive the SU7 daily isn’t just a personal preference; it’s a strategic move. By immersing himself in the competition, he’s gaining critical insights into the advancements driving the electric vehicle landscape—particularly from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi.
Implications for the Automotive Industry
Farley’s praise for the Xiaomi SU7 underscores a seismic shift in the automotive world: the rise of Chinese EV manufacturers. Companies like Xiaomi, BYD, and NIO are churning out high-quality, affordable EVs that challenge the dominance of Western giants like Ford. The SU7’s success in China, coupled with Farley’s endorsement, signals that these brands are poised to make waves globally.
For Ford, this moment is a call to action. While the company has made strides with popular models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, staying competitive requires relentless innovation. Farley’s hands-on approach with the SU7 reflects his commitment to understanding rivals and adapting to the fast-evolving EV market. It also highlights a broader truth: Western automakers can no longer dismiss Chinese EVs as regional players—they’re global contenders.
Jim Farley’s six-month journey with the Xiaomi SU7 is more than a personal anecdote; it’s a wake-up call for the automotive industry. As Chinese EV manufacturers like Xiaomi innovate and expand, traditional powerhouses like Ford must evolve to keep pace. Farley’s willingness to embrace and learn from the competition showcases his forward-thinking leadership. The future of driving is undeniably electric, and with players like Xiaomi leading the charge, the road ahead promises to be both exciting and fiercely competitive.
Xiaomi has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the introduction of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. This flagship electric vehicle (EV) is engineered for high-performance driving, seamlessly blending exceptional power with cutting-edge technology. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is not just a car; it’s a thrilling experience, perfect for both daily commutes and track days. With its advanced features, this sedan is set to redefine the standards of performance and luxury in the automotive industry.
The heart of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is its impressive powertrain, featuring a tri-motor setup and an optimized battery system derived from the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype. This powerhouse generates a staggering 1548 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 1.98 seconds. Additionally, it boasts a top speed of 350 km/h, making it one of the fastest four-door sedans ever produced. The vehicle’s cooling system is engineered for track performance, enabling it to complete two laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife without overheating, a testament to its robust engineering.
Moreover, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s braking system is equally impressive, achieving a stopping distance of just 30.8 meters from 100 km/h to a complete stop. The chassis is meticulously tuned for optimal performance on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, ensuring superior control and responsiveness. As a factory-ready “race car,” it combines advanced intelligent driving features with a luxurious interior, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Record-Breaking Performance at Nürburgring Nordschleife
On October 28, 2024, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype made headlines by completing its inaugural lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, breaking a seven-year record for the fastest four-door sedan with an astonishing time of 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a Chinese brand has claimed the title of “Fastest Four-Door Car in the World” at this renowned track. Xiaomi EV is committed to exploring revolutionary innovations in pure electric technology and validating its vehicles through rigorous testing.
The production version of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is set to challenge the Nürburgring Nordschleife next year, further solidifying its reputation as a high-performance vehicle. Currently, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is available for pre-order, with an official launch scheduled for March 2025. The pre-order price is set at approximately 814,900 yuan (around $110,000 or €102,000), with a deposit of 10,000 yuan required for early buyers.
Design Focused on Performance and Functionality
The design of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality, prioritizing maximum performance without unnecessary embellishments. Based on the Xiaomi SU7 Max, the exterior features an aerodynamic kit that enhances its aggressive stance. Measuring 5115 mm in length, 1970 mm in width, and 1465 mm in height, the car’s dimensions contribute to its sporty appearance.
At the front, a large splitter and air deflector work together with U-shaped air curtains to increase aerodynamic load. The expanded air intake grill improves heat dissipation by 10%, while an adaptive rear diffuser balances drag and aerodynamic load for efficient daily driving. Additionally, the fixed carbon fiber rear wing provides significant aerodynamic load at high speeds, achieving a maximum aerodynamic load of 285 kg, comparable to that of a supercar.
Inside, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra emphasizes a sporty atmosphere with enhanced seating and steering wheel design. The sports seats offer improved lateral support with quick response times, ensuring excellent body control during intense driving. They feature exclusive embroidered stripes and the Ultra logo, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty aesthetic.
