Xiaomi Raises Prices for 2026 SU7 EV Lineup as CEO Cites Mounting Cost Pressures
Xiaomi officially unveiled the 2026 iteration of its flagship SU7 electric vehicle sedan on Tuesday, confirming a price hike across all model variants. The announcement, released abruptly in a manner reminiscent of recent competitor launches, sets the market launch for April.
Founder and CEO Lei Jun addressed the pricing strategy during a livestream, stating that cost pressures have become unsustainable. Lei noted that while the company typically adheres to a strategy of adding features without raising prices, current economic realities made that impossible for the new generation.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The pre-sale pricing for the 2026 SU7 shows an increase over the 2024 launch prices across the board:
- Standard Version: 229,900 yuan (US$31,700), up from 215,900 yuan.
- Pro Version: 259,900 yuan, up from 245,900 yuan.
- Max Version: 309,900 yuan, up from 299,900 yuan.
Despite the announced increases, market observers note that final listing prices could potentially adjust following further internal deliberations before the official sale date.
Technical and Performance Upgrades
The 2026 model introduces significant upgrades to the vehicle’s "three electrics" system (battery, motor, and electronic control). The entire lineup has been upgraded to the Xiaomi V6s Plus motor, sharing hardware with the YU7 model, which offers optimized performance and efficiency.
Crucially, the entire series now utilizes a Silicon Carbide (SiC) high-voltage platform. The Standard and Pro versions operate on a 752V platform, while the Max version utilizes an 897V platform. These changes have resulted in extended CLTC ranges:
- Standard: 720km (up from 700km).
- Pro: 902km (up from 830km).
- Max: 835km (up from 800km).
Charging speeds have also improved, with the Max version capable of adding 670km of range in 15 minutes. During the livestream, Lei clarified recent rumors regarding the vehicle's range, specifying that while he drove 1,300km from Beijing to Shanghai, the vehicle required one charging stop, correcting misinterpretations that the trip was completed on a single charge.
Safety and Structural Enhancements
Xiaomi has prioritized passive safety in the 2026 model. The vehicle now incorporates 2200MPa ultra-strong steel for the four door beams and the "integrated roll cage" spanning from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, an upgrade from the previous 2000MPa steel. Lei highlighted that this material was jointly developed with Yucaitang.
Additional safety features include:
- Two new rear side airbags, bringing the total to nine.
- A 1500MPa anti-scrape bottom beam and "bulletproof coating" to protect the battery pack.
Standardized Advanced Features
The automaker has moved several features previously reserved for high-end trims to standard equipment. All 2026 SU7 models now include:
- Braking: Front four-piston fixed calipers.
- Tires: Rear wide tires (Front 245mm, Rear 265mm).
- ADAS: LiDAR, 4D millimeter-wave radar, and 700TOPS computing power supporting Xiaomi’s HAD end-to-end driving assistance.
However, the Pro and Max trims retain exclusive features such as closed dual-chamber air suspension and CDC dampers, with the Max further distinguished by Brembo calipers and low-metal brake pads.
Design Updates
While the exterior remains largely unchanged aside from a new "Capri Blue" color option, new 20-inch wheels, and minor sensor layout adjustments, the interior has undergone a significant overhaul. Changes include an oval steering wheel replacing the D-shape design, a redesigned center console with aligned toggle buttons similar to the YU7 layout, and a new "Dark Night Black" interior scheme.
Customer Policy
Addressing backlog concerns, Xiaomi stated that customers with locked orders for the older model who have not yet taken delivery can participate in a limited-time upgrade program. Eligible customers will receive priority production scheduling for the 2026 model.