A surprising sighting near Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center in South Korea was found by an AutoSpy reader. A Xiaomi SU7, the Chinese brand’s high-performance electric sedan, was spotted bearing Hwaseong vehicle testing plates—indicating that Hyundai might be benchmarking the model for their own research and development purposes. This discovery raises several intriguing questions: What exactly is Hyundai testing? Could it be evaluating Xiaomi’s EV technology, or is this part of a broader strategy for Hyundai’s own electric sedan development?
Why Would Hyundai Benchmark the Xiaomi SU7?
Benchmarking competitor vehicles is a common practice in the automotive industry, especially when new players like Xiaomi introduce promising EVs with innovative technology. The Xiaomi SU7, built on an 800V platform, boasts high-performance specs, long-range capabilities, and smart tech integrations, making it a valuable case study for other automakers.
Here’s why Hyundai might be particularly interested in studying the Xiaomi SU7:
- Battery Technology: The SU7 utilizes advanced lithium-ion battery packs with fast-charging capabilities. Hyundai, which has already embraced an 800V architecture with its E-GMP platform, could be evaluating Xiaomi’s implementation for efficiency and energy density.
- Performance and Handling: With Xiaomi marketing the SU7 as a performance sedan, Hyundai might be assessing its suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and driving dynamics to inform their future EV projects.
- Smart Connectivity and Software: Xiaomi, known for its expertise in consumer electronics, has integrated advanced AI-driven infotainment and autonomous driving features. Hyundai could be looking to enhance its own software ecosystem by studying Xiaomi’s approach.
Could This Influence Hyundai’s Future EV Lineup?
The sighting of the Xiaomi SU7 in Hyundai’s hands is particularly intriguing given Hyundai’s ongoing development of new high-performance electric sedans. While Hyundai is focused on SUVs like the upcoming IONIQ 7 (now renamed IONIQ 9), there’s increasing speculation about a potential flagship electric sedan.
This leads to potential connections with:
- Kia’s GT1 Project and the EV8: Kia, Hyundai’s sister brand, has been developing a high-performance electric sedan known as the GT1. This project could eventually evolve into the Kia EV8, a luxurious and sporty alternative to Tesla’s Model S or the Xiaomi SU7.
- Hyundai IONIQ 8?: With the IONIQ 7 rebranded as the IONIQ 9, there’s now room in Hyundai’s lineup for a high-end electric sedan—potentially the IONIQ 8. A model like this could serve as a modern, all-electric successor to the Grandeur, blending luxury with cutting-edge EV technology.
What’s Next?
The Xiaomi SU7 being tested by Hyundai suggests that the South Korean automaker is paying close attention to the competition. Whether Hyundai is looking at Xiaomi’s battery efficiency, software integration, or overall performance, this move signals that Hyundai is serious about refining its own future EV offerings.