MKBHD blown away by Xiaomi SU7, calls it what Apple's car 'could be'

The Unveiling of the Xiaomi SU7: A Glimpse into Apple's Potential Automotive Future

In a move that has sent ripples through the automotive and tech worlds, renowned tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has delivered a compelling evaluation of the Xiaomi SU7, an electric vehicle that has sparked widespread fascination. After spending several weeks behind the wheel, Brownlee’s assessment paints a vivid picture of how rapidly the concept of a "smartphone on wheels" is materializing, and who is now setting the pace in the automotive industry.

A Familiar Interface, An Unfamiliar Canvas

From the outset, Brownlee's review draws a striking parallel: the Xiaomi SU7 feels remarkably like a preview of what Apple might have produced had it ventured into car manufacturing. This sensation stems from the seamless fluidity of its interface and the intuitive logic governing its software. Every interaction feels as polished and refined as navigating a premium smartphone, but transposed onto the expansive canvas of a full-sized electric sedan. It’s a testament to Xiaomi's deep understanding of user experience, honed through years of perfecting mobile devices.

Innovative Audio: Navigation That Doesn't Disrupt the Groove

One of the most innovative features highlighted is the SU7's approach to navigation voice prompts. In a common automotive frustration, GPS directions often jarringly interrupt music, especially during a pivotal bassline. Xiaomi, with its smartphone-centric thinking, has devised an elegant solution. The navigation cues emanate exclusively from a dedicated speaker integrated into the driver's headrest. Crucially, this allows the music to continue playing at full volume through the other 24 speakers, enveloping both passengers and the driver in an uninterrupted auditory experience. Brownlee enthusiastically notes, "I can hear the navigation prompts, but the music stays right there, loud and without interruption. For the passengers, it's completely unchanged." This sophisticated audio setup, featuring a total of 25 speakers, is virtually unheard of in a vehicle with a starting price of ¥299,000 (approximately $42,000) in China, underscoring Xiaomi's commitment to bringing premium smartphone-level amenities to the automotive sector.

Autonomous Driving: A Strong First Impression

The capabilities of the SU7's autonomous driving system also deeply impressed Brownlee. He reported that the driver-assistance features operate with a remarkable degree of calmness and confidence, exceeding expectations for a debut vehicle from a company primarily known for consumer electronics. This performance is particularly noteworthy given that the system isn't even optimized for American roads. It fuels the speculation that companies already managing vast fleets of connected devices might be accelerating the development of autonomous driving technology faster than traditional automakers. While acknowledging an isolated incident where the autopilot reportedly caused a collision due to an abrupt lane change at high speed, the overall impression of its smooth operation remains strong.

The Future of Mobility: A Challenge to the Established Order

Concluding his analysis, Brownlee poses a critical question that will resonate across Europe and the United States: if a smartphone company's very first electric car exhibits such sophisticated design and performance, what can we anticipate from its second and third generations? The Xiaomi SU7 is slated for European release in 2027, a prospect that promises a significant shake-up for established brands. Meanwhile, Xiaomi is not resting on its laurels, already testing a longer-wheelbase variant of the SU7 with a noticeably more luxurious interior, signaling a continued aggressive push into the automotive landscape.