The latest drag race between five of the world’s fastest production SUVs has drawn attention for more than just raw speed. A video posted by CarVow pits the Tesla Model X Plaid against the Lamborghini Urus Performante, BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, and Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG in a straight-line showdown.
Five high-performance SUVs, one quarter-mile
The lineup includes some of the most powerful SUVs currently available. The Lamborghini Urus Performante, with its 657-horsepower twin-turbo V8, is the only Italian entry. BMW’s X5 M Competition brings 617 horsepower from its 4.4-liter V8, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG matches that output with its own V8.
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT stands out with a 631-horsepower 4.0-liter V8. Rounding out the group is the Tesla Model X Plaid, the only all-electric contender, with 1,020 horsepower from its tri-motor setup and seating for up to seven.
While the video doesn’t reveal the final standings—encouraging viewers to watch the full race—it does highlight a notable weakness in the Model X Plaid’s braking performance. The Tesla, despite its acceleration advantage, takes significantly longer to stop than the other SUVs, with all four internal-combustion rivals coming to a halt well before it does.
Related: Gray Porsche GT3 showcased in frozen champagne
Braking becomes the unexpected talking point
The discrepancy in stopping power raises questions about the Model X Plaid’s real-world usability at high speeds. While Tesla’s electric SUV excels in straight-line acceleration, its stock braking system appears to struggle. The video suggests aftermarket upgrades, such as Unplugged Performance’s big brake kit, could address the issue, though it doesn’t test any modified versions.
For buyers prioritizing frequent high-speed driving, the gap in braking could be a deciding factor—even if the Model X Plaid dominates in a drag race. The other SUVs in the test, while slightly slower off the line, offer more balanced performance across acceleration and stopping power.
The video serves as a reminder that speed isn’t the only measure of capability. While the Model X Plaid may out-accelerate its rivals, its braking limitations could make it less versatile in scenarios beyond a straight-line sprint. For now, the full results remain behind the play button, leaving the final verdict to the viewer.
Leave a Reply