- The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a 1,548-horsepower EV that does zero-to-60 MPH faster than some hypercars.
- In an update, Xiaomi reduced its power output by 648 horsepower for normal driving. Drivers could only unlock the full output after taking a "qualifying mode lap time assessment" at an approved racetrack.
- The automaker eventually reversed its changes after pushback from owners.
There are certain things that you just don't do to people. You don't cook their steak well done, you don't water down their whiskey and you definitely don't take 648 horsepower away from their ultra-fast EV with a software update.
Apparently Xiaomi didn't get that memo, because it did that to customers who bought its 1,548-horsepower SU7 Ultra. It's an absurdly powerful version of the automaker's extremely successful SU7 sedan, essentially the Chinese answer to the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Well, until an over-the-air update pushed by Xiaomi reduced the SU7 Ultra's power output to a paltry 900 horsepower.
Photo by: Patrick George
This left drivers in a bit of a shock. Don't get it twisted—900 horsepower is nothing to shake a stick at. It's still fast. But it's not 1.98-second zero-to-60 MPH fast, and that's what customers were paying the equivalent of $73,000 for (which is a bargain, I might add). Well, that and the convenience of buying their next cell phone and car in the same exact store.
Apparently, the automaker determined that all of that power was unsuitable for road conditions and pushed the OTA update to slash horsepower in normal driving modes. Xiaomi also added a restriction which required a 60-second standby period to enable launch control, in what seems to be an attempt to prevent spontaneous launches from a traffic light.
If drivers wanted to unlock all 1,548 ponies, they had to complete a "qualifying mode lap time assessment” at an approved racetrack.
“The full 1,548 horsepower output is designed for circuit use with appropriate [tires] and preparation,” wrote Xiaomi in a statement published by Car News China. “We want to ensure owners can enjoy this performance safely.”
Photo by: Patrick George
Owners were expectedly livid at the change. Many argued on social media that they should have access to what they paid for while others reportedly supported Xiaomi's approach to safety. After a significant amount of public push back, the brand decided to revert its changes.
“We appreciate the passionate feedback from our community and will ensure better transparency moving forward,” said Xiaomi.
This whole debacle is a gentle reminder of the weird future that the auto industry has in store. Cars aren't just mechanical masterpieces anymore—they're basically apps on wheels, but with a bunch of instant torque and updates that occasionally introduce (or take away) features.
Xiaomi tried to parent its drivers by suddenly deciding that too much power was irresponsible. Right or wrong in that regard, it's really tough to pry away acceleration that buyers paid for. And, let's be real, in America, would almost certainly lead to lawsuits and potentially even a Dieselgate-level buyback.
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