Functional at last: Xiaomi offers free aero upgrade for SU7 Ultra ducted-hood owners
Xiaomi has officially opened appointments for a free aerodynamic hardware upgrade targeting the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra equipped with the optional carbon fibre dual-duct hood. The service, which began on March 10, 2026, involves installing two additional aerodynamic vanes within the front hood ducting to optimise high-speed stability, according to IThome.
Technical Hardware Adjustments
The upgrade modifies the internal structure of the front air ducts. These new vanes work in tandem with the vehicle’s active intake grille to intelligently regulate airflow to the front compartment. According to service documentation, the system activates during “Track Mode” or at speeds exceeding 150 km/h. By directing airflow more precisely, the modification increases total vehicle downforce, though Xiaomi notes this will result in a slight increase in energy consumption.
Early feedback from owners who underwent the 2-to-3-hour installation indicates the hardware is visible within the “scoop” section of the carbon fibre hood. This move follows a period of controversy in 2025 over the vented hood’s operational efficiency, which led to multiple legal disputes.
The “Hood Saga”
The controversy began shortly after the car’s launch in early 2025, when owners discovered the 42,000 yuan (5,810 USD) optional carbon fibre hood was essentially decorative. Marketed as a performance replica of the Nürburgring prototype, it was advertised as having “dual air ducts” for wheel and battery cooling. However, independent teardowns revealed no functional internal channels, sparking a massive “crisis of trust” among over 400 owners.
The legal fallout has led to a significant split among Chinese courts. In October 2025, the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court ruled against Xiaomi in a landmark “false advertising” case, ordering triple damages. However, by February 2026, Xiaomi secured a major victory in Changsha, where a court ruled that marketing terms like “high-efficiency airflow” were not technically false. This latest hardware upgrade appears to be a technical olive branch to settle remaining litigation.
Market Context
The SU7 Ultra is positioned as a high-performance halo car, competing directly with the Zeekr 001 FR and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Enhancing downforce via post-purchase hardware updates reflects Xiaomi’s strategy of treating vehicle hardware with a “smartphone-like” iterative support cycle. Despite its high-performance credentials, the model has faced a challenging market environment, with monthly sales reportedly as low as 45 units in January 2026.
Powertrain and Architecture
The SU7 Ultra utilises a tri-motor AWD setup producing 1,138 kW (1,526 hp). It sits on a high-voltage platform capable of peak charging rates. The vehicle features a specialised high-power battery pack from CATL, utilising Kirin battery technology optimised for high discharge rates during track use. While specific 2026 range impacts from the new aero vanes were not quantified, the standard model targets a CLTC range of over 600 km.
| Model | Length, Width, Height | Wheelbase | Curb Weight |
| Xiaomi SU7 Ultra | 5115 / 1970 / 1465 mm | 3000 mm | 2360 kg |
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra officially retails for 529,900 yuan (approximately 73,400 USD). While pre-sale prices in late 2024 were initially announced as high as 814,900 yuan to gauge market interest, the final market entry price was significantly lowered to enhance competitiveness. The aerodynamic upgrade is free of charge for eligible owners who make an appointment via official service channels.
Updated: 10/03/2026 18:20 China time
