The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra emerged as one of 2025’s standout performance cars, pairing more than 1,500 horsepower with extreme acceleration and record-setting Nürburgring runs. In head-to-head races it routinely dominated, though repeated runs occasionally triggered a reduced-power mode, likely from overheating. Now, carwow has lined it up against Ferrari’s SF90 XX on a Dubai drag strip in mild winter heat.
The SU7 Ultra is a fully electric sedan with three motors—one front, two rear—delivering full-time all-wheel drive. Output totals 1,548 horsepower and 1,770 Nm of torque, exceeding even a Bugatti Chiron, though its 2,360 kg curb weight reflects its size and battery mass. Its most surprising figure is price: roughly $73,000 in China.
At the other extreme sits the Ferrari SF90 XX. With a starting price of around $840,000, it combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with three electric motors for 1,030 horsepower. An eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and launch control help manage power, while total weight is a comparatively light 1,660 kg.
Before the first run, the Xiaomi posed an unexpected hurdle: its drag launch system requires a 60-second setup and menu navigation in Chinese. Once engaged, the result was immediate. The SU7 Ultra launched hard and pulled away instantly, overwhelming the Ferrari with its electric torque and traction. Over the standing quarter mile, the Xiaomi ran 9.3 seconds, while the Ferrari trailed at 10.2 seconds.
The test then moved to a standing half mile to give the Ferrari another opportunity. The gap remained. The Xiaomi stopped the clocks at 14.5 seconds, with the SF90 XX following at 15.7 seconds. Notably, the Xiaomi’s half-mile time is quicker than the quarter-mile times of cars such as the Toyota GR86, Mazda MX-5, and Nissan R33 GT-R.
The SF90 XX’s weaker-than-expected showing came down to conditions. Storms the previous day left sand on the drag strip, reducing grip. While the Ferrari is all-wheel drive, its launch bias toward the rear axle made it vulnerable on the low-traction surface. The Xiaomi thrived in these conditions, using its fully electric drivetrain to distribute torque instantly and precisely, maintaining traction and deploying power far more effectively.
