While Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive sector has been met with considerable interest, its after-sales policies have sparked serious debate. Hundreds of customers have gathered on Chinese social media and automotive forums, claiming Xiaomi has victimized them.

Xiaomi is demanding full payment for its car!

According to reports from Chinese news outlets such as Sina Tech and Auto Sohu, the problem works exactly like this: Xiaomi sales representatives call customers who have already placed their orders with a deposit and demand that they pay the remaining balance of the vehicle within 30 days. Customers are informed that if they fail to pay, their orders will be suspended, their vehicles will not enter the production line, and their original delivery date will no longer be valid.

Making matters worse, this demand is even being applied to customers with delivery times as long as 22 to 25 weeks (approximately 5-6 months). These customers report being forced to pay tens of thousands of dollars for vehicles that haven’t even arrived yet. If they refuse to pay, they are warned that their orders will be canceled and they will lose the approximately $700 deposit.

This new policy clearly contradicts Xiaomi’s previous public statements that buyers can inspect their vehicles at the dealership before making the final payment. Xiaomi officials, when asked about the allegations, reportedly declined to comment.

According to Auto Sohu, Xiaomi’s aggressive payment request also deviates from common practices in the industry.

Modern electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla and Nio allow customers to inspect the vehicle before taking delivery and make the final payment afterward. Traditional car giants like Geely typically charge a down payment and collect the full remaining balance upon delivery.

For a brand new to a highly competitive market, Xiaomi’s policy risks seriously damaging its reputation and disappointing its first customers.