Caixin

Xiaomi Revamps SU7 With Safety Upgrades After Fatal Crashes

Published: Mar. 20, 2026  9:52 p.m.  GMT+8
00:00
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article 1x
Lei Jun, chairman of Xiaomi, showcases the new-generation SU7 at a launch event in Beijing on March 19, 2026. Photo: VCG
Lei Jun, chairman of Xiaomi, showcases the new-generation SU7 at a launch event in Beijing on March 19, 2026. Photo: VCG

Xiaomi Corp. unveiled a revamped version of its SU7 electric sedan late March 19, emphasizing enhanced safety features after two fatal crashes involving the original model raised concerns.

The update comes nearly two years after the smartphone maker entered the electric-vehicle market. It introduces key hardware upgrades aimed at addressing public worries over the limits of smart-driving systems and electronic door locks, while keeping price increases modest to preserve competitiveness.

loadingImg
You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
  • Xiaomi launched a revamped SU7 electric sedan with upgraded safety features following two fatal crashes, adding LiDAR, 4D radar, and mechanical door handles.
  • Despite a ~20,000 yuan increase in material costs, the SU7’s price rose just 4,000 yuan to 219,900 yuan; 240,000 units were delivered in 2025, surpassing Tesla Model 3 in China.
  • Xiaomi targets 550,000 vehicle deliveries in 2026 and plans to launch new models every 2–3 months; shares dropped 8.6% after the update.
AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
Xiaomi Corp.
Xiaomi Corp. launched an updated SU7 electric sedan with enhanced safety features following two fatal crashes. The new model includes LiDAR and 4D millimeter-wave radar as standard, along with redundant backup power for door locks and mechanical exterior handles. Despite significant material upgrades, the price increase is modest. Xiaomi delivered over 240,000 SU7s in 2025 and aims for 550,000 vehicle deliveries in 2026. The company plans to release new EV models regularly to maintain consumer interest.
Tesla Inc.
Tesla Inc. is mentioned in the article as a key competitor to Xiaomi Corp. in the electric vehicle market. In 2025, Xiaomi's SU7 model delivered over 240,000 units, surpassing Tesla's Model 3.
Goldman Sachs
A Goldman Sachs report mentioned that Xiaomi is anticipated to launch a YU7 GT model around mid-2026. Additionally, an extended-range electric SUV could be introduced by the end of the third quarter of the same year. This strategy aims to maintain consumer interest through frequent new or updated product releases every two to three months.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
March 2024:
Initial launch of Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan.
March 2025:
Three people were killed in Tongling, Anhui province, after a collision involving a Xiaomi SU7 with the smart-driving system active.
June 2025:
Xiaomi launched its second model, the YU7.
October 2025:
A fatal accident occurred in Chengdu, Sichuan province, when an SU7 caught fire and a low-voltage power failure prevented the doors from opening.
2025:
Xiaomi delivered more than 240,000 SU7 vehicles.
2025:
Combined deliveries of SU7 and YU7 reached 411,000 units.
Late March 19, 2026:
Xiaomi unveiled a revamped version of its SU7 electric sedan with enhanced safety features.
March 20, 2026:
Shares of Hong Kong-listed Xiaomi fell 8.6% to HK$33.2.
AI generated, for reference only
Subscribe to unlock Digest Hub
SUBSCRIBE NOW
NEWSLETTERS
Get our CX Daily, weekly Must-Read and China Green Bulletin newsletters delivered free to your inbox, bringing you China's top headlines.

We ‘ve added you to our subscriber list.

Manage subscription
PODCAST
China Business Uncovered Podcast: Inside the Fall of ‘China’s LVMH’
00:00
00:00/00:00