Advanced Technology Meets Luxury
The steering wheel of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra features a completely new design, with flat top and bottom sections tailored for racing. Made from improved carbon fiber, it provides a non-slip grip covered in Alcantara®️ microfiber. A yellow centering marker at the 12 o’clock position aids in handling during intense driving. The overall design, complemented by yellow seatbelts and a red Boost button on the steering wheel, creates a race-ready cabin atmosphere.
The interior materials have also been elevated, featuring Italian Alcantara®️ microfiber across more than 5 m² of the vehicle. This luxurious material wraps around all contact surfaces, including the seats, steering wheel grips, dashboard seams, and door panels, providing a premium feel and immersive driving environment.
Additionally, the extensive use of carbon fiber not only enhances the sporty aesthetic but also reduces weight. Carbon fiber components can be found in various locations throughout the vehicle, including the front seat backs, center console, and door sills. The lightweight carbon fiber roof reduces the vehicle’s weight by 12 kg, contributing to overall performance.
Unmatched Acceleration and Top Speed
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra stands out as the world’s fastest production four-door sedan, achieving a remarkable 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 1.98 seconds. This performance is supported by an advanced tri-motor configuration, consisting of two V8 electric motors and one V6 electric motor. This setup represents the mass production debut of Xiaomi’s HyperEngine V8, capable of reaching a maximum revolution of 27,200 rpm, making it the most powerful mass-produced electric motor available.
The vehicle’s battery system is equally advanced, featuring the CATL Qilin 2.0 battery pack optimized for high performance. With a maximum discharge rate of 16C and a peak discharge power of 1330 kW, the battery maintains impressive performance even when energy levels drop to 20%. The rapid charging capability allows for a 10% to 80% charge in just 11 minutes, with a CLTC range of 630 km, perfectly balancing high performance with long-range capabilities.
Xiaomi has also enhanced the SU7 Ultra’s cooling system, significantly improving the performance of the compressor, water pump, cooling fan, and radiator. The maximum heat dissipation reaches 2.7 million joules per minute, three times the capacity of a typical electric vehicle, ensuring consistent performance during intense driving conditions.
Cutting-Edge Braking System for Optimal Safety
Safety is paramount in the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Sedan, which features a top-tier braking system with carbon-ceramic brake discs, high-performance fixed calipers, and advanced brake pads. The vehicle achieves an impressive stopping distance of just 30.8 meters from 100 km/h to a complete stop. It can endure ten consecutive braking tests from 180 km/h to 0 without any fade, showcasing its superior braking capabilities.
The front brake discs, measuring 430 mm in diameter, are the largest carbon-ceramic discs currently fitted to any sedan. Compared to conventional steel discs, carbon-ceramic discs withstand temperatures exceeding 1300 °C and are significantly lighter, with a lifespan exceeding 500,000 km. This innovative braking system not only enhances performance but also reduces the vehicle’s overall weight by 57 kg.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is also equipped with Akebono®️ high-performance calipers, featuring six-piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. This setup provides exceptional braking performance, complemented by ENDLESS®️ racing-grade brake pads that maintain stable braking force even at high temperatures.
Tailored Chassis System for Track Performance
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s chassis system is specifically optimized for the Nürburgring Nordschleife, ensuring superior handling and control. This sedan is ready for the track right off the production line. The suspension system utilizes dual-chamber air springs and high-performance continuous damping control (CDC), allowing for enhanced spring stiffness and adjustable damping range.
For track enthusiasts, a professional-grade Bilstein®️ EVO T1 coilover kit is available, offering maximum spring stiffness of 300 N/mm and damping forces of up to 9000 N. With ten levels of compression and rebound damping adjustments, this system significantly enhances control during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
The tri-motor setup also enables torque vectoring, dynamically distributing power to the wheels based on real-time conditions. This results in improved handling and stability, especially during cornering. The system can adjust torque distribution in milliseconds, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Immersive Driving Experience with Advanced User Interface
To complement its high performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra introduces an immersive visual and auditory experience through its exclusive Racetrack Master application. This app provides comprehensive vehicle information, including real-time lap times, vehicle status, and driving mode adjustments.
The central control display, instrument panel, and HUD interfaces have been upgraded, featuring a sportier design. The SU7 Ultra offers three new sporty sound waves—superpower, supersonic, and superpulse—enhanced by a 40W external speaker for an engaging auditory experience.
