Overview
- A judicial appraisal cited by Caixin found a crash-induced short circuit disabled the SU7’s low‑voltage system, rendering its electronic exterior releases inoperable and noting no mechanical handle outside.
- The SU7’s manual release sits inside a door storage compartment that requires reaching deep into the cabin, and eyewitnesses said both exterior access and the interior electric handle failed during rescue attempts.
- Police records state the 31‑year‑old driver was suspected of drunk driving, hit 167 km/h at impact, and was deemed fully responsible for the crash, though the family has requested a fuller vehicle investigation.
- MIIT’s new standards mandate mechanical interior and exterior door releases that work without power plus an exterior gripping recess, taking effect from January 2027 for new approvals and by 2029 for existing models.
- Xiaomi says first‑generation SU7 production has ended and a 2026 version will comply with the new rules, as broader scrutiny includes a U.S. NHTSA probe into certain Tesla Model Y door handles and a proposed SAFE Exit Act.