Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive world raises great expectations, especially in terms of infotainment. Given the brand’s technological heritage, the margin for error is minimal. So how did Xiaomi meet the challenge with its new electric car? Let’s take a closer look at the details of their approach.
Xiaomi, initially recognized for its smartphones and electronic gadgets, including a kibble dispenser, has finally announced its foray into the electric car sector with the launch of the new SU7 . This is an impressive development for the company founded in 2010. In less than fifteen years, Xiaomi has moved from smartphones to automobiles.
The first conference dedicated to Xiaomi Auto was very technical , Xiaomi announced its platform, and mentioned the motors, the batteries, specifying all the care taken to the efficiency of its car. Obviously, it was an opportunity to talk about infotainment too, especially given Xiaomi’s DNA.
HyperOS at the heart of infotainment
The SU7 stands out, in fact, with its infotainment system under HyperOS , a modified version of Android specially adapted to the needs of drivers. It is the same name as the smartphone interface, which was previously known as MIUI . There is everything you need for pleasant, connected driving, including integration with Apple CarPlay and undoubtedly alternatives to Android Auto (remember that Google is not present in China, there are local alternatives to Android Auto). Inside, we find the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip.
As you might expect, it is based on proven smartphone technologies, its application in automobiles aims to provide a smooth and reliable user experience for infotainment systems.
Unsurprisingly, the interface of the Xiaomi SU7 seems to display remarkable completeness, aligning with what we can expect from smartphones and tablets on the market. It offers a range of applications and the possibility of juggling between several windows simultaneously. Everything seems customizable, you can obviously display the content of the smartphone on the central screen.
Xiaomi particularly highlights the responsiveness of its system: a lightning start in 1.49 seconds to put the vehicle in motion, interface updates which are executed in just 3 minutes via OTA, and the possibility of putting updates the entire vehicle in 30 minutes.
These characteristics denote Xiaomi’s experience in this area, and position the brand as a serious competitor against established brands such as Tesla, Nio, and other traditional or emerging manufacturers in the field of electric automobiles.
Moreover, a central element of the central screen, the 3D representation of the car was mentioned, with Lei Jun evoking “striking realism”. Every detail, from color to texture, would be faithful to the reality of the vehicle. Additionally, the screen background adapts to the exterior environment, with fluid animations that mark the transition from outside to inside the car.
In addition, the SU7 benefits from advanced interconnection between the cell phone and the vehicle, similar to what Nio and other manufacturers offer. This feature takes advantage of Xiaomi’s long experience in smartphone design, with the aim of providing perfect synergy between smartphones and the car.
Screens, obviously, but also compatibility with AirPlay (a first)
At the heart of the Xiaomi SU7’s infotainment system is a series of screens. The central screen particularly attracts attention with its impressive diagonal of 16.1 inches and 3K definition . With an aspect ratio of 16:10 and borders reduced to just 8.3%, this screen benefits from an occupancy rate of 91.7%, maximizing the available visual space.
This screen isn’t just big; it’s also designed to be responsive, making it easy to access all of the vehicle’s features, from navigation to infotainment system settings. In addition, the vehicle also includes a HUD, instrument screens and expansion screens for the rear row.
The Head-Up Display (HUD, head-up display) has been taken care of. With a 56-inch screen, this HUD offers an ultra-wide viewing angle of 10 degrees x 3.6 degrees. The contrast ratio of 1,500:1, the brightness of 13,000 nits (it’s very bright)… Xiaomi has shared a lot of technical data on this screen. This is quite unusual in the automotive sector.
Lei Jun, Xiaomi CEO, highlighted a particularly interesting feature for passengers in the back of the new SU7: compatibility with expansion devices, including the Xiaomi Pad and Apple iPad tablets. The rear row can accommodate these tablets up to 20 kilograms, allowing passengers to easily connect them to the vehicle’s system. This integration is all the more interesting with AirPlay compatibility, thus transforming iPads into extension screens.
Security, privacy and autonomous driving
This is not the central subject of the article, but it was difficult to completely miss it. Addressing the crucial issue of security and privacy, Xiaomi announced that it has integrated advanced features into the SU7 to protect users and their data. The system offers enhanced privacy between accounts, data protection would be enhanced manifold, with end-to-end encryption extended to the entire vehicle ecosystem.
The section dedicated to vehicle autonomy deserves particular attention and could be the subject of a more in-depth article. The SU7 is equipped with 16 active safety configurations, including Xiaomi’s own safety simulation verification system, as well as innovative 4D space-time annotation technology. The vehicle also incorporates a quad brake safety mechanism and a front emergency braking system. In addition, the Xiaomi Pilot system adds an extra dimension to the driving experience with its advanced autopilot, supported by Lidar technology visible on the roof of the vehicle.
