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Xiaomi Offers Hardware Fix for SU7 Ultra Electric Car Following False Advertising Claims
Xiaomi has announced a free hardware update for owners of its high-performance SU7 Ultra electric vehicle, addressing a controversy that has plagued the tech giant since the car’s launch in early 2025.
Beginning March 10, 2026, SU7 Ultra owners can schedule appointments at Xiaomi service centers to have their optional carbon fiber hoods modified. The update involves installing two new aerodynamic vanes inside the vehicle’s air ducts, a process that takes approximately two to three hours to complete.
The modification specifically targets the premium carbon fiber hood, an optional upgrade that cost buyers RMB 42,000 (approximately €4,960). When initially marketing the vehicle, Xiaomi prominently advertised the hood’s “dual air ducts” as functional components that would enhance battery cooling and wheel temperature regulation.
However, the company faced significant backlash when customers and automotive enthusiasts discovered the ducts were purely cosmetic and didn’t connect to any functional system within the vehicle. This revelation triggered what industry analysts described as a “crisis of trust” for the brand, with more than 400 owners filing complaints and legal actions across China.
The controversy reached its peak in October 2025 when a Suzhou court ruled that Xiaomi had engaged in false advertising practices, ordering the company to pay triple damages to affected owners. The legal landscape became more complex when a separate Changsha court later ruled in Xiaomi’s favor, determining that the marketing language wasn’t technically fraudulent.
Seeking to resolve the ongoing disputes and repair customer relationships, Xiaomi’s hardware update now makes the previously decorative hood ducts functional. The newly installed vanes work in conjunction with the car’s front grille to manage airflow through the front section, activating automatically when drivers select “Track Mode” or when the vehicle exceeds 150 km/h. This modification increases downforce, improving high-speed stability and handling.
Xiaomi has acknowledged that the aerodynamic enhancements come with a slight efficiency penalty, potentially reducing the vehicle’s driving range when the system is active. This compromise affects the SU7 Ultra’s standard range, which Xiaomi claims exceeds 600 km under China’s optimistic testing protocols.
The SU7 Ultra represents Xiaomi’s flagship entry into the high-performance EV market. Featuring three electric motors that generate a combined 1,138 kW (approximately 1,526 horsepower), the vehicle utilizes specialized high-power batteries from CATL designed specifically for track performance. Xiaomi developed this model to compete directly with established performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the Zeekr 001 FR.
Despite its impressive specifications, the SU7 Ultra has faced challenging market conditions. Sales reports from January 2026 indicate Xiaomi sold only 45 units that month, prompting significant price reductions. While early market projections in 2024 suggested a price point of RMB 814,900, the actual launch price was substantially lower at RMB 529,900 (approximately €62,700).
Xiaomi’s approach to remedying the hood controversy reflects the company’s background in consumer electronics. By offering hardware “patches” similar to smartphone software updates, Xiaomi is applying its tech industry experience to automotive customer service. Industry observers note this strategy represents an attempt to rebuild consumer confidence after a problematic introduction of the company’s premium EV model.
The SU7 Ultra case highlights the growing pains faced by technology companies entering the automotive sector, where customer expectations for product transparency and performance claims differ significantly from those in consumer electronics. As competition in China’s electric vehicle market intensifies, established tech companies like Xiaomi face increasing scrutiny over their automotive marketing practices and product claims.
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14 Comments
False advertising is always concerning, especially for safety-critical components like cooling systems. I’m glad Xiaomi is taking responsibility and making the necessary hardware changes.
The carbon fiber hood upgrade was quite pricey, so I can understand customers’ frustration if the advertised features turned out to be just cosmetic. Kudos to Xiaomi for responding quickly and providing a solution.
Yes, the free modification to install the functional air ducts seems like a fair resolution. Hopefully it helps rebuild trust in Xiaomi’s products.
It’s good to see Xiaomi taking responsibility for the misleading advertising around the SU7 Ultra’s hood design. Providing a free hardware update is a fair way to address customer concerns.
Absolutely, this shows Xiaomi is willing to stand behind their products and make things right. That kind of accountability is important, especially in the competitive EV space.
It’s good to see Xiaomi taking proactive steps to address this issue. Maintaining transparency and delivering on promises is crucial for any automaker, especially in the EV space.
Absolutely, a misstep like this could really damage consumer confidence. Kudos to Xiaomi for acting quickly to rectify the problem.
The SU7 Ultra’s carbon fiber hood was an expensive option, so I can understand why owners would be upset to find the advertised features were just for show. Good on Xiaomi for stepping up to address this.
Agreed, the free hardware modification is a reasonable solution. Transparency and accountability from manufacturers is crucial, especially in the EV market.
Kudos to Xiaomi for acknowledging the issue and providing a fix. Inaccurate marketing claims can really undermine trust, so this proactive approach should help mitigate the damage.
False claims in advertising are always concerning, especially for safety-critical components. Kudos to Xiaomi for responding quickly and offering a free fix to address the issue.
This highlights the importance of verifying marketing claims, especially for high-tech products. Xiaomi’s response seems appropriate – they’re fixing the issue at no cost to customers.
Interesting news about Xiaomi addressing the false advertising concerns on the SU7 Ultra hood design. It’s good they’re offering a free hardware fix to address the issue and maintain customer trust.
Agreed, transparency and accountability from manufacturers is important, especially for high-ticket items like electric vehicles.