Xiaomi, founded in April 2010 by Lei Jun and a team of co-founders, rapidly grew into a major player in the smartphone market. Initially focusing on a software-first approach with its MIUI interface, Xiaomi launched its first smartphone in August 2011. The company expanded rapidly, entering international markets like India in 2014. Known for high-quality, affordable products, Xiaomi diversified into a wide range of electronics, including smart home devices. It became the world's 3rd largest smartphone manufacturer by 2020.
Top Xiaomi Brands
Xiaomi owns several sub-brands, each catering to different market segments and consumer needs:
- Redmi: Initially launched as a budget smartphone line, Redmi became a separate sub-brand in 2019. It focuses on cost-effective devices, offering good performance at lower price points.
- Poco: Initially introduced with the Pocophone F1, Poco operates as an independent brand under Xiaomi, primarily targeting the mid-range and performance-centric market with a value-for-money proposition.
- Mi: The Mi brand represents Xiaomi's premium segment, offering high-end smartphones, smart home devices, and an ecosystem of IoT products. This brand is known for its innovation and quality.
- Black Shark: Specializing in gaming smartphones, Black Shark focuses on devices that offer high performance, advanced cooling systems, and gaming-oriented features.
- Xiaomi Smart life (Mi Ecosystem): Smart life encompasses a wide range of smart home products, from appliances to lifestyle products, all integrated within Xiaomi's IoT ecosystem.
These sub-brands allow Xiaomi to address various consumer needs and preferences across different price ranges and product categories.
Xiaomi's first car
On December 28, 2023, Xiaomi made a grand entry into the automotive world with the launch of its inaugural vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7. This vehicle stands out as a C-class sedan, notable for its exceptional environmental friendliness and robust performance, boasting the lowest drag coefficient globally at Cd 0.195. The dimensions of the Xiaomi SU7 are meticulously crafted, measuring 4997 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3000 mm, a width of 1963 mm, and standing 1440 mm tall. The proportions of these dimensions are described by the manufacturer as the "golden ratio," showcasing a perfect balance in design.
The interior of the Xiaomi SU7 is available in three elegant colors: Galaxy Grey, Twilight Red, and Obsidian Black, offering a personalized touch to the cabin. The sedan features expansive windows and a roof, cumulatively spanning an area of 5.35 square meters, enhancing the sense of space and openness. Inside, the car combines modern and classic elements, including tactile physical buttons, a traditional steering wheel, and sporty seats. For added ambiance, it features dynamic ambient lighting and an immersive Dolby audio system, elevating the driving experience to new heights.
Lei Jun revealed that the Xiaomi SU7, their latest car model, boasts an impressive acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds, surpassing the 260 km/h top speed of the Porsche Taycan Turbo and the 250 km/h top speed of the Tesla Model 3 with its own maximum of 265 km/h.
The Xiaomi SU7 comes equipped with Boost and various driving modes for an adaptable driving experience. Its braking performance is noteworthy, halting from 100 km/h in just 33.3 meters, outperforming the Porsche Taycan Turbo's 34 meters.
The more advanced Xiaomi SU7 Max variant features an all-wheel-drive system and is powered by two motors, delivering a formidable 673 hp and a peak torque of 838 N-m. This model will utilize Xiaomi's V6 and V6 engines.
In terms of range, the Xiaomi SU7 excels with an estimated 800 kilometers on the CLTC cycle. It also features cutting-edge ultra-fast 800V charging technology, allowing for 200 kilometers of range to be recharged in just 5 minutes, and in 15 minutes, it can recharge up to 510 kilometers. This charging capability is more efficient than that of the Tesla Model S Plaid.