An unusual incident involving a Xiaomi SU7 in China has sparked widespread attention after the vehicle reportedly moved forward on its own while parked. The owner shared surveillance footage showing the SUV activating and rolling out of its parking spot with no one inside.
The video shows the car parked outside the residence while the owner and a woman stayed indoors. Moments later, the vehicle begins to move forward, causing the woman to shout in alarm as the owner rushes outside to stop it.
Following the event, the owner contacted Xiaomi customer service, who had explained to him that support initially suggested the possibility that a mobile phone may have inadvertently triggered a remote-start function, leading to the unexpected movement.
Xiaomi investigation shows SU7 moved after receiving remote command
The Chinese tech giant concluded its investigation into the recent incident, saying that a dedicated task group examined the vehicle’s backend data and the smartphone operation logs with the owner’s consent.
The review found that during the reported time, the SUV received a Remote Parking Assist (RPA) command, which caused the car to roll forward from its parking spot. Xiaomi noted that this feature only activates when the authorized phone is within Bluetooth range, confirming that the movement was triggered remotely rather than by a system malfunction.
“The vehicle’s backend data shows that during the time window described by the user, the vehicle received a parking assist command from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which activated the parking assist feature (activation requires the vehicle to be within close range of the phone’s Bluetooth connection) and initiated the exit,” Xiaomi said in a statement on Chinese social media Weibo.
After Xiaomi’s announcement, the SU7 owner confirmed the findings on Weibo, stating that the company had verified all data with him and that the information was accurate. Xiaomi Auto vice president Li Xiaoshuang also reposted the comment, noting, “Clarification as stated above, please take note.”
Remote parking features spark industry debate over safety
The recent Xiaomi SU7 incident has sparked wider discussion across the automotive industry about the safety and reliability of remote vehicle control features. Analysts highlight that while technologies like Remote Parking Assist (RPA) enhance convenience – especially in tight parking spaces – they also underscore the need for robust safeguards and fail-safe mechanisms.
Industry experts stress that as vehicles become more connected, ensuring user trust depends on both reliable safety systems and transparent data handling. The case serves as a reminder that convenience features must be balanced with clear operational protocols, thorough testing, and open communication with owners.
Xiaomi launched its SU7 series in 2024, entering the premium electric SUV market with a model that boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of about 124 mph, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5 seconds, and a curb weight of around 5,000 pounds, reflecting its advanced battery and safety systems.
While Tesla remains a global leader in EV sales, it now faces stronger competition from China-based automakers like Nio, Xpeng, and Xiaomi, which leverage advanced technology, competitive pricing, and rapidly expanding domestic markets.