This video features a drag race comparison between the new, high-powered Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and the established Tesla Model S Plaid. The Xiaomi boasts significantly higher power (1,548 hp) and torque (1,770 Nm) despite its lower price point (~£55,000 equivalent) compared to the Tesla (1,020 hp). The comparison includes a series of standing quarter-mile races, two rolling races, and a 100 mph braking test. Although the Xiaomi initially struggled due to cold, semi-slick tires and later faced thermal throttling issues during consecutive launches, it ultimately prevailed in the standing quarter mile, posting a best time of 9.3 seconds versus the Tesla’s 9.5 seconds. The Xiaomi also demonstrated superior persistence and top-end acceleration in the high-speed rolling races, while the Tesla won the braking challenge.
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra vs. Tesla Model S Plaid: Drag Race Analysis
0:17 Vehicle Specifications (Xiaomi): The SU7 Ultra features three electric motors (AWD), 1,548 hp, 1,770 Nm of torque, and weighs 2,360 kg. It costs around £55,000 (Chinese price).
0:37 Vehicle Specifications (Tesla): The Model S Plaid features three electric motors (AWD), 1,020 hp, 1,420 Nm of torque, and weighs 2,190 kg. It costs £115,000 (UK price).
1:17 Nurburgring Comparison: The Xiaomi's owner notes his unofficial BTG (Bridge to Gantry) lap time of 7:09.8 is faster than the Tesla Plaid's official record (7:25), highlighting the Xiaomi's track potential.
3:24 Critical Tire Detail: The Xiaomi is running on high-performance semi-slick tires (described as Chinese Pirelli/Trophy RS equivalents), which require warming up. The Tesla is running standard tires.
3:59 Race 1 (Cold Tires): Tesla wins. The Xiaomi experiences significant wheel spin due to cold semi-slicks, allowing the Tesla to lead easily off the line.
5:08 Race 2 (Tires Warmed): Tesla wins again (driver achieves a personal best launch/time), but the Xiaomi closes the gap rapidly, indicating improved traction.
7:18 Race 3 & 4 (Improved Launch): The Xiaomi driver improves his launch timing, leading the Xiaomi to win races 3 and 4, evening the score. Takeaway: Driver skill (launch timing) is crucial for the high-powered Xiaomi.
8:49 Race 5 (Power Limit): During the fifth race, the Xiaomi suffers a momentary, severe power cut-off (lasting about 1 second) during the launch sequence, causing it to lose the race unexpectedly.
10:46 Thermal Throttling Confirmed: It is determined that the Xiaomi's battery became too hot during the consecutive high-power launches, leading to power limitations, especially slowing acceleration above 150 km/h.
11:58 Final Standing Quarter Mile Result: After a cool-down period, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra achieved the fastest time, winning the drag race with 9.3 seconds. The Tesla Model S Plaid completed the quarter mile in 9.5 seconds (a personal best for the host).
12:51 Rolling Race 1 (50 km/h / 30 mph): The Tesla initially pulls ahead, but the Xiaomi's higher power takes over quickly, pulling ahead dramatically at high speeds (especially over 200 km/h).
14:34 Rolling Race 2 (100 km/h / 60 mph): When the Xiaomi's driver utilizes the "boost" button (accessing the full 1,548 hp), the Xiaomi pulls away immediately and maintains a strong, persistent pull up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
16:08 Braking Test (160 km/h / 100 mph): The Tesla Model S Plaid (with upgraded brakes) wins the braking test decisively. The Xiaomi struggles to stop due to cold tires and ABS system issues, skidding further.
16:36 Key Takeaway: The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is proven to be faster than the Model S Plaid in the quarter mile and at high speeds, but its performance is highly sensitive to thermal management and tire temperature during repeated hard usage.