Test drive: Xiaomi SU7 is a capable EV that is a win for the buyer – Technologist

Contributing to the Xiaomi sensation has been the legion of loyal fans. On the way, though, there has been controversy. First, it looks similar to the Porsche Taycan and has influences from McLaren. Secondly, there were a number of highly publicised crashes and quality problems. So is the car actually any good or is it all just a fanboy effect?

There is no doubt the SU7 looks good, but it would have been better if Xiaomi had tried to create more of its own look rather than pay homage to supercars. My test car was in aqua blue, a near turquoise hue, which when I tried to take a picture of it surprisingly appeared a rather ordinary blue on my camera screen. That was not the only surprise; under the bonnet is a 105-litre boot, which is large for an electric saloon.

Any new electric car worth its amps has some form of welcoming ceremony. In the case of the SU7, the word “Xiaomi” is projected on the floor as you open the door and the 7.1-inch instrument panel rotates on. As can be expected, the main screen is from Xiaomi and at 16.1 inches is a bit bigger than in most of the competition.