Chinese Automotive Innovation Hits the Virtual Racetrack: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Makes History in Gran Turismo 7
4 min to read
Jan 28, 2026 3:02 PM CET
Imagine this: a Chinese electric vehicle, once an underdog in the global automotive scene, now roaring onto the virtual tracks of one of the world’s most prestigious racing games. Xiaomi has just shattered expectations by announcing that its flagship electric vehicle, the SU7 Ultra, will become the first Chinese car to be featured in Gran Turismo 7. Starting January 29, 2026, at 14:00 Beijing time (6:00 UTC), gamers worldwide will get to experience this technological marvel firsthand. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just a win for Xiaomi—it’s a landmark moment for Chinese automotive engineering on the global stage.
Gran Turismo 7, developed by Polyphony Digital for PlayStation, is no ordinary game. With over 500 meticulously recreated vehicles from iconic brands like Nissan, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG, it’s a virtual showcase of automotive excellence. Yet, until now, Chinese car manufacturers were conspicuously absent from this elite lineup. The inclusion of the SU7 Ultra isn’t just a milestone for Xiaomi—it’s a bold statement that Chinese EVs are ready to compete with the best.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this inclusion a genuine recognition of Chinese automotive innovation, or is it a strategic move by Gran Turismo 7 to tap into the rapidly growing Chinese market? While Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra boasts impressive specs, including a multi-motor electric drivetrain capable of 0-100 km/h in under 2 seconds, some critics argue that its in-game debut is more about market expansion than merit. What do you think? Let’s debate this in the comments!
This development follows a partnership between Polyphony Digital and Xiaomi announced in June 2025, solidifying their commitment to bring the SU7 Ultra to the virtual racing world. For Xiaomi, a relatively new player in the automotive industry, this is a massive achievement. The SU7 Ultra, the high-performance variant of Xiaomi’s electric sedan lineup, has quickly become a symbol of China’s technological prowess in EV engineering.
And this is the part most people miss: The SU7 Ultra’s inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 isn’t just about gaming—it’s a cultural shift. It signals the growing global recognition of Chinese automotive brands and their capabilities. With gamers worldwide getting hands-on experience with the SU7 Ultra’s cutting-edge technology, this could pave the way for other Chinese manufacturers to enter the global automotive culture and gaming landscape.
In fact, Xiaomi isn’t alone in this virtual revolution. Last October, BYD’s high-performance brand, Yangwang, announced that its U9 Xtreme would also join Gran Turismo 7 on the PlayStation 5. This move came after the U9 Xtreme set a record-breaking lap time of 6:59.157 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, cementing its status as the fastest production electric vehicle at the circuit. Could this be the beginning of a Chinese dominance in both real and virtual racing?
As Liu Miao, who covers NEVs and batteries at CNC, aptly puts it, this is more than just a game—it’s a testament to China’s role in the global energy transition. And for EV enthusiasts like Liu, who loves driving his EV in his spare time, this is a thrilling moment to witness.
Thought-provoking question to end with: As Chinese automotive brands gain global recognition through platforms like Gran Turismo 7, will this shift how the world perceives Chinese innovation? Or will it remain a niche achievement in the gaming world? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take!
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