Former Lamborghini design chief Fabian Schmölz joins Xiaomi Auto, report says

Fabian Schmölz, formerly the Chief Exterior Designer at Lamborghini, has joined Xiaomi Auto, according to Chinese media Sanyan Tech. Schmölz is set to assume the role of Head of Exterior Design for Xiaomi Auto Europe.

During Fabian Schmölz’s tenure at Lamborghini, he was instrumental in the design of the Temerario model. Prior to that, while at Porsche, his contributions included design work on the 718 Boxster, the VisionGT concept car, and the Mission E prototype, which later evolved into the Taycan.

The news comes as Xiaomi Auto’s inaugural models, the SU7 and YU7, have garnered considerable market attention. However, their exterior designs have also sparked debate among enthusiasts and the public. Some netizens have drawn comparisons between the Xiaomi SU7 and the Porsche Taycan, and the Xiaomi YU7 with the Ferrari Purosangue, leading to playful monikers such as “Mi-sche” (Xiaomi-Porsche) and “Fe-rami” (Ferrari-Xiaomi).

Addressing these design discussions, Li Tianyuan, General Manager of Industrial Design at Xiaomi Auto and Vice Chairman of the Group Design Committee, previously offered insights into the company’s approach. Li emphasised that Xiaomi Auto’s design team prioritises “emotional value,” asserting that while functional parameters can be benchmarked, emotional value is irreplaceable. He articulated Xiaomi Auto’s design philosophy as “creating designs that are scientific, compliant with natural laws, and intuitive.”

Li Tianyuan also highlighted the unique advantage for Chinese automotive designers in the era of new energy vehicles. He noted that while China’s traditional automotive sector may lack historical depth, the transition to new energy forms presents an opportunity for “corner overtaking,” freeing designers from past constraints. He believes that good design must not only meet practical user needs but also evoke emotional resonance and pleasure. Xiaomi Auto, he stated, meticulously considers user emotional experience in its design process, aiming to convey brand values and personality.

According to Sanyan Tech, this recruitment also strongly suggests that Xiaomi Auto is actively preparing for its expansion into international markets, with Europe likely being a key focus for its future endeavours.