Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra defeats Ferrari's $900,000 supercar in straight-line races

Chinese automaker Xiaomi is gaining global acclaim as its budget-friendly electric sedan, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, has just beaten one of Ferrari’s most extreme supercars in straight-line drag races.

The SU7 Ultra vs Ferrari SF90 XX race stunned the automotive world earlier this month, wherein Xiaomi confronted the Ferrari SF90 XX at a drag strip in Abu Dhabi, an event organised by Carwow.

While Ferrari has been holding the crown of motorsport heritage and exclusive engineering for decades, it took the backseat against Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on the track.

The Xiaomi vs Ferrari drag races took place shortly after a sandstorm had left fine sand on the track, conditions typically favouring vehicles with advanced traction systems over traditional roaring engines.

Carwow’s Mat Watson drove the Xiaomi, while Sam piloted the Ferrari.

The launch control on the Xiaomi is activated by navigating its digital menus, but the results immediately took shape once it was engaged. The SU7 Ultra launched off the line, leaving the Ferrari struggling to keep pace.

The Xiaomi completed the quarter-mile drag race in an impressive 9.3 seconds, while the Ferrari finished in 10.2 seconds. In the half-mile run, the Xiaomi clocked 14.5 seconds compared to the Ferrari’s 15.7 seconds.

Although no rolling races were conducted, a $73,000-$75,000 Chinese electric sedan had clearly outperformed a $900,000 Ferrari in straight-line acceleration.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is equipped with three electric motors generating a combined 1,526 horsepower and 1,305 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 1.98 seconds, a capability typically found in hypercars. In contrast, the Ferrari SF90 XX is armed with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 786 horsepower, attaining 1,016 horsepower with electric assistance, achieving 0–62 mph in approximately 2.3 seconds.