Drag race: Can this record-breaking Chinese electric car beat the Tesla Model S Plaid?

The Tesla Model S Plaid has long been synonymous with bonkers straight-line performance. A quick look at our drag race leaderboard will show that this four-door family car is faster down the quarter mile than a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, a Lamborghini Revuleto and even a BMW M1000RR superbike.

But now there’s a new kid on the block in the form of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, a Chinese EV which is quite a bit more powerful than the Tesla and holds the current Nurburgring record for electric cars. Carwow rules dictate that I should get a kick in the backside for mentioning that track, but as I’m writing this in my home office I think I should be safe.

Make sure to check out Mat’s video to see how the race pans out, but for now I’ll take you through these car’s stats.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Xiaomi SU7

Let’s start with the newcomer. You may know Xiaomi as makers of affordable smartphones, but now it’s branching out into making electric cars. There is a 299hp version of the SU7, as well as a 670hp dual-motor model. The car we have here though is the Ultra, which ups the ante even more.

It has three electric motors – one on the front and two on the rear, and combined they send 1,548hp and 1,770Nm of torque to all four wheels. The Ultra weighs in at a rather hefty 2,360kg, and it costs the equivalent of around £55,000 in China.

The SU7 Ultra holds the current world record for the fastest electric car around the Nurburgring, completing a lap on the fearsome track in 07:04:09 minutes. That’s over 20 seconds faster than the previous record held by the Tesla Model S Plaid.

Tesla Model S Plaid

Mat’s behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S Plaid, and he also has three electric motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear, driving all four wheels.

He’s down on power compared to the Xiaomi though, with 1,020hp and 1,420Nm of torque on tap. The Tesla’s saving grace is weight, because it’s 170kg lighter than the SU7 at 2,190kg. The Tesla will set you back £115,000.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra vs Tesla Model S Plaid: what will happen?

If I was a betting man, my money would go on the Xiaomi for this race (sorry Mat). I know the Tesla is lighter, but I don’t reckon that’ll be enough to offset a near-530hp deficit. The SU7 has already thrashed the Model S at the Nurburgring, so let’s see if it can do the same in a drag race.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.