Waiting for Xiaomi: Customers planning to buy SU7 EV are facing 7-month waiting lists

It seems that Xiaomi is taking a leaf out of Mahindra’s playbook, and keeping their customers waiting for their latest product. Xiaomi is experiencing strong demand for its new SU7 electric sedan so much so that potential buyers are facing wait times of up to seven months, as per a report from Reuters.

Orders for Xiaomi’s SU7 electric vehicle sedan opened last Thursday, with prices starting at $29,870. Within the first 24 hours, pre-orders surged to 88,898, highlighting the significant interest among consumers.

According to Reuters, Xiaomi’s car app revealed delivery estimates for the SU7 models. The standard SU7 model and SU7 Pro model both have an estimated delivery time of 18-21 weeks, while the highest-priced model, priced at 299,900 yuan, may take 27-30 weeks for delivery.

To stimulate sales, Xiaomi introduced two special versions of the car named “Founder’s Edition,” which include complimentary gifts like refrigerators. The initial batch of 5,000 Founder’s Edition cars sold out immediately upon opening orders last Thursday.

In response to the overwhelming demand, Xiaomi’s co-founder and CEO, Lei Jun, announced on Sunday via Weibo that a second round of sales for the Founder’s Edition would be initiated, although the quantity was not specified. Lei also mentioned that Xiaomi had identified and blocked abnormal orders and those placed by scalpers during the ordering process for the Founder’s Edition.

Xiaomi’s proactive approach to meeting demand is evident in its establishment of a Beijing factory capable of producing 200,000 cars annually before receiving regulatory approval to begin manufacturing in China. In November, state-owned automaker BAIC Group revealed plans to manufacture cars for Xiaomi at the same plant.

(With inputs from agencies)