Driving Xiaomi’s Electric Car: Is the Auto Industry in Trouble?

When people think of Xiaomi, smartphones and smart home gadgets usually come to mind. But now, Xiaomi has entered a completely different arena: electric cars. After actually driving Xiaomi’s electric vehicle, the question naturally comes up — are traditional automakers in trouble?

Short answer: not cooked yet… but the heat is definitely on.

This is a human-written, realistic impressions article, focused on what Xiaomi’s EV really means for the car industry, based on driving feel, technology approach, and market impact.

First Impression: This Doesn’t Feel Like a “First Car”

Xiaomi’s electric car doesn’t feel like a rough first attempt. From the moment you sit inside, it feels polished, intentional, and tech-first.

The build quality is solid, the design is modern, and the interior feels more like a premium gadget on wheels than a traditional car. That alone should make established automakers pay attention.

This is not a concept car. This is a serious production-ready EV mindset.

Driving Experience: Smooth, Fast, and Confident

On the road, Xiaomi’s EV delivers what you expect from a modern electric vehicle:

• Instant torque
• Smooth acceleration
• Quiet cabin
• Stable handling at city and highway speeds

The steering is tuned more for comfort than for aggressive sport driving, which aligns with Xiaomi’s target audience—people who want effortless daily driving, not track performance.

If this is Xiaomi’s baseline, it’s impressive.

Software Is the Real Game-Changer

This is where Xiaomi truly flexes its strength.

The infotainment system feels fast, intuitive, and deeply connected to Xiaomi’s ecosystem. The UI behaves more like a smartphone than a car system, and that’s intentional.

Key highlights:

• Responsive touch interface
• Deep phone-to-car integration
• Smart voice controls
• Regular over-the-air updates

Traditional automakers still struggle with software. Xiaomi doesn’t.

That’s why the industry should be concerned.

Interior & Tech: Built for the Digital Generation

Xiaomi’s EV interior prioritises:

• Large, high-resolution displays
• Minimal physical buttons
• Smart automation features
• Seamless ecosystem connectivity

If you already use Xiaomi phones, wearables, or smart home products, the car feels like a natural extension of your digital life.

This isn’t just a car — it’s part of a platform.

Battery, Range & Charging: Solid, Not Revolutionary

Xiaomi isn’t reinventing battery tech — and that’s a smart move.

The focus is on:

• Competitive real-world range
• Fast charging support
• Reliable thermal management

Instead of chasing headline numbers, Xiaomi is clearly targeting usable, dependable EV performance. That’s exactly what most buyers actually want.

Are Traditional Carmakers “Cooked”?

Not yet. But here’s the real issue.

Xiaomi understands:

• Consumer electronics
• Software ecosystems
• Cost-efficient manufacturing
• Rapid iteration and updates

Many traditional automakers still operate on hardware-first cycles, while Xiaomi operates on a software-first model.

That difference matters more every year.

If Xiaomi expands globally and refines this EV over the next few generations, the pressure on legacy brands will increase fast.

Who Should Be Worried?

Brands that rely on:

• Weak infotainment systems
• Slow software updates
• Overpriced “tech” features

…should absolutely be worried.

Xiaomi is proving that a tech company can build a very competent electric car on its first serious attempt.

Final Verdict: Are We Cooked?

No — but we’re definitely warming up.

Xiaomi’s electric car shows that the line between tech companies and car companies is officially gone. If this is Xiaomi’s starting point, the next few years could dramatically reshape the EV landscape.

For consumers, that’s excellent news.
For the industry, it’s a clear warning.