The Perils Of Software Defined Vehicles

The tri-motor, 1,526-horsepower EV saw its output limited following an over-the-air (OTA) update that required drivers to prove they could handle the car’s full potential.

Rolled out as part of version 1.7.0 of Xiaomi’s in-car software, the update restricted output to just 888 horsepower—unless drivers could complete a timed lap on a Xiaomi-approved racetrack. That data would then be verified through the car’s onboard telemetry.

As part of the update, a new 60-second cooldown period was also added to the SU7 Ultra’s launch control system.

Xiaomi defended the update as a safety precaution. “The full 1,548 horsepower output is designed for circuit use with appropriate tyres and preparation,” the company said in a statement. That's all well and good, but the Chinese buyers who just watched like 30% of their car's performance get nuked by a software update are understandably upset.

In response to the growing discontent, Xiaomi issued a follow-up OTA update to remove the restrictions, saying it had taken the feedback seriously and would “ensure better transparency moving forward.”

While OTA updates offer convenience and flexibility, they can also change how a vehicle performs, sometimes in ways that owners don’t anticipate or appreciate, with no real recourse. Imagine if GM did this to the 1,064 horsepower Corvette ZR1?

The SU7 Ultra, priced below $73,000 in China, was Xiaomi’s first major entry into the electric vehicle market. With acceleration under two seconds and on-track performance rivaling cars nearly three times its price.

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