Chinese Electric Vehicle Imitates Ken Block's Gymkhana Videos - And We Can't Help But Appreciate It
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a Chinese electric car that is reportedly superior in its field, has been making headlines for its impressive performance and controversial aspects. The vehicle recently gained significant attention through a radical Gymkhana-style stunt video called "Qionghai Drift," featuring skilled pro driver Ye Zhicheng, a Formula Drift competitor known for his Nissan Cefiro race car.
The nine-minute video showcases precision drifting, cinematic stunt choreography, and high-performance driving through city streets, mountain passes, and tight courses, illustrating the vehicle's dynamic capabilities and 1548 horsepower tri-motor powertrain. The driver of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra in the video is none other than Ye Zhicheng himself.
The video, originally posted by UpDrift on YouTube, was shot in Qionghai, an island south of the Chinese mainland. It features a drive from a hotel to a wedding, showcasing the car peeling out from the Holiday Inn Resort Qionghai Guantang's front entrance turn-around circle. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in an astonishing 1.98 seconds and can stop from 100 kph in just 30.8 meters, showcasing its blisteringly fast speed and impressive braking capabilities.
However, controversies have surrounded the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra regarding its value and performance claims. Some owners have expressed frustration over fake aerodynamic duct designs on the car’s $6,000 aero hood, leading Xiaomi to offer replacements with aluminum hoods. Additionally, a software update initially downgraded the vehicle’s power from 1,526 hp to 888 hp unless the owner proved racetrack skills, which was later reversed. There have also been safety concerns following the first fatal crash involving the SU7 with active driver assistance engaged, raising questions about the vehicle’s self-driving technology and locked doors during emergencies.
In short, while the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's stunt video with Ye Zhicheng highlights thrilling driving prowess and showcases impressive EV power and agility, the vehicle faces ongoing scrutiny regarding some design features, software updates affecting performance, and safety questions within the owner community. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is available for purchase, priced at RMB 529,900 (Chinese yuan), which is approximately $74,000 in American money. Despite the controversies, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra holds the record for the fastest production car at Shanghai International Circuit, Chengdu Tianfu International Circuit, Zhuzhou International Circuit, and Zhuhai International Circuit, solidifying its place as a formidable competitor in the luxury electric vehicle market.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's record-breaking performance on racing tracks, combined with its high-tech features, elevates its status as a luxurious electric vehicle, merging lifestyle and technology in an unprecedented manner. Meanwhile, the controversies surrounding its design flaws, software issues, and safety concerns create a unique juxtaposition, as the vehicle also showcases a notable interest in sports performance, with Ye Zhicheng's daring stunts on city streets and racing circuits showcasing the car's incredible power and 1548 horsepower tri-motor powertrain.
