Recently, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was photographed outside Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, Italy. The vehicle didn’t bear traditional Italian number plates and was seen leaving the facility. This observation comes as Ferrari continues its development of its first fully electric supercar. Why is this important? Read on.
Factory Visit and Testing
Chinese automotive blogs have reported that Ferrari acquired the SU7 Ultra for benchmarking purposes. The vehicle was reportedly tested on Ferrari’s Fiorano test track before returning to the factory. No official statement has been issued by either company regarding the acquisition.
According to additional sources, Ferrari engineers visited Xiaomi’s research centre in China earlier in 2025. These visits included technical discussions related to electric motor technology. No official agreement or partnership has been confirmed.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: Technical Specifications
The SU7 Ultra is the flagship model of Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle line. It is built on Xiaomi’s proprietary Modena platform.
Key specifications:
- Drivetrain: Dual-motor, all-wheel drive
- Power output: 1,498 hp
- Top speed (limited): 307km/h
- 0–100 km/h: 2.78 seconds
- Battery pack: 101 kWh CATL Qilin, ternary lithium
- Voltage: 800V architecture
- Charging: 5 minutes adds 220 km (on compatible chargers)
- Brakes: Brembo
- Tyres: Pirelli P-Zero
- Chassis and components: Includes parts from ZF and others
- Curb weight: 2,205 kg
Xiaomi manufactures the SU7 at a plant operated by BAIC Group in Beijing. The vehicle includes features such as active suspension, aerodynamic optimisation, and Xiaomi’s self-developed intelligent driving system.
Nürburgring Performance
Xiaomi has been testing the SU7 Ultra at the Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, and has been on a mission to set the fastest lap time. On 01 April, 2025, they did it. The SU7 Ultra recorded a lap time of 7:04.96, making it faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and even the Rimac Nevera. This shows exactly why Ferrari is using the SU7 Ultra as the benchmark for its upcoming electric supercar. Read more about the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring EV lap record.
Is Ferrari Developing An EV?
Ferrari is developing its first battery electric vehicle. The vehicle was initially scheduled for launch in 2026, but recent reports indicate that the release has been delayed to 2028. Production will take place at Ferrari’s new “e-building” in Maranello. This facility will handle battery pack assembly, electric motor production, and in-house software integration.
The vehicle will include:
- Ferrari’s in-house developed electric motors
- In-house battery packs
- Ferrari software systems
- A new EV platform
Ferrari has not confirmed any technology licensing or supplier partnerships with Chinese EV makers, including Xiaomi.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra At Ferrari Factory: Why Is This Important?
The presence of a Chinese EV at Ferrari’s headquarters marks a shift in global automotive R&D patterns. In previous decades, Chinese vehicles were often not considered competitive by European performance standards. However, the current generation of Chinese electric vehicles such as the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra includes high-performance platforms with proprietary motors, batteries, and control systems.
Chinese EV makers have improved manufacturing, design, and system integration capabilities. The use of a Xiaomi vehicle in Ferrari’s R&D process illustrates this shift. Traditional high-performance brands are now benchmarking against vehicles developed by Chinese technology companies.
Ferrari’s roots stretch back to its founder, Enzo Ferrari, whose focus on racing and performance defined the company’s philosophy. Learn more about Enzo Ferrari’s life, history, and legacy. For background on Ferrari’s branding and identity, explore the history of the Ferrari logo and prancing horse.
Industry Context: What Is Benchmarking?
Automotive companies frequently purchase competitors’ vehicles for benchmarking or testing for evaluation. This includes disassembly, system analysis, and test driving. While such benchmarking is standard, the choice of a Chinese EV by Ferrari highlights how technical standards in the EV segment are evolving.
Ferrari’s upcoming EV is among several major supercars expected to launch soon. View the full list of Top 10 supercars launching in 2025.
Xiaomi’s automotive division began mass production in early 2024. By mid-2025, it had delivered over 80,000 units of the SU7 series in China. International expansion is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
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Recently, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was photographed outside Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, Italy. The vehicle didn’t bear traditional Italian number plates and was seen leaving the facility. This observation comes as Ferrari continues its development of its first fully electric
