Xiaomi Auto addressed reports that some customers were being asked to pay their remaining balance before receiving their vehicles, saying the requirement applies only to “a small number of prospective owners with special circumstances.”

Several Beijing-based Xiaomi Auto sales representatives told National Business Daily that the policy targets customers who have requested delayed deliveries or have been assessed as having a higher risk of not completing their purchase. Examples given included customers showing low cooperation during financing procedures or expressing reluctance to take delivery.

The issue came to light after multiple Xiaomi customers posted online claiming they were asked to settle their final payment within a short timeframe despite their vehicles still being weeks or months away from production. Some reports said orders would be suspended and original delivery schedules voided unless payment was made within 30 days.

Others said their cars were still 22–25 weeks from delivery. Yet, they received payment notices warning that non-payment could result in order cancellation and forfeiture of deposits, typically 5,000 yuan (approx. 700 USD).

According to Xiaomi’s purchase agreement, customers must pay the full balance within seven days of receiving a payment notice. The clause gives Xiaomi the right to request payment at any time based on “vehicle production arrangements or sales situations.” It classifies non-payment as a fundamental breach of contract, allowing order cancellation and deposit retention. This clause must be accepted to complete the purchase, leading some buyers to question whether it constitutes an unfair term.

The requests reportedly involve mainly SU7 and SU7 Ultra models, with the SU7’s current production cycle estimated at 38–41 weeks. Industry outlet Auto Sohu noted that most other electric vehicle makers, such as Tesla and Nio, allow customers to inspect their cars before paying the balance. At the same time, traditional automakers like BYD and Geely typically require the balance upon delivery.

A person familiar with Xiaomi Auto told National Business Daily the company is concerned that if specific customers cancel after production, it could disrupt delivery schedules for other buyers. Xiaomi has not commented on whether the policy could be expanded beyond the identified cases.