Budget EV Outruns Ferrari in Abu Dhabi
In a stunning display of electric power, Xiaomi’s budget-friendly electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, left Ferrari’s ultra-expensive SF90 XX struggling in straight-line drag races. The event took place on a drag strip in Abu Dhabi, organized by Carwow earlier this month.
The showdown was a true clash of worlds. Ferrari is synonymous with decades of motorsport heritage, precision engineering, and mind-blowing performance. Xiaomi, globally known for smartphones and consumer tech, had never competed in the supercar arena. Yet, on the track, the Chinese electric sedan stole the spotlight.
The drag races were held shortly after a sandstorm swept the area, leaving a fine layer of sand on the strip. Such conditions typically favor advanced traction systems over sheer engine power. Despite this, the SU7 Ultra’s electric drivetrain excelled.
Explosive Performance Metrics
Carwow presenter Mat Watson drove the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, while Sam handled the Ferrari SF90 XX. Setting up launch control on the Xiaomi required navigating its digital menus, but once activated, the sedan rocketed off the line.
In the quarter-mile race, the Xiaomi completed the run in 9.3 seconds, leaving the Ferrari behind at 10.2 seconds. The half-mile race told the same story, with the SU7 Ultra finishing in 14.5 seconds, ahead of the Ferrari’s 15.7 seconds.
These results shocked viewers and enthusiasts alike. A $73,000–$75,000 electric sedan had outpaced a $900,000 Ferrari SF90 XX, demonstrating that electric power can rival and even surpass exotic combustion engines in straight-line acceleration.
Implications for Automotive Industry
The drag race underscores the growing dominance of electric vehicles, even in arenas traditionally reserved for hypercars. Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra combines affordability with performance, challenging perceptions that only high-end supercars can dominate on the track.
While no rolling races were conducted, the results are hard to ignore. EVs like the SU7 Ultra showcase instant torque and precise traction control, giving them a measurable edge in drag scenarios, especially on imperfect surfaces like sand-covered tracks.
Xiaomi’s foray into automotive manufacturing may have started as a tech experiment, but the SU7 Ultra’s performance sends a clear message: budget electric vehicles can compete with, and even defeat, some of the most elite and expensive cars in the world.
The Abu Dhabi showdown highlights a shift in automotive dynamics, where tech-driven EVs are not just eco-friendly alternatives but also high-performance contenders capable of redefining speed benchmarks.
