Xiaomi stunned the global auto community after its budget electric sedan, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, defeated Ferrari’s high-performance Ferrari SF90 XX in straight-line drag races held in Abu Dhabi.
The result drew widespread attention due to the massive price difference between the two cars. The Ferrari SF90 XX, a track-focused supercar with deep motorsport heritage, carries a price tag of around $900,000, while the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra costs roughly $73,000 to $75,000.
In the quarter-mile sprint, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra clocked an impressive 9.3 seconds, beating the Ferrari’s 10.2 seconds. The gap remained in the half-mile run, where Xiaomi finished in 14.5 seconds, ahead of Ferrari’s 15.7 seconds.
The challenge became even more demanding due to the track conditions. The races were conducted on a sand-covered surface following a storm, significantly reducing grip. In these slippery conditions, traction and power delivery mattered more than raw horsepower. The electric Xiaomi demonstrated superior control, highlighting the advantages of instant torque and advanced traction management in modern EVs.
Xiaomi, widely known as a consumer electronics and smartphone brand, is still new to the automotive industry. However, this performance has reinforced the idea that emerging electric car manufacturers can challenge, and in some cases outperform, traditional supercar brands in specific performance tests.
The race has become another example of how electric vehicles are reshaping perceptions of speed, value, and innovation, showing that cutting-edge EV technology can rival even the most exclusive performance cars in the world.
