Xiaomi SU7 Ultra owners demand a refund for a bonnet with useless holes
Hundreds of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra owners and potential buyers are demanding refunds after it was revealed that the optional 42,000 yuan (about $5,800) carbon fibre dual-duct bonnet is mostly decorative in nature, despite claims of its functionality.
Here's What We Know
The controversy erupted in early May 2025, when car bloggers started showing the "carbon fibre bonnet with dual ducts" of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric sedan in their videos. The manufacturer advertised this bonnet as a "track-level" cooling element, but in practice it turned out that the ducts don't work.
On 7 May, Xiaomi Motors issued a public apology, admitting that its communication regarding the operation of the ducts was not clear enough. According to the brand, the bonnet is made in the style of the prototype and only provides "partial airflow direction and auxiliary cooling of the front compartment."
Xiaomi clarified that the original production plans for the SU7 Ultra did not include the installation of a carbon fibre bonnet at all, as the production version already had "sufficient overall performance" for track driving.
As part of the compensation, the company offered:
- to customers who have yet to receive their ordered cars, the option to replace the carbon bonnet with a standard aluminium bonnet;
- to existing owners - 20,000 bonus points (equivalent to 2,000 yuan or about $275).
However, a portion of customers declined to take this option. According to Chinese media reports, at least 300 people have already joined advocacy groups demanding a full refund.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra with a regular bonnet. Photo: Xiaomi
This is the second scandal surrounding the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra since the beginning of the month. Recently, the fledgling electric car maker refused to limit the power of the SU7 Ultra sedan due to owners' dissatisfaction.
Source: Carnewschina
