Xiaomi, the company that became a household name with smartphones and smart gadgets, has taken a major step in a new direction, electric cars. Over the weekend, Xiaomi President William Lu (Lu Weibing) shared a proud moment on Weibo: the company’s first electric vehicle registered in Europe.
The car in question? A sleek, high-performance SU7 Ultra, now sporting a German license plate, M SU7088E. The “M” likely represents Munich, and the “SU7” points to Xiaomi’s flagship EV model. Lu took the car for a spin in Munich, calling it a “memorable test drive” and a small but meaningful step toward Xiaomi’s global EV journey.
A Roadmap to Global Markets
While Xiaomi’s cars won’t be officially sold outside China until 2027, this early registration signals that preparations are well underway.
Earlier this year at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Lu spoke to Chinese media about Xiaomi EV’s long-term ambitions. “We’re still in learning mode right now,” he said. “Before entering new markets, we need to truly understand them, from local consumer preferences to how Chinese brands are performing abroad.”
Xiaomi’s founder and CEO Lei Jun echoed the same timeline during a livestream on July 2. “Right now, we’re fully focused on delivering to customers in China,” he said, “but by 2027, we’ll be ready for the world.”
Demand at Home Is Through the Roof
Back home, Xiaomi’s EVs are flying off the (virtual) shelves. The SU7, launched in March 2024 as a direct rival to the Tesla Model 3, became an instant hit. Then came the SU7 Ultra, boasting a jaw-dropping 1,548 Ps horsepower, launched earlier this year in February.
In June, Xiaomi also introduced the YU7, its answer to the Tesla Model Y. But with great demand comes great pressure — current delivery wait times have stretched to 41 weeks for the SU7 and up to 62 weeks for the YU7.
That’s because Xiaomi’s only operational EV factory, located in Beijing, can currently produce 150,000 cars a year. The next phase of the plant is still under construction, which means every car counts, and domestic buyers come first for now.
Testing the Waters in Europe
So why register a car in Germany now?
Think of it as Xiaomi dipping its toes into international waters. This single SU7 Ultra isn’t just for show, it’s part of Xiaomi’s behind-the-scenes work to understand global regulations, test drive experiences in real-world conditions, and begin building its brand outside China.
Last year, local Chinese media reported that Xiaomi EV had started assembling international teams and may release limited batches in select countries before 2027, more like “soft launches” to get a feel for the market.
The Road Ahead
Xiaomi’s entrance into the EV world isn’t just another product launch; it’s a long-term vision. From making phones to now making fast, futuristic cars, the company is pushing its boundaries.
And with a single SU7 Ultra now cruising through the streets of Munich, the wheels are officially in motion. As Xiaomi works to scale up production and better understand global markets, it’s clear: this isn’t just an experiment, it’s the beginning of a much bigger journey.
