Price starts at Rs 3.47 lakh
The Bestune Xiaoma's starting price in China is around 30,000 Yuan (around Rs 3.47 lakh), while its top variant is available for around 50,000 Yuan (around Rs 5.78 lakh). That's why it is considered a budget-friendly electric car. In Vietnam, it is selling for about 199 million VND (about Rs 6.5 lakh). In Belarus, it is priced at 25,900 BYN (approximately Rs 6.2 lakh). If launched in India, it is expected to be priced around the Tata Tiago EV and the MG Comet EV.
1200KM range claimed: What's the truth
The biggest highlight of the Xiaomi is the 1200km range feature of a range-extender version, which is probably meant primarily for the Chinese market. The battery of the standard electric version is 13.9 kWh, which gives a range of about 170km under normal conditions. A claim of 1200 km is possible with a petrol or diesel range-extender, which can cover such a distance after a full charge and a full tank. This feature frees it from the biggest problem of electric cars - range anxiety.
Brilliant features
The car comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, dual-tone interior, power windows and aerodynamic wheels. It is built on the company's FME platform, developed for electric and range extender vehicles. The cabin also gets AC, rear parking sensor and reverse camera. However, there are no advanced security features such as ADAS.
Performance and Power
As for the powertrain, it features a 20kW (approximately 27 HP) electric motor that powers the rear wheels. It uses an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, which is considered safe and durable. It has a top speed of 100km / h and can sprint from 0-50 km / h in 6.6 sec In real-world tests, its range is limited to about 85 km in winter, while it runs up to 155 km in summer.
No less than anyone in terms of design
In terms of design, it is a 3-door micro EV. Its length is 3000 mm, width 1510 mm and height 1630 mm. Its boxy design and dual-tone colour scheme gives it a playful and animated look. It can easily run in the narrow streets and heavy traffic of the city.
When will it be launched in India?
At the moment, Bestune has not made any official announcement to launch Xiaomi in India. However, according to reports, it is likely to be launched given the growing demand for budget EVs in India. The Tata Tiago EV rivals the likes of the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Vida Nex 3 in the Indian market.
Conclusion
The Bestune Xiaomi has made headlines with its low price and 1200 km range, but the truth is that 1200 km range is possible with a range-extender version. The range of 170 km with its battery and motor is its real strength. If you are looking for a small, affordable city car, the Xiaomi could be an interesting option, but its launch in India is yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to timesbull.com for the latest auto industry news, EV updates and launch information.