Xiaomi Auto has extended the delivery time for its first model, the battery electric coupe SU7, for the fourth time since its launch on 28 March, Kallanish reports.

Deliveries of the “founding edition,” designed for the so-called Mi-fans, started on 3 April as originally planned. This edition, which will be limited to 5,000 units globally, is meant to help Xiaomi improve its service and operations, as some sort of testers. It is available as a rear-wheel drive standard version and a four-wheel drive Max version.

The company says the delivery time extension for non-founding models comes amid “explosive orders,” with over 100,000 orders put in place. As of 2 April, the standard SU7 delivery time was 21-24 weeks after the order is placed. For the SU7 Pro, the wait is 19-22 weeks, and for the SU7 Max is 29-32 weeks.

A day after the inaugural BEV’s launch, Xiaomi expected to deliver the standard and Max versions by the end of April, with deliveries for the SU7 Pro to follow at the end of May. There have been three changes in delivery estimates since.

“Currently, confirmed orders continue surging, and factories are making every effort to increase production capacity and fully mobilise supply chain partners to ensure supply,” the new carmaker said on 29 March. “There will be different pick-up cycles for different models, based on configurations, colours, and other factors. [The delivery time] will be updated in the Xiaomi Auto App and the mini program based on the adjusted production situation.”

Its production capacity is under pressure. The company plans to have capacity to produce 150,000 units/year in 2025, through two phases. It is estimated to produce around 80,000 vehicles this year, potentially rising to up to 100,000 units. However, these figures have not been confirmed by Xiaomi.

Amid rising complaints from customers who changed their minds, Xiaomi also unveiled it is taking legal action to mitigate rumours affecting its brand and sales.

The SU7 standard and Pro versions benchmark Tesla’s Model 3, while the Max version is intended to benchmark Porsche’s Taycan. The standard model’s price starts at CNY 215,900 ($29,860), the Pro starts at CNY 245,900, and the Max at CNY 299,999.

The cheaper version promises a 700-kilometre range (CLTC), powered by a BYD 73.6-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate blade battery. The SU7 Pro features a CATL 94.3-kWh ternary Shenxing battery and promises an 830-km range. The most expensive model uses a 101-kWh ternary Qilin battery also from CATL, with a range of 800 km.

Xiaomi is highlighting the Pro version’s range is 133 km longer than the Tesla Model 3. Additionally, add-on features that are usually paid for on the Model 3, have been made free for Xiaomi users.