Xiaomi is in the final stages of preparing its next-generation SU7 electric sedan for market after it discontinues the first-gen model. Following founder and CEO Lei Jun’s recent announcement that the vehicle is “coming soon,” a site visit by 21st Century Business Herald to Xiaomi’s Beijing Yizhuang factory revealed significant activity surrounding the new model.
Reporters observed approximately 80 next-generation SU7 vehicles being transported from the factory during a one-hour observation period. At this rate, 21CBH estimates its daily shipments could reach 800 units, potentially allowing Xiaomi to build an inventory of around 16,000 vehicles by the end of March.
This production capacity represents a marked improvement over the original SU7 launch, which saw delivery wait times stretch to approximately 30 weeks. The preparation for this model upgrade suggests Xiaomi is confident about meeting demand while reducing delivery timeframes for early customers.
Xiaomi announced the upgrade of its new SU7 in advance, opened pre-orders in January, and simultaneously removed the first-generation model from its online store.
The company has gradually revealed details about the upgraded vehicle’s new colours, extended range, and driver assistance features. Display models began appearing in stores before the Chinese New Year holiday, strategically timed to capitalise on peak customer traffic during the festival period.
“The next-generation SU7 arrived at our store before the Spring Festival, coinciding perfectly with the holiday period, and the effect was very noticeable,” said the manager of a Xiaomi store in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. The store reported natural customer traffic during the holiday period, reaching five times normal weekday levels.
New colour options are proving to be a particular draw. The next-generation SU7 introduces a Capri Blue option and a striking Sunset Red, which has attracted customers from cities as far away as Tangshan and Chifeng specifically to view the new colour in person.
The new SU7 is offered in three versions—Standard, Pro, and Max—with pre-sale prices of 229,900 yuan (32,800 USD), 259,900 yuan (37,100 USD), and 309,900 yuan (44,300 USD), respectively. These prices represent increases of up to 14,000 yuan (2,000 USD) compared to the first-generation model.
Despite the price increase in a market where many competitors are cutting prices, Xiaomi sales representatives report that customers generally find the value proposition compelling. The upgrades include standard LiDAR across all models, Xiaomi’s HAD end-to-end driving assistance, wider rear tyres, four-piston fixed brake callipers, and significantly improved range. The Pro version now offers a CLTC-rated range of 902 kilometres, while the Max version reaches 835 kilometres.
Safety features have also been enhanced. Lei Jun has highlighted that 90.3% of the vehicle body is composed of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy, with 2200MPa “Xiaomi ultra-strong steel” used in key areas, including the embedded roll cage and door impact beams. All models now include nine airbags, adding two side airbags for rear passengers.
As of February 28, 2026, Xiaomi has established 488 stores across 141 cities in China, with 275 service centres covering 159 cities.
Xiaomi’s 2026 sales target of 550,000 vehicles represents a year-over-year increase of approximately 34%. While this growth rate may not seem aggressive in isolation, it represents a challenge for a relatively new automotive brand still in its expansion phase.
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