This video features a drag race and performance comparison between the new Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and the Tesla Model S Plaid. The SU7 Ultra, with its 1548 HP, 1770 Nm of torque, carbon ceramic brakes, and semi-slick tires, faces off against the Tesla Plaid's 1020 HP and 1420 Nm. Despite the Tesla's initial launch advantage and the Xiaomi encountering issues like cold tires and battery overheating during sustained runs, the SU7 Ultra ultimately wins the standing quarter-mile with a quicker time of 9.3 seconds (compared to the Tesla's 9.5 seconds). Rolling races further highlight the Xiaomi's superior high-speed acceleration when its "boost button" is activated, though the Tesla demonstrates better braking performance due to the Xiaomi's cold tires affecting ABS. The video emphasizes the Xiaomi's impressive performance-to-price ratio.
Drag Race: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra vs. Tesla Model S Plaid
0:17 Vehicle Specifications (Xiaomi SU7 Ultra): Powered by three electric motors (AWD), delivering 1548 horsepower and 1,770 Nm of torque. Weighs 2360 kg and costs approximately £55,000 in China. Features launch control, carbon ceramic brakes as standard, and Chinese semi-slick tires.
0:37 Vehicle Specifications (Tesla Model S Plaid): Also features three electric motors (AWD), producing 1,020 horsepower and 1,420 Nm of torque. Weighs 2,190 kg and costs £115,000. Includes launch control.
1:11 Nürburgring Record Comparison: Kynan (Xiaomi driver) achieved an unofficial Nürburgring BTG (Bridge to Gantry) lap record of 7 minutes 9.8 seconds in his SU7, faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid's factory record of 7 minutes 25 seconds. The official full lap record for the SU7 is 7 minutes 4.9 seconds.
2:03 Performance Discrepancy: The Tesla driver expresses concern about the significant power and torque advantage of the Xiaomi (1550 HP vs. 1020 HP; 1800 Nm vs. 1400 Nm) at a much lower price point.
3:20 Semi-Slick Tires Advantage: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is noted to be running on semi-slick tires, giving it a potential grip advantage, though the driver notes they need to be warmed up.
3:59 Standing Quarter Mile - Race 1: The Tesla Model S Plaid wins due to the Xiaomi having cold tires, resulting in significant wheelspin off the line.
5:08 Standing Quarter Mile - Race 2: After warming up its tires, the Xiaomi performs better but the Tesla still wins with an "ever had" best launch.
6:26 Standing Quarter Mile - Race 3: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra wins its first drag race, showcasing improving launch technique from its driver. The score is now 2-1 to Tesla.
7:33 Standing Quarter Mile - Race 4: The Xiaomi wins again, tying the score at 2-2, despite experiencing an unexpected 1-second "power limit" drop at launch which had not occurred before.
9:04 Xiaomi Brakes: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's standard carbon ceramic brakes are highlighted as a premium feature for its price.
10:07 Standing Quarter Mile - Final Decider: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra wins the final drag race. The Xiaomi driver notes battery overheating as a limiting factor for sustained consecutive launches, an issue not previously encountered.
11:58 Overall Standing Quarter Mile Results: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra completes the quarter mile in 9.3 seconds, while the Tesla Model S Plaid takes 9.5 seconds (a personal best for the Tesla driver). This demonstrates the Xiaomi's superior speed despite being significantly cheaper.
12:13 Car Vertical Advertisement: A brief interlude promoting Car Vertical for used car history checks.
12:51 Rolling Race (from 50 km/h): The Tesla has an initial advantage, but the Xiaomi quickly pulls ahead, demonstrating stronger acceleration at higher speeds (especially over 200 km/h).
14:32 Rolling Race (from 100 km/h): The Xiaomi "takes off" immediately at the higher speed, pulling away from the Tesla. The Xiaomi driver reveals they activated a "boost button" this time, providing full 1548 HP which was not used in previous rolling races.
16:08 Brake Test (from 160 km/h): The Tesla Model S Plaid wins the brake test. The Xiaomi's ABS is noted to be "skipping" due to cold tires, impacting its braking performance.
16:47 Conclusion: The Tesla driver is impressed by the Xiaomi's acceleration, particularly above 200 km/h, and its brakes. Both vehicles showcased impressive capabilities, with the Xiaomi offering exceptional performance for its price.