China’s take of the Nissan GTR

Just as Nissan Japan stopped taking orders for the GT-R R35, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra enters the high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market, showcasing Xiaomi’s ambition to compete with established luxury and performance brands. On 1 March, Dongfeng Nissan congratulated Xiaomi on the launch of the SU7 Ultra, recalling the GT-R’s Nürburgring success. The day after, Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun thanked Nissan, praised the GT-R as legendary, and committed Xiaomi to challenging top competitors like Porsche in the electric era.

Launched in China with a starting price of 529,900 yuan (approximately USD 72,830), the SU7 Ultra is a technological marvel. It boasts a peak power output of 1,526 horsepower and a blistering zero-to-hundred acceleration time of 1.98 seconds. As of the day of testing, the waiting time for the SU7 Ultra is around 20 weeks, and if you order the SU7 Ultra with the handmade carbon fibre bonnet, you will need to wait up to 41 weeks! Let’s take a look at what makes the SU7 Ultra the hottest car in China right now.

Exterior

The SU7 Ultra variant distinguishes itself with a larger front spoiler, enhanced brakes, and a wider body. Details include a 24-carat gold emblem on the front end, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The SU7 Ultra’s dimensions are 5,115 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,465 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. The car’s rear spoiler, with a width of 1,560 mm and a cord length of 240 mm, works in tandem with an active rear diffuser to generate 285 kg of downforce at high speeds. This aerodynamic design ensures stability and performance, even at extreme velocities.

The car rides on 21-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero 5 tyres, complemented by 430-mm carbon ceramic brake discs at the front—the largest ever fitted to a sports car. The rear brakes feature 410-mm discs, and the Akebono 6-piston front and 4-piston rear callipers ensure exceptional stopping power. Xiaomi claims the SU7 Ultra can brake from 100 km/h to a standstill in 30.8 meters.

Interior

Step inside the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that blends luxury and performance. The interior is adorned with carbon fibre, covering 3.74 square meters across 17 locations, including the front seat, centre console, door sills, steering wheel, and roof. This extensive use of carbon fibre enhances the car’s sporty aesthetic and contributes to a 12 kg weight reduction.

The SU7 Ultra’s interior features sporty Alcantara-covered seats, which cover 5 square meters of the cabin, including the steering wheel, door cards, and dashboard. Alcantara is 50% lighter than traditional leather, improving the car’s dynamic performance. The front seats have a 10-point massage function. Almost every detail from the SU7 Max we tested last year has been upgraded.

The car’s centrepiece is a large OLED display on the centre console, complemented by an augmented reality head-up display. The SU7 Ultra supports voice control and recognition. Other notable features include dual 50W wireless phone charging pads, double-layer glass for all four doors, 25 speakers, including independent driver seat speakers, and a drinks cooler/ warmer, which is optional for an extra 2,000 yuan (275 USD).

The intelligent driving system features three LiDARs, twelve cameras, and five millimeter-wave radars, as well as the navigation on autopilot (NOA) system and the advanced Xiaomi HAD self-parking system.

Behind the Wheel

The car comes alive with purpose and precision when you step inside it. The tri-motor setup, delivering 1,526 horsepower and 1,770 Nm of torque, ensures the SU7 Ultra is always ready to unleash its full potential. The acceleration is mind-blowing: 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.98 seconds. This isn’t just fast—it’s hypercar territory, and it’s achieved without the roar of a combustion engine, replaced by the surge of electric power.

On the road, the SU7 Ultra feels like a predator ready to strike. However, it is surprisingly docile in standard driving mode, with smooth power delivery and a suspension setup that easily soaks up road imperfections. The dual-chamber air suspension independently adjusts stiffness and ground clearance, ensuring a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces. The steering is very responsive.

Switch to sport mode, and the SU7 Ultra transforms into a different beast. The throttle response becomes razor-sharp, and the suspension stiffens, providing a more connected feel to the road. The car’s low centre of gravity and advanced torque vectoring system ensure exceptional cornering stability. Even at high speeds, the SU7 Ultra remains planted, inspiring confidence in the driver. With their massive 430-mm front discs, the carbon ceramic brakes provide immense stopping power, bringing the car to a halt from 100 km/h in just 30.8 meters. Moreover, the brakes maintain their efficiency even after repeated hard stops.

During our test drive, the SU7 Ultra precisely tackled tight corners, exhibiting minimal body roll and near-neutral handling. The torque vectoring system enhances grip, allowing the car to power through corners quickly and easily. The active rear spoiler and diffuser work in tandem to generate 285 kg of downforce at high speeds.

For those who crave even more excitement, the SU7 Ultra offers a drift mode. This rear-wheel-drive-focused setting allows drivers to slide the car through corners, adding a layer of fun.

The SU7 Ultra’s intelligent driving system adds a layer of convenience for everyday use and longer drives. The Navigation On Autopilot (NOA) system and valet parking are impressive. During our test, the autonomous driving features performed well, though occasional lane changes felt hesitant, and braking transitions could be smoother. These are minor quibbles, however, in an otherwise stellar system.

Verdict

We are always filled with excitement whenever we test a new Xiaomi vehicle. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a remarkable achievement for a first-time automaker. Despite being an SU7 variant, every detail has been upgraded from the SU7 Max we tested last year. It combines blistering performance, striking design, and cutting-edge technology into a package that can rival established players in the high-performance EV segment.

Priced at 529,900 yuan (approximately USD 72,830), the SU7 Ultra offers exceptional value for its performance and features. The only option at a similar price range will be the BMW M2. Until March 31, buyers can enjoy free interior and exterior carbon packages, further enhancing its appeal. With over 3,680 orders placed within 10 minutes of its presales launch, the SU7 Ultra has already proven its popularity.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra turns heads just like when we tested the SU7 Max last year. It is a compelling choice for those seeking a car that can dominate the track while still being comfortable enough for daily family use.

Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra evolves its automotive ambitions, building on the SU7 with advanced features and high performance. Over 15,000 pre-orders were placed in hours, reflecting growing consumer confidence. By challenging Tesla and Porsche, Xiaomi is proving its long-term commitment to the EV market, leveraging its tech expertise to deliver competitive vehicles.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.