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.
Related: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sets new Nürburgring record for production EVs
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, marketed as a performance replica of the Nürburgring prototype, was essentially decorative. While advertised as having “dual air ducts” for wheel and battery cooling, independent teardowns and “fan tests” by bloggers revealed no functional internal channels, with the structure nearly identical to the standard aluminium hood. This sparked a massive “crisis of trust,” leading over 400 owners to form rights protection groups.
Related: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra owners demand full vehicle refunds over decorative hood controversy
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 the company to pay triple damages (approximately 156,000 yuan) to an owner. However, by February 2026, Xiaomi secured a major victory in Changsha, where a court dismissed similar fraud claims, ruling that marketing terms such as “high-efficiency airflow” were not technically false. This latest free hardware upgrade appears to be Xiaomi’s technical olive branch to settle the remaining 100+ pending lawsuits across the country.
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. This specific upgrade is restricted to owners who selected the carbon fibre dual-duct hood option, which mimics the design of the SU7 Ultra prototype that set records at the Nürburgring.
Despite its high-performance credentials, the model has faced a challenging market environment. Recent data indicates a significant contraction in volume, with monthly sales of the flagship sedan reportedly reaching a low of 45 units in January 2026.
Related: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sales plummet: from over 3,000 to just 45 units monthly
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.
