Xiaomi’s new SU7 reportedly uses ALD-coated cameras to cut glare; company says cleaning won’t wear the coating

What Xiaomi (小米) told users

It has been reported that Xiaomi (小米) today answered user questions about its new-generation SU7, confirming several design details aimed at day-to-day reliability and driver-assistance performance. Reportedly the SU7’s exterior microphones are arranged in four groups — front, rear and in both side mirrors — and carry an IP6K9K waterproof/dustproof rating, so routine car washes should not harm them. The company warned that heavy water residue near a microphone can temporarily affect exterior voice recognition until it evaporates.

ALD coating, door locks and seats

It has been reported that the SU7’s imaging cameras use atomic layer deposition (ALD) anti-reflection coating on internal lens elements to reduce internal reflections and increase transmission. Xiaomi says this helps suppress daytime backlight and night-time high-beam “ghost” glare, improving target recognition for ADAS and parking-assist systems. The firm adds the ALD layer is not on the outermost exposed glass; the outer surface carries a hardened waterproof coating, so normal cleaning and maintenance reportedly will not abrade the ALD film. The company also confirmed user-selectable door-unlock ranges (single driver door or all doors) and described a three-stage, suction-style seat ventilation system designed to remove heat and moisture without a noticeable “blowing” sensation.

Why it matters

Optics and sensor-level fixes matter because they can improve camera-based ADAS performance without necessarily relying on higher-end compute chips — an attractive route for automakers racing to close the gap with incumbents such as Tesla and with more stringent global safety expectations. In a broader context of tightening export controls and supply-chain scrutiny on advanced semiconductors, improvements in lens coatings and sensor placement are practical levers for performance gains that sit largely within domestic supply chains.

So should owners worry about wear? According to the company responses, no — routine cleaning is sufficient, and any temporary audio issues after washing should clear as water evaporates. These are incremental but tangible tweaks that show how Chinese automakers are focusing on sensor reliability as they scale ADAS features.