Xiaomi recruits the designer of the Lamborghini Temerario to strengthen its image in Europe

Fabian Schmölz's name may not be familiar to the general public, but in the world of automotive design, he's a benchmark. After working for Porsche Lamborghiniwhere he was responsible for such iconic projects as the Porsche 718 Boxster, the Mission E concept (precursor of the Taycan) and the the recent Lamborghini Temerariothe German designer has just taken an unexpected turn: he joins Xiaomi Auto Europe as Head of Exterior Design. A choice that speaks volumes about the ambitions of the Chinese technology giant.

From Porsche to Lamborghini, a golden CV

Before settling in Munich at Xiaomi's European R&D center, Fabian Schmölz accumulated almost ten years' experience at the highest level. At Porsche, he was involved in the design of production models (718 Spyder, 992 GT3 RS, Macan 3) as well as landmark concepts such as the Vision GT and Mission E. In 2023, he joins Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese as Chief Exterior Designer. There, he designed the Lanzador concept, then above all the Temerario supercar, a rechargeable hybrid presented in 2024, which marked a new stylistic stage for the Bull brand.

Why is Xiaomi recruiting Schmölz?

Xiaomi recently entered the automotive market with the SU7 sedan and the YU7 SUV, two models that have caused quite a stir. Their design quickly sparked controversy: the SU7 was compared to a Porsche Taycan and the YU7 to the Ferrari Purosangue.

This context has prompted Xiaomi to step up its game. By recruiting a renowned designer who has worked with some of Europe's most demanding manufacturers, the Chinese brand aims to lend credibility to its image, especially in Europe, where it plans to officially arrive by 2027.

"Emotion, that which cannot be copied".

Li Tianyuan, general manager of industrial design at Xiaomi Auto, sums up the brand's philosophy:

"Technology can be copied, but not the emotion a car can inspire."

This notion of emotional value is now at the heart of Xiaomi's strategy. Xiaomi wants to go beyond the image of a simple Chinese manufacturer inspired by the West, and propose a stylistic language capable of seducing a European public accustomed to judging the heritage and consistency of automotive brands.

Schmölz's arrival in Munich is part of a wider trend. Xiaomi has already recruited Kai Langer, former head of i-series design at BMW, and is gradually establishing a veritable automotive design "dream team" in Germany.

The strategy is clear: attract the best Western talent to legitimize Xiaomi Auto on the premium market, and build an identity of its own that is no longer perceived as a copy, but as a credible alternative to European brands.