Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's First Crash Raises Safety Concerns
High-Speed Incident at Racetrack
Just days after its first deliveries, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was involved in a high-speed crash at a racetrack in China. A video circulating online shows the car losing control and hitting a tire barrier at over 120 km/h. Thankfully, the driver was protected by the deployed airbags. This incident raises concerns about driver preparedness for such high-performance vehicles. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, while a different product, also highlights the company's focus on high-performance devices.
Brake Issues and Xiaomi's Response
This isn't the first crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 model. Previous incidents with the standard SU7, attributed to brake overheating, prompted Xiaomi to clarify that the base model isn't designed for track use. However, the SU7 Ultra, specifically engineered for the track, experienced this recent crash, raising further concerns. Following the incident, Xiaomi's CEO emphasized the importance of driver training, recommending the "Xiaomi Auto Elite Driving Training" program for all SU7 Ultra owners. This incident echoes some of the challenges faced by other tech companies, as seen with the Chromecast casting outage, highlighting the need for thorough testing and user preparation.
Performance Restrictions for New Drivers
To mitigate risks for new drivers, Xiaomi implemented performance limitations on the SU7 Ultra for the first 300 km. These restrictions include a top speed of 140 km/h and a reduced power output of 900 hp, compared to the full 1,526 hp. After the initial 300 km, these restrictions are lifted, unlocking the car's full potential. This approach aims to allow drivers to gradually adapt to the car's power, similar to how software updates often introduce new features incrementally, as seen with the One UI 7 updates.