I took a seat in the Xiaomi SU7, and here are five features that every car should have.

      I've dedicated nearly twenty years to evaluating various aspects of consumer technology, but I have never been particularly enthusiastic about cars. For a long time, they served merely as a means of transportation, but the rise of electric vehicles has shifted this perspective.

      The top electric cars address many of my major grievances with traditional vehicles, and I’m surprised to see some of the best models coming from brands I never expected. After experiencing Sony's upcoming AFEELA car, I was impressed by the immersive entertainment features it offers, although I remain concerned about the lack of compelling use cases for many of these functionalities.

      The vehicle I've been most eager to experience? The Xiaomi SU7 SUV, and I’ve just had my first chance to do so. What I discovered is one of the most thoughtfully designed car interiors I've seen, with features that seem highly usable on a daily basis. Here are five features of the Xiaomi SU7 that all car manufacturers should consider adopting.

      **Screen Mirroring and Apps**

      Xiaomi excels as a phone manufacturer, which benefits the SU7 by allowing for a more seamless integration with existing technology compared to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or Tesla’s infotainment systems.

      By default, your phone screen mirrors in a floating window above the infotainment system, and you can also pin apps to your home screen. The mirroring window can be resized and interacted with just like a folding phone, supporting features of any app, including performance up to 60 frames per second.

      Upon sitting in the Xiaomi SU7 for the first time and experiencing this firsthand, it was clear to me: the Xiaomi SU7 is the car Apple should have created. While it does support CarPlay—essential for full iPhone functionality—it isn’t as well integrated as with Xiaomi’s top smartphones. This is unparalleled phone integration in any vehicle.

      **Impressive Range and Rapid Charging**

      This was my first experience inside a Xiaomi SUV, and several features amazed me. Known for their rapid charging capabilities, Xiaomi’s technology, especially its phones, is mirrored in the SU7’s remarkable charging and range specifications.

      The Max version boasts a range of 810 kilometers, while the standard Xiaomi SU7 offers 700 km. Just five minutes of charging provides 220 km, and adding another ten minutes extends that to 510 km. These figures pertain to the Xiaomi SU7 Max, with the base version offering 138 km and 350 km respectively, while the Ultra version, the fastest SUV globally, prioritizes performance over range.

      For context, this charging speed surpasses the Tesla Supercharger network, which offers around 320 km maximum (on the Model S). However, it's important to note that both companies are rated by different standards. Fast charging on the Xiaomi SU7 should set a benchmark for all vehicles, as it’s likely to be among the fastest, regardless of any differing ratings.

      Having previously owned a plug-in hybrid EV, I've hesitated to transition to a full EV mainly due to concerns about charging. Charging a rented Tesla has often required at least a 30-minute halt, sometimes leading to multiple stops on long journeys. I’ve been longing for longer range and quicker charging, and the Xiaomi SU7 exceeds expectations in both areas.

      **Storage, Fridge, and Diffuser**

      Hear me out: every car should include a fridge and diffuser like those in the Xiaomi SU7. The diffuser allows for effortless scent changes inside the car, offering three scents to choose from and additional options available for separate purchase.

      The fridge stands out as the most impressive feature. It can hold up to six cans and is suitable for both hot and cold items. Conveniently located under the center console, it can be accessed from the front or rear seats and opens from the rear. Above it, there are two USB-C ports with 18W charging capability and a front USB-C port that offers 65W.

      The ample storage options include a spacious frunk, a large trunk, and several compartments beneath the trunk mat. The Xiaomi SU7 is designed with user experience in mind, and it shows throughout.

      **Designed to Enhance Your Existing Tech**

      These thoughtful features extend throughout the car, enhancing the experience for rear passengers and reflecting the likely usage scenarios of owners. Behind the front seats, there’s a tablet holder that provides power and seamlessly integrates your existing technology into the overall experience.

      While rear passenger space is somewhat limited—expected given the focus on front space and sporty design—the overall experience remains enjoyable. The rear seats feature two-zone heating, and the front seats offer cooling. Control over the air conditioning, music, and more can be managed via the rear tablet.

      It’s noteworthy that all of these functionalities work with leading iPads via a single app, creating an integration that other car manufacturers should emulate. Xiaomi has wisely recognized the error of not supporting the Apple ecosystem in its vehicle, and I hope we’ll see compatibility with other Android tablets in the future.

      **Smart Home Integration**