Xiaomi has opened registration for a free aerodynamic hardware upgrade for its SU7 Ultra model, specifically for vehicles equipped with the optional carbon fiber hood. This service, which began on 10/3, involves installing two additional aerodynamic valves within the hood's air duct system to optimize stability at high speeds, according to IThome.

This upgrade modifies the internal structure of the front air ducts. The new valves operate in conjunction with the car's active grille to intelligently regulate airflow into the front compartment. According to the user manual, this system activates in Track mode or at speeds exceeding 150 km/h. By directing airflow more precisely, the upgrade increases the car's overall downforce, though Xiaomi notes this will lead to a slight increase in energy consumption.

Initial feedback from owners who underwent the two to three hour installation process indicates visible hardware within the carbon fiber hood's air intakes. This development follows a period of controversy in 2025 regarding the operational effectiveness of the vented hood, which led to multiple legal disputes.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric vehicle with a hood featuring two air intakes. *Photo: XLLD*

The dispute began shortly after the car's launch in early 2025, when buyers discovered that the optional 42,000 yuan (5,810 USD) carbon fiber hood was essentially decorative. Advertised as a high-performance replica of the Nurburgring prototype, the design was promoted with "dual air ducts" for cooling the wheels and battery. However, independent tests revealed no functional dual air channels inside, causing a significant "crisis of confidence" among more than 400 owners.

The legal fallout resulted in a notable divergence among Chinese courts. In October 2025, a court in Suzhou ruled against Xiaomi in a landmark "false advertising" case, demanding triple compensation. However, last February, Xiaomi secured a major victory in Changsha, where the court ruled that marketing terms such as "high-efficiency airflow" were not technically false. This latest hardware upgrade appears to be a technical conciliatory move to address the remaining lawsuits.

The SU7 Ultra is positioned as a high-performance model, directly competing with the Zeekr 001 FR and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The change through post-purchase hardware updates reflects Xiaomi's strategy of treating hardware with "smartphone-like" iterative support cycles.

Despite its high performance, the model faces a challenging market environment, with reported monthly sales of only 45 units in January, according to CarNewsChina.

The SU7 Ultra utilizes all-wheel drive (AWD) with three motors producing 1,526 horsepower. The car is built on a high-voltage platform capable of charging at maximum speed. It features a dedicated high-capacity battery pack from CATL, which uses Kirin battery technology optimized for high discharge rates during track use. While the specific impact on the 2026 range from the new aerodynamic elements has not been quantified, the standard model aims for a CLTC-rated range exceeding 600 km.

My Anh