Xiaomi opens European R&D centre ahead of 2027 launch

Performance EV brand Xiaomi has opened its first European research and development centre to support its global expansion plans.

The new R&D and design centre in Munich, Germany is the firm’s first such facility outside of its native China and has been described as a “pivotal milestone” in the nascent brand’s global expansion plans.

Originally known for making smartphones and tablets, the firm behind the record-breaking SU7 and YU7 only launched its first car in 2023. Since then its focus has been on meeting demand in its homeland but in August this year president William Lu said that it was looking to expand rapidly.

He told investors that Xiaomi wants to become one of the world’s five biggest car companies, with a European presence central to that plan.

The new R&D centre is expected to help shape Xiaomi’s offering in Europe and ensure that the brand’s products meet the demandings standards of European drivers as well as adhering to the region’s safety requirements.

Xiaomi said the new facility will focus on “performance vehicle projects, electric vehicle technology development, design innovation, customer orientation and advanced research” ahead of the first cars’ arrival in 2027. Its engineers, designers and researchers will work with teams in China to develop its models for international markets.

The brand hasn’t confirmed which vehicles will be coming to Europe or whether they’ll make it to the UK, but it is widely expected to bring both the SU7 performance saloon and the YU7 SUV, which are likely to compete with the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model Y respectively.

Announcing the opening of the Munich centre, a spokesperson said: “The establishment of the Munich R&D and design centres underscores Xiaomi EV’s commitment to building a global innovation network.

“By leveraging world-class competences and ecosystem, Xiaomi EV accelerates breakthroughs in intelligent driving and vehicle dynamics. This expansion of the R&D network strengthens the company’s ability to deliver vehicles that truly inspire and are renowned for their performance, whilst ensuring Xiaomi EV’s products align with global standards of safety and quality.”