Woman test driving Chinese EV in New Jersey never wants to buy an American car ever again
Published on Feb 07, 2026 at 4:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Feb 04, 2026 at 9:20 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The Xiaomi SU7 Max, a standout Chinese EV, left a Wall Street Journal journalist wondering why her next American car suddenly felt less exciting.
Even though Chinese-made cars like this are effectively blocked from the US market, she spent two weeks test-driving the SU7 Max around New Jersey, thanks to a friend who got a temporary permit.
The experience confirmed what the auto world has been buzzing about: China is rapidly taking the lead in terms of electric vehicles.
With smooth software, long-range batteries, and premium touches, every drive felt like stepping into a high-tech wonderland.
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Like driving a giant smartphone
Xiaomi, known for smartphones and smart home products, approached its EVs the same way.
The SU7 Max feels more like driving a massive gadget than a traditional car, with a 16.1-inch infotainment screen running HyperOS, Xiaomi’s Android-based system.
It integrates seamlessly with Xiaomi phones and tablets, turning the cabin into a connected playground.
Navigation directions play through the headrest while the music keeps going elsewhere, a tiny detail that feels like magic.
Optional physical control bars and modular LED lights add more tactile fun.
Rear-seat passengers can dock tablets for entertainment, and the cabin even accommodates a mini-fridge.
Driving the SU7 Max was just as impressive as the tech.
It felt smoother and sportier than the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E the journalist had driven in the past.
Advanced driver-assistance handled crowded city streets and tunnels effortlessly, while battery range impressed even on cold days, where 50 miles used less than 30 percent of the charge.
Xiaomi claims up to 810 kilometers (roughly 500 miles) on a single charge.
Charging at home was simple with a Level 2 charger, despite the different plug standards.
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It’s not impossible for the Chinese EV to enter the US market in the future
Pricing in China starts at 299,900 yuan, or around $43,000, which is comparable to a Tesla Model Y.
However, the journalist shared that the experience felt more premium.
Long-term reliability and safety remain unknown, but the journalist was sold on the design, tech, and driving experience.
For now, tariffs and federal restrictions keep the SU7 Max off US roads.
But with American factories and growing interest in Chinese EVs, that could change soon.
In fact, the majority of US carmakers themselves agree that Chinese cars will make it to the American automotive market at some point in the future.
Until then, she said goodbye to American cars, and is waiting for the day she can get back behind the wheel of a Xiaomi EV.
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Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer. As part of the growing editorial team working in Australia, and in synergy with team members in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere in the world, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy and energy into every shift.
