Many Xiaomi customers were angered by this move, so will Xiaomi revert?
Chinese smartphone maker turned EV manufacturer, Xiaomi, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy following the backlash of a software update that significantly reduced the performance of its flagship EV, the SU7 Ultra. Once praised as a Tesla Model S Plaid competitor, this car is now barely any more powerful than the Plaid.
Costing USD73,000 (about RM316,272), the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra originally boasted a jaw-dropping 1,548hp and an insane century sprint time of just 1.98 seconds. But that high-performance edge was abruptly stripped away five days ago with the release of software version 1.7.0, cutting the car’s output to just 900hp. Why?
Moreover, the move blindsided customers, as the OTA update was pushed without warning or the option to opt out. Xiaomi has defended the downgrade, citing road safety as the primary concern. According to the company, the SU7 Ultra’s full potential, approximately 1,526 horsepower, will now only be unlocked under strict conditions.
Owners must complete a qualifying lap at a Xiaomi-approved racetrack to prove they can safely handle the power. Until then, the car remains capped at around 888hp, with a new 60-second delay added to launch mode, further dampening its real-world performance. The response from SU7 Ultra owners has been swift and overwhelmingly negative.
On top of that, many feel betrayed by a brand they trusted, arguing that the sudden downgrade undermines both the spirit and the value of the car they paid a premium for. The lack of transparency and consent surrounding the update has drawn particular ire, with critics accusing Xiaomi of overreach and false advertising.
Online forums and social media platforms have also recently been on fire with frustrated customers expressing outrage, demanding explanations and even hinting at legal action. The update, while framed by Xiaomi as a public safety measure, is being interpreted by many as a breach of customer trust and I agree with the customers here. They paid for this, they should have access to it whenever they want.
As the controversy continues to escalate, Xiaomi now faces mounting pressure to reconsider its approach, or risk alienating a loyal base of early EV adopters who expected cutting-edge performance, not conditional power. Whatever Xiaomi decides to do, they better do it quickly, as I have a feeling the people are ready to fight back already
