The 2027 Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has burst onto the automotive scene with a combination of glorious power, sharp handling, and a surprisingly bargain price, challenging established performance car brands. This Chinese electric vehicle boasts an astounding 1,526 horsepower and 1,305 lb-ft of torque, coupled with Nürburgring-record-setting performance, all while costing less than a Porsche 911. Its emergence signifies a significant entry from a company previously renowned for its smartphones, tablets, and smart-home products, marking Xiaomi's ambitious foray into the high-performance EV market.

Experiencing the SU7 Ultra firsthand at Tianjin’s V1 Automobile World track near Beijing revealed its incredible capabilities. During a high-speed passenger ride, the vehicle surged to 267 kph down the main straight, with the infotainment display transforming into a vibrant performance meter. The massive six-piston calipers provided ferocious stopping power ahead of a tight hairpin, creating an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping experience.

Even when journalists were restricted from the longest straight due to safety concerns, the SU7 Ultra’s prowess was evident on the 2.3-mile, 15-turn layout. Behind the wheel, the car delivered brutal power, razor-sharp steering, and impressive body control through fast corners, underscoring its performance pedigree. Its rapid ascent in the market is highlighted by its Nürburgring lap record for the quickest production four-door vehicle, cementing its status among the world’s most powerful production cars.

Powering this extraordinary sedan is a sophisticated tri-motor setup, with two motors at the rear and one up front. This configuration enables the SU7 Ultra to launch from 0 to 62 mph in a claimed 1.98 seconds. This acceleration is remarkably close to that of the acceleration-record-setting Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach, trailing by less than a tenth of a second, yet the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra achieves this at a price point more than $180,000 less than its Porsche rival. Once the carbon-ceramic brakes and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires reached optimal temperature, the car responded with unwavering confidence, allowing for increasingly aggressive cornering.

The SU7 Ultra's handling is truly superb, maintaining exceptional composure and surprising forgiveness even when pushing hard into corners. The powerful six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes offer tremendous stopping force, but it's the precise pedal feel that particularly impressed, providing clear feedback on braking pressure. The adaptive suspension system further enhances the driving experience, keeping the car remarkably controlled under heavy braking and through tight hairpins, instilling confidence despite its immense power.

While the SU7 Ultra excels in many areas, there is room for improvement in steering feedback. Although the steering is quick and precise, it communicates little about the front tires' activity, leaning more towards comfort than raw feedback. Additionally, the artificial engine sound pumped through the speakers is a somewhat gimmicky feature that doesn't quite match the raw, unenhanced thrill of its actual acceleration. Despite these minor points, the Pirelli tires effectively manage the colossal power, limiting wheelslip and ensuring the Ultra rockets out of corners without hesitation.

Xiaomi launched the standard SU7 in China in 2024, and the Ultra variant has already received a midcycle refresh, showcasing the company's aggressive strategy to remain competitive in China's brutally fast-moving EV market. This rapid evolution from a consumer electronics giant to a top-tier performance car manufacturer positions the SU7 Ultra as a formidable and compelling option in the high-performance electric vehicle landscape.