The Racetrack Master app allows users to set benchmark lap times and track their performance against these standards. After each race, drivers can access historical lap statistics and visual analyses of key parameters such as maximum speed, G-force, steering angle, and braking force. The ability to export and share race videos with a single click adds to the competitive thrill.
Xiaomi EV has partnered with 20 professional tracks in China, integrating track maps and rankings into the Racetrack Master app, with plans to add more tracks in the future.
Comprehensive Driving Modes for Every Occasion
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra offers a variety of driving modes tailored for both track performance and daily use. For track enthusiasts, options include endurance mode, qualifying mode, drift mode, and a master custom mode, ensuring endless driving enjoyment. For everyday driving, modes such as beginner, economical, wet, and sport provide flexibility and safety.
To activate track mode for the first time, drivers must possess specific driving skills or certifications, ensuring safety on the track. Daily driving modes incorporate power and speed limitations for a secure experience.
Pre-orders for the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra are now open at a price of approximately 814,900 yuan, with a deposit of 10,000 yuan required for early buyers.
Conclusion: The Ultimate High-Performance Sedan
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a high-performance beast that appeals to those who crave the thrill of driving and seek the extraordinary. It seamlessly combines luxury and technology, making it suitable for both daily commutes and exhilarating track experiences. With its top-tier technological capabilities, the SU7 Ultra is poised to revolutionize the automotive landscape, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and innovation.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Sedan
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is the ultimate high-performance sedan, offering an extraordinary driving experience for enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
Xiaomi, EV, SU7 Ultra, high-performance, electric vehicle, luxury sedan
Every electric vehicle (EV) owner’s common concern is undoubtedly the driving range. While a traditional combustion engine car merely requires a gas station to refuel, an EV demands a specialized charging station—or a massive power bank in the trunk. This factor is why many potential buyers hesitate to adopt electric cars, allowing hybrids to pave the way from fossil fuel vehicles to full-electric ones.
But what if we could sidestep the need for extensive infrastructure? What if any standard parking lot could double as a charging station? Enter Xiaomi’s groundbreaking patent—a unique solution where a small autonomous car powers up another parked vehicle, even while in motion.
The Game-Changing Xiaomi Car Charging Experience
Xiaomi’s patent, teased last year but delved into deeper recently, envisions the same ‘wireless’ charging tech present in their renowned mobile lines—Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO. But here’s the twist: it’s adapted and advanced for vehicles. How? Picture this—a secondary autonomous vehicle or “charging tanker” wirelessly charging the primary EV.
The innovative design features a compact autonomous charging car equipped with a battery. When an EV needs juice, this charger-on-wheels approaches, aligns perfectly using autonomous tech, connects, and kickstarts the charging process. While details are still unfolding, the patent outlines a highly futuristic method: A large coil connects the charging wagon to the vehicle, ensuring a seamless connection throughout.
Challenges and The Road Ahead
But, as with all innovations, there are potential hurdles. Primarily, if intended for parked cars, the system appears more intricate than standard wired charging. Imagine a parking lot swarming with EVs and these nimble charging bots darting about—it’s hard to picture without the usual cord chaos synonymous with regular EV charging stations.
The patent does offer a unique solution: towing the charging car akin to a trailer, powering up the EV en route. This vision mirrors how fuel tankers refuel fighter jets mid-flight. Still, such an innovation demands breakthroughs in charger transmission tech, ensuring the EV’s batteries efficiently handle incoming power while simultaneously driving.
One can’t help but wonder if this patent will materialize or morph into something even more effective. But the mere idea—driving down a highway, having a vehicle approach, connect, and recharge your battery—is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Features to Note:
Autonomous Charging: An entirely hands-free charging experience. Drive and let Xiaomi take care of the rest.
Wireless Power Transfer: Forget the cables. Embrace the future with cordless charging.
Seamless Connectivity: The patented tech ensures uninterrupted power flow, providing efficient charging on-the-go.
In conclusion, while there are questions on the practicality and efficiency of such a system, one can’t deny the vision’s sheer brilliance. With Xiaomi at the forefront of this innovation, the future of EV charging, and by extension, the automotive world, is looking more exciting than ever.
Xiaomi Car Charging Experience
Dive into the future of EVs with Xiaomi’s groundbreaking autonomous and wireless car charging experience.
Tags: Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, EV, electric vehicle, autonomous charging, wireless charging, EV battery, charging tech, charging innovation, automotive future.
