Starting with more difficult sedans and gaining a foothold in the market, Xiaomi's first step into the cross-border automobile manufacturing industry was undoubtedly successful. The launch of the second model, an SUV, was a natural progression technologically. Recently, the latest spy shots of Xiaomi's SUV model have been exposed online. From the spy shots, it can be observed that the Xiaomi SUV parked next to the Xiaomi SU7 does not appear taller. Considering Xiaomi's consistent design of a long front cabin, could it be that the new model is a replica of the Ferrari Purosangue?

Comparing it to Ferrari is a joke; avoid designs that compromise space

Let's start with the conclusion: comparing Xiaomi's SUV to the Ferrari Purosangue is purely a joke. The new model's objective is clear: to introduce a larger and more practical Xiaomi automobile in the guise of an SUV. So, how do we explain the height issue in the spy shots? Excluding issues with the shooting angle, let's conduct a calculation based on previous spy shot information to estimate how tall Xiaomi's SUV actually is.

We can start our analysis with the wheel hubs. For SUV models, the roof, extending from the B-pillar to the C-pillar, is generally the highest part of the vehicle. The proportion of the rear wheel hubs to the entire vehicle, when viewed from the same plane, can be relatively objectively calculated. Therefore, the first thing we need to clarify is the size of Xiaomi's SUV wheel hubs. Based on the spy shot information, at least Xiaomi's SUV wheel hubs do not have an overwhelming visual effect compared to those of social vehicles or the MPV in the newly exposed spy shots.

Additionally, considering the design conventions of Tesla and many mainstream new energy vehicles, the wheel hub size of SUVs is generally one size larger than that of sedans of the same platform and class. In other words, if the Xiaomi SU7's wheel hub size is 19-21 inches (including options), Xiaomi's SUV wheel hub size would be approximately 20-22 inches. This aligns with the technical limitations of mass-produced vehicles, as 22 inches is generally considered the "limit." Using 23-inch wheel hubs like Ferrari, as seen, exceeds the scope of mass production and cost control.

Since we're on the topic of the Ferrari Purosangue, let's ask why it requires such large wheel hubs. The answer, similar to Rolls-Royce, lies in creating a golden visual ratio of 1:2 between the wheel and the vehicle height. Let's do the math: a 23-inch wheel hub has a diameter of approximately 580mm. With a tire size of 315/30 R23, the total height (hub diameter plus tire height) is roughly 770mm. The standard height of the Ferrari Purosangue is 1589mm, with adjustable suspension, making the answer clear.

However, in the realm of ordinary civilian SUVs, achieving such a visual effect is unrealistic due to the wheel hub size limit. Regardless of specifications, it's difficult to exceed a vehicle height of 1.6 meters while maintaining a 1:2 ratio. Clearly, Xiaomi's SUV does not adhere to this ratio. Still, to ensure visual appeal, the new model strives to maintain a close ratio between wheel hub size and vehicle height. Based on manual measurements of multiple side spy shots and previous calculations of wheel hub sizes, Xiaomi's SUV height undoubtedly exceeds 1.6 meters but likely stays below 1.65 meters. However, the vehicle will undoubtedly feature air suspension, and our calculations are not rigorous, so this number is for reference only.

The rear space is larger, but is air suspension a rigid demand?

We previously estimated Xiaomi's SUV size based on the wheel hubs. Now, let's discuss why the wheels shouldn't be too large from a space and comfort perspective. Oversized wheel arches can encroach on the opening area of the rear doors, as seen in the spy shots where Xiaomi's SUV rear doors remain relatively intact, with only minor wheel arch interference. In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7's rear door contour is completely unaffected by the rear wheels.

Door size and angle determine not only the convenience of entering and exiting but also the layout of the rear seats. Simply put, the more space occupied by the wheels, the more the rear seats need to be pushed forward. Consequently, does Xiaomi's SUV offer less legroom than the SU7? This conclusion is based on a two-dimensional perspective, but SUVs inherently offer more space due to their height. The increased height allows for more flexibility in arranging interior components like seats. This explains why many SUVs, despite being slightly shorter in length than sedans, often provide more interior space.

Returning to the vehicle itself, Xiaomi's SUV rear seats can be raised and moved backward to provide more legroom than the SU7. However, two prerequisites must be met: the vehicle's length must at least match that of the SU7, which seems plausible based on the latest spy shots. In a well-organized parking area, Xiaomi's SUV appears longer than the SU7 based on sunlight projections. Furthermore, the SUV is parked quite far back, reinforcing the argument that it's at least as long as the SU7. As evidence, Tesla's Model Y is slightly longer than the Model 3 in the same class.

Citing Tesla as evidence isn't just about length. To ensure the SUV's rear space surpasses that of a sedan of the same brand and class, adjustments to the rear suspension are necessary. Simply put, the rear suspension needs to be moved backward. For brands like Tesla and Xiaomi, built on pure electric rear-wheel-drive platforms and emphasizing sporty handling, there's little room for improvement in the front suspension. Thus, changes in wheelbase are attributed more to the rear suspension. Tesla's Model Y, for example, has a 15mm longer wheelbase than the Model 3.

While Xiaomi hasn't released specific data for comparison, the higher class and larger size of the SUV make the visual difference more apparent. From spy shots, Xiaomi's SUV rear suspension appears shorter than the SU7's, contributing to a longer wheelbase and theoretically more rear space. This is standard practice. Regarding the impact on the trunk, SUVs don't compress the C-pillar early like sedans, so while trunk depth may be affected, the extra height compensates for standard cargo volume.

However, this design's drawbacks persist in the chassis. A short front and long rear suspension, while ensuring handling and weight distribution, prioritizes rear comfort, exemplified by BMW. A short front and rear suspension design is more extreme, common in A-class or smaller vehicles. Prioritizing space over suspension comfort is more practical for limited-size vehicles. However, even for C-class SUVs, rear comfort is non-negotiable.

Fortunately, Xiaomi's SUV rear suspension is based on a standard five-link structure, which, while occupying wheel arch space, offers the greatest tuning flexibility. For high-powered rear-wheel-drive EVs, the choices are limited to five-link or H-arm multilink suspensions. The latter wouldn't allow fine-tuning of X and Y-axis stresses in Xiaomi's SUV scenario, making it less suitable.

A solution exists: Continuously Damped Control (CDC) or air suspension. Since fine-tuning X and Y-axes is challenging, optimizing the Z-axis to avoid abrupt rear suspension bounces is essential. This solution applies to both suspension types. For Xiaomi's SUV, air suspension significantly impacts comfort, with the difference depending on rear suspension tuning capabilities.