In the glow of its front lighting elements, Xiaomi’s Su7 reveals an unmistakable X – a signature touch from Xiaomi. This feature aligns seamlessly with a broader shift in automotive design, where lighting elements now carry much of the brand identity previously held by the grille. Gone are the perforated masks of combustion engines, replaced by sleek panels and a practical storage compartment under the hood.

But the illuminated X is more than just a design statement – it’s a testament to Xiaomi’s obsessive attention to detail. The Su7 combines sporty, aerodynamic lines with an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.195, figures typically reserved for concept cars. Yet, it remains a family car. Critics have noted its resemblance to the Porsche Taycan, with similar comparisons drawn between Xiaomi’s Yu7 SUV and the Ferrari Purosangue. These debates on originality, common in discussions about Chinese design, often transcend individual products, sparking polarized opinions across industries.

Xiaomi is best known for its expansive range of tech products, from air fryers to scooters, smart scales to audio devices, and, most notably, smartphones. Like its smartphones, Xiaomi’s debut car is available in various configurations: Pro, Ultra, and Max, with prices starting around €30,000 and rising based on options. Offered in 10 colors, the Su7 is currently sold exclusively in China, where over 100,000 units have already been delivered. Buyers can customize their car entirely through an app or online portal. Over Christmas, a Max model with a deep navy blue finish – reportedly a favorite of Xiaomi co-founder and CEO Lei Jun – was displayed in Milan, where we had the chance to step inside. All signs point to a European launch, perhaps as soon as next year, though import duties will likely push prices higher than in China.

Many people have stepped into a Tesla expecting the automotive equivalent of a sleek, glass-walled living room, only to find something more similar to a modest breakfast nook. The Su7, however, tells a different story. Its interior is remarkably comfortable, with the rear seats offering even more space and luxury than the driver’s seat. Much of its onboard technology draws from Xiaomi’s extensive experience with smart home devices – similar to Dyson’s ambitious, though ultimately abandoned, attempt at car design. Passenger comfort is clearly a priority. The Su7 includes an air freshener with three scent options and a food storage compartment that can cool beverages or warm meals. A Dolby Atmos sound system enhances the experience, alongside a central display that’s practically the size of a flat-screen TV. Rear passengers can also opt for two additional screens, underscoring the Su7’s focus on self-driving. Among the standout features are two small circular displays above the main screen. These evoke the charm of classic car gauges while functioning as smartwatch interfaces.

Like a smartphone, the Su7 runs on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s operating system, designed to seamlessly integrate the Human x Car x Home ecosystem. This technology ensures a smooth, intuitive user experience by connecting car functions with home devices and smartphones. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and multiple driving modes, the Su7’s infotainment system is far more sophisticated than what most drivers are accustomed to. The Max model is already prepared for autonomous driving, leveraging Xiaomi’s Pilot system with a lidar module mounted above the windshield and powered by the Nvidia Drive Orin platform. Parking the car is as easy as tapping a button.

Xiaomi bridges the gap between home and car environments with its voice command functionality. While speaking to smart home devices has become second nature for many, talking to a car still feels like science fiction. Yet the Su7 makes it possible – though, for now, exclusively in Chinese. You can open and close windows, adjust the temperature, and even unlock the car using voice commands. The sophisticated microphone system identifies the speaker’s position, preventing, for example, a backseat passenger from controlling the driver’s window.

During its Milan showcase, a Xiaomi representative – fluent in Chinese – served as a unique kind of interpreter, facilitating conversations not between people, but between humans and the car’s AI. It was a curious role: a cultural mediator for HyperOS. As I stepped out of the Su7, holding an ice-cold can of Coke from the car’s heater/cooler compartment, I glanced back at the pavilion. There, bathed in the fading winter light, the representative remained, still deep in conversation with the car.