Xiaomi Auto says limited power in early demo SU7s was intentional "novice protection" for first 300 km

What Xiaomi Auto (小米汽车) told customers

Xiaomi Auto (小米汽车) has addressed questions from prospective buyers after some journalists and customers reported that test drives of the new‑generation SU7 felt less powerful than the first‑generation model. Why did the car feel different? The company said the first batch of new cars are shipped with a "novice protection period" that restricts power output for the first 300 km to help new owners adapt to the vehicle. Xiaomi added that many dealer demo cars have now had that restriction removed.

The company also explained that a small number of stores previously further limited power via a "owner management mode" because of short test‑drive routes or safety concerns; those limits have been lifted where routes permit. Xiaomi encouraged customers who want the full performance experience to call ahead and confirm a dealer has a suitable route and an unrestricted demo car, while reminding drivers to obey traffic laws and staff instructions.

Features and performance context

Xiaomi pitched these controls alongside technical upgrades in the SU7 Max: a "Jiaolong" chassis, dual‑motor all‑wheel drive on the Max, Brembo four‑piston front calipers with ventilated discs and low‑metallic pads, 265 mm rear tyres and a dual‑chamber closed air spring plus CDC dampers. Xiaomi quoted a 100 km/h–0 braking distance of 33.3 m and said the car can complete 40 consecutive stops without obvious fade. Software upgrades include a faster coordinated traction control (reportedly four times quicker) and a camera‑and‑microphone assisted "wet mode" that the company says reduces wheel spin and improves wet‑road stability.

Xiaomi also highlighted comfort tech: the SU7 Max’s dual‑zone EC dimmable sunroof switches between "shading" and "transparent" modes in about two minutes, with a shading rate up to 99.85% and materials that block around 99.9% of UV and IR radiation, which Xiaomi says can lower cabin temperature by 10–15°C in strong sun. The horizontal beam between the two panes is for wiring and structure of the glass panels, not a strengthened body member, the company clarified.

Why this matters

For Western readers: Xiaomi started as a smartphone maker and only recently entered the electric vehicle market, joining a crowded and fast‑evolving Chinese EV ecosystem that is increasingly important globally. Amid broader geopolitical scrutiny of Chinese technology and export controls on some components, domestic automakers are emphasizing integrated hardware‑software stacks and dealer experience management. Xiaomi’s public clarification aims to reassure buyers that the reported "weaker" test‑drive feel was a deliberate safety and onboarding measure — and that full performance is available once the initial 300 km protection period ends.