Key highlights
- Xiaomi has started recruiting Sydney-based staff to establish its Australian automotive operations.
- The SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV are expected to lead the brand’s international expansion.
- Right-hand-drive exports are reportedly planned from the first half of 2028, although Australian launch dates remain unconfirmed.
Xiaomi, the Chinese technology company best known for its smartphones and consumer electronics, is preparing to enter the Australian automotive market, but local buyers would have to wait until 2028.
The company has started hiring for Sydney-based positions linked to its Australian automotive business. The roles reportedly include executives responsible for navigating local regulations and establishing a financing arm, suggesting Xiaomi is moving beyond simply exploring the market.
While the company has not announced an official Australian launch date, its recruitment activity is a strong indication that local operations are being planned.
The timing also lines up with Xiaomi’s reported plans to begin exporting right-hand-drive vehicles in the first half of 2028. However, Australian arrival dates and model availability are yet to be confirmed.
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SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV likely to lead the range
Xiaomi’s first Australian models are expected to include the SU7 electric sedan and YU7 electric SUV.
The SU7 is a sleek electric sedan that competes with cars such as the Tesla Model 3, while the YU7 is a premium SUV positioned against the Tesla Model Y.
Both have attracted considerable attention in China, where Xiaomi has quickly established itself as a serious player in the electric vehicle market.
The company is also expected to bring a more premium approach to overseas markets. According to overseas reports, Xiaomi plans to focus on mid-to-high-end vehicles for its initial exports before considering more affordable models.
This would be different from the approach taken by brands such as BYD, MG and Chery, which have built their Australian presence across a wider range of price points.
For Australian buyers, this could mean Xiaomi arrives as a premium EV alternative rather than another budget-focused Chinese brand.
Europe will get Xiaomi EVs before Australia
Australia is not expected to be among Xiaomi’s first international markets.
The company is reportedly planning to begin sales in left-hand-drive European markets, starting with Germany, in the second half of 2027. Right-hand-drive markets, including Australia, are expected to follow from the first half of 2028.
This gives Xiaomi time to establish its European operations before adapting its vehicles for markets that drive on the left.
It also means Australian buyers should not expect the SU7 or YU7 to arrive immediately, even if the company’s local recruitment activity continues.
Australian pricing, specifications and the final model line-up have not been announced.
Xiaomi has bigger performance ambitions
Beyond the SU7 and YU7, Xiaomi has been expanding its vehicle range in China.
Its line-up also includes the Skynomad N70 and N90, conventionally styled SUVs that use petrol engines as range extenders. These engines generate electricity to charge the battery and support the electric motors rather than driving the wheels directly.
At the top of the performance range sits the SU7 Ultra. Its three electric motors produce a combined 1138kW, with Xiaomi claiming a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 1.98 seconds and a top speed of 350km/h.
The company has also established a technical centre in Germany and recruited former BMW M engineers to help develop performance models.
One of its projects is the YU7 GT, which has claimed an SUV lap record at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit.
These developments suggest Xiaomi is looking to establish itself beyond the smartphone business, with performance and premium electric vehicles forming an important part of its automotive ambitions.
Read more: Rox Motor SUVs coming to Australia in 2027
Can Xiaomi make a mark in Australia?
Xiaomi’s rapid growth in China gives it a starting point, but establishing a successful car business in Australia will involve more than bringing a popular electric vehicle to local showrooms.
The company will need to establish a dealer and service network, arrange local financing and ensure its vehicles meet Australian regulatory requirements.
It will also enter a market where established Chinese brands such as BYD, MG and GWM already have a growing presence, while Tesla remains a familiar name among EV buyers.
There are also questions around pricing and after-sales support, particularly if Xiaomi follows its reported strategy of launching with more expensive models.
For now, the SU7 and YU7 appear to be the most likely candidates for an Australian debut. However, buyers will need to wait for Xiaomi to confirm its plans before making any decisions.
The important development is that Xiaomi is no longer just a potential entrant in Australia. Its Sydney recruitment suggests preparations are underway, even if local showrooms remain some distance away.
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