Xiaomi has pulled off what many Chinese automakers have chased for years: knocking the Tesla Model 3 off the top of China’s premium electric sedan market.
According to the latest data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Xiaomi delivered 258,164 units of its SU7 sedan across China in 2025, comfortably ahead of the Model 3, which saw 200,361 deliveries. The result ends Tesla’s five-year run as the segment leader and highlights both how quickly China’s EV landscape continues to evolve, and how quickly Chinese EV makers can roll out compelling new vehicles, with 2025 being the first full year the SU7 was available. (via South China Morning Post)
Xiaomi, best known globally as a smartphone and consumer electronics giant, began delivering the SU7 in March 2024. The company leveraged its massive existing customer base and tightly integrated digital ecosystem to generate early demand, pairing an intelligent cockpit with a preliminary autonomous driving system.
Pricing also played a key role. The base SU7 undercuts the entry-level Model 3 by roughly 9%, while offering a longer CLTC-rated driving range, helping Xiaomi appeal to cost-conscious buyers without sacrificing perceived sophistication.
Momentum has continued into 2026. Earlier this month, Xiaomi unveiled a refreshed version of the SU7, boasting a driving range of more than 900 kilometres (560 miles) on a single CLTC-rated charge in its top configuration. Pre-sales began at RMB 229,900 (C$45,200/US$33,000), around 6.5% higher than the outgoing model, yet demand remained strong, with nearly 100,000 pre-orders recorded in just over two weeks.
Xiaomi delivered 411,800 vehicles overall in 2025 and is targeting 550,000 deliveries in 2026 as it prepares to expand its lineup further.
Beyond China, Xiaomi’s rapid rise could soon have implications for Canada. With Ottawa eliminating tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles last week, the door has opened for brands like Xiaomi to seriously consider a Canadian launch. The SU7’s combination of long range, competitive pricing, and high-end technology could resonate with Canadian buyers who are seeking alternatives to Tesla.
