Chinese EV takes on Ferrari supercar in drag race at Abu Dhabi track and the unexpected happens
Published on Jan 14, 2026 at 2:28 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jan 14, 2026 at 2:28 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Chinese EV, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, took on a Ferrari supercar, the SF90 XX, in Abu Dhabi, and the unexpected happened during the epic drag race.
CarWow pitted the SU7 Ultra against the SF90 XX in multiple drag races, and most people would probably have money on the Italian supercar winning the race.
But the SU7 Ultra is no slouch, and the manufacturer has proved how good the car is with an amazing run at the Nürburgring racetrack.
The drag race was a classic match between combustion power, with hybrid assistance, and full electric, in what was an interesting battle.
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Comparing the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Ferrari SF90 XX
Both cars have impressive performance stats, but the Xiaomi really stands out.
The SU7 Ultra has three electric motors, making 1,526hp and 1,305lb-ft of torque driving all four wheels.
Compare that to the Ferrari supercar, which has 786hp from the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine.
But thanks to three electric motors, the power rises to 1,016hp with 590lb-ft of torque.
Both cars have all-wheel drive.
The biggest difference between the two, however, is weight.
The SF90 XX weighs around 3,660lbs.
The SU7 Ultra, on the other hand, weighs much more at 5,200lbs.
Xiaomi says the SU7 Ultra has a 0-62mph time of 1.98 seconds, with the Ferrari just behind at 2.3 seconds.
How the Chinese EV and Ferrari supercar fared in the drag race
Incredibly, the SU7 Ultra did more than hold its own against its Italian rival.
In the first race, the EV rocketed off the line, easily pulling out a lead over the supercar.
It did the quarter mile in 9.3 seconds, the Ferrari following at 10.2 seconds.
Over a half-mile race, the difference was even bigger.
The EV accelerated away, but it looked like the SF90 XX was closing it down.
But the electric car pulled away again, completing the half mile in 14.5 seconds.
The Ferrari supercar did the same drag race in 15.7 seconds.
To see if the SF90 XX could get its own back on the Xiaomi, the drivers did a brake test from 100mph.
Both cars showed they had incredibly capable brakes.
However, the Ferrari stopped more than a car length before the Chinese EV did.
As we can see in the video, though, it’s a clear overall win for the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
