Xiaomi Auto is putting more European muscle behind its electric-car plans, with its Munich research and design centre now linked to a deeper performance push.
CarNewsChina reported that the German hub is led by Rudolf Dittrich, a former BMW engineer who had worked on the M4 GT3 race car project. Another BMW veteran, Claus-Dieter Groll, heads vehicle dynamics, after previous work on models including the 3 Series, 4 Series, Z4, X5, X6 and X7.
The Munich centre is not entirely new. Xiaomi opened it in September 2025 as its first EV research and design centre outside China, with work covering performance projects, electric powertrain technology, intelligent driving and user-focused design.
For now, Xiaomi Auto still sells only in China and has just three models: the SU7 sedan, the SU7 Ultra performance car and the YU7 SUV. Yet it is already planting engineering roots in Europe, well before its first overseas showroom opens.
The latest detail is the talent list. According to CarNewsChina, the Munich team includes people with BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and AMG backgrounds.
The first car to receive major input from the Munich group is expected to be the YU7 GT, a hotter version of Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV. Full specifications remain under wraps.
Europe remains the tougher target. Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun has said overseas expansion is planned from 2027, with Europe first. Germany looks like the natural starting point.
