On January 30th, news emerged that Joanna Stern, a technology columnist for The Wall Street Journal, had recently test-driven the Xiaomi SU7 Max and was thoroughly impressed. The vehicle's remarkable range, customizable interior, and seamless software experience left a lasting impression on her. After several weeks behind the wheel, Stern declared that she no longer harbored any desire to purchase American cars.

Through a friend, Stern managed to secure temporary road permission in the U.S. and spent two weeks test-driving the Xiaomi SU7 Max in New Jersey. She was particularly taken aback by the car's range performance. In cold weather, it consumed less than 30% of its battery for a 50-mile round trip, boasting a full-charge range of up to 810 kilometers. The 16.1-inch in-car screen, powered by HyperOS, supports Apple CarPlay. Navigation voice is played through headrest speakers, ensuring it doesn't disrupt music playback. The physical buttons and magnetic module design strike a perfect balance between practicality and personalization.

For Xiaomi ecosystem users, the ability to project their phone content onto the in-car screen is a game-changer. Moreover, the embedded tablet in the rear can be transformed into an air conditioning control panel, adding a touch of convenience. Stern was quick to point out that the Xiaomi SU7 Max offers a smooth and quiet driving experience, with a sportier feel than both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. However, she also noted that its long-term reliability and safety still require further verification.

Currently, in China, the model starts at 299,900 yuan, a price point similar to that of the Tesla Model Y. Yet, it delivers a more premium experience. Despite the U.S. market imposing hefty tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and restricting connected car technologies, Stern remains optimistic and looks forward to the day when Xiaomi makes its grand entrance into the U.S. market.