Xiaomi surprises at MWC 2026 with its Vision GT prototype

Following its meteoric success with the SU7 and the more recent YU7, Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has now surprised all attendees of Mobile World Congress 2026, being held these days in Barcelona, with the spectacular Vision GT prototype, developed exclusively for the video game and racing simulator Gran Turismo 7.

The Vision GT marks a turning point for the Chinese car industry, as it becomes the first vehicle developed in this Asian country to join this legendary racing simulator, which has nearly 30 years of history.

However, the Chinese manufacturer has not limited itself to showing, as might be expected, a digital version of the Vision GT. It has also brought a full-scale prototype to display at the world’s most important annual trade fair dedicated to advances in mobile telephony, a sector in which Xiaomi already has considerable experience. In any case, it is important to clarify that this prototype is not, in principle, going to go into production in the future, and it can only be enjoyed virtually in the seventh edition of the Gran Turismo video game.

It leaves no one indifferent

The design line followed with the Vision GT adheres to the philosophy of “less is more”, with a very low body, extreme aerodynamic shapes and integrated air channels that run through the bodywork in a teardrop shape. Every detail of the vehicle has been developed with the idea of minimising wind resistance to thereby improve efficiency. Meanwhile, the two-seat cabin evokes a fighter jet cockpit or a Formula 1 single-seater, featuring a yoke-type steering wheel packed with controls, integrated screens and a huge panoramic display occupying the base of the windscreen. As expected of a Xiaomi product, this prototype also promises seamless integration with the brand’s device ecosystem.

With this prototype, Xiaomi joins the long list that includes more than 40 brands that have taken part in the Vision GT programme, developing radical and futuristic prototypes that we will see in the seventh edition of this racing simulator. Alongside Xiaomi’s Vision GT in the video game, creations from major manufacturers can also be found, such as Bugatti, Ferrari, Porsche, Chevrolet or Jaguar.

It is important to note that the strategy that has led Xiaomi to develop this prototype goes beyond entertainment. Including its hypercar in a title played by millions of people around the world, especially teenagers and young adults, is a brilliant marketing manoeuvre with a relatively low cost, if we compare it with what a similar campaign in the media or online would cost.

The racing simulator Gran Turismo 7 was developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in September 2021. Throughout this time, the title has continued to receive updates, DLC and new content, to which this spectacular prototype created by Xiaomi will soon be added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlmeEk4wQEw