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Credit: Carwow/YouTube 

Tesla’s Model S Plaid recently went head-to-head in a drag test against China’s high-performance electric newcomer, and the result was more nuanced than sheer numbers might suggest.

The Heavyweight Challenger: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra

The challenger in this showdown is the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which boasts 1,548 hp and 1,770 Nm of torque, delivered by three electric motors. It tips the scales at about 2,360 kg. On the Nürburgring, it has already turned in a lap time of 7:04.957, setting a new benchmark ahead of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.

In contrast, Tesla’s Model S Plaid produces 1,020 hp and 1,420 Nm, also via a tri-motor setup. It weighs less, at around 2,190 kg. Its Nürburgring performance has been clocked at 7:25.231.

Drag Races: Surprising Turns

In a series of nine drag-race duels conducted by automotive media (Carwow), the outcome did not follow a strictly linear relation to horsepower. Despite being outgunned on paper, the Plaid managed to win multiple races. Notably, during one contest the SU7 Ultra’s battery system hit a thermal limit, forcing a reduction in output, whereas the Plaid remained consistent under the same conditions.

Why Spec Sheets Don’t Tell the Whole Story

What this duel reveals is that raw power and peak torque do not guarantee victory, especially under real-world constraints like heat management, traction, control systems, and tuning. Even though the SU7 Ultra outpaces the Plaid in specified metrics, Tesla’s maturity in delivering consistent output under performance stress gives it a competitive edge.

Bottom Line

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a formidable machine, its Nürburgring time is monstrous, and its spec sheet reads like a flagship hyper EV. But in real-world drag scenarios, the Model S Plaid still demonstrates that system balance, thermal stability, and handling finesse can close much of the gap. This confrontation is a reminder that in electric performance, execution can matter as much as ambition.

Here’s a video of Carwow’s drag showdown: Model S Plaid takes on the Xiaomi SU7.