The world is starting to appear quite grim for startups aiming to break into the EV market. This means that brands striving to survive must make significant commitments, and Mullen is doing just that with the Five RS, a high-performance version of its crossover unveiled today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Although seeing EVs with impressive performance figures is nothing new, it’s still a little surprising to encounter an electric crossover making promises of this magnitude. Equipped with dual motors residing at the front and rear axles, the Five RS boasts a staggering 1,000 hp and over 1,151 Nm at its disposal, with Mullen claiming that it will be able to reach 96 km/h in under two seconds.
Even more impressively, the automaker
promises that its crossover will be capable of reaching a top speed of 322 km/h or even higher. This speed is achieved with the assistance of a
Porsche Taycan-style two-speed gearbox and an intriguing aerodynamic setup. As
you can see, the model has a big wing at the back, in addition to a spoiler
where the rear window meets the body. Another intriguing design cue is the duct
at the front. While supercars like Ferraris and other use vents like these that
create a double-layer hood, the way the inlets here form a “grille” of sorts,
is a fascinating, and I think attractive, solution.
To ensure that it can accelerate
consistently, Mullen says that it has designed an “ultra-performance
race-track” mode. This adjusts settings in the throttle mapping, the
powertrain, the battery cooling, the dampers, and the steering feel to give
drivers the best possible experience. To slow it all down, the Five RS gets
six-piston Brembo brakes at the front, and four-piston calipers at the back,
that all clamp down on carbon ceramic discs. Around them, Mullen has put
high-performance 21-inch wheel tires in the rear, and 20-inchers at the front.
According to the automaker, the RS can come to a full stop from 100 km/h in 33 m.
The Five RS measures 4,902 mm in length, 2,032 mm in width, 1,626 mm in height, with
a wheelbase of 2,946 mm and a ground clearance of 170
mm. The model is equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack that Mullen hopes will
get it up to 483 km per charge or 25 miles less than the plain
Five. To ensure it can charge quickly, it features an 800V architecture that
allows it go from zero to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.
Speaking of high-tech features, it also
has an integrated infotainment system, an AI-based personal assistance called
Persona, facial recognition technology, and level 2+ driver assistance tech.
Drivers will operate it from the premium Nubuck leather and Alcantara trimmed
seats that have carbon fiber backs. The door inserts are also made of the
lightweight material, and the Five RS is expected to tip the scales at 2,300 kg.
Mullen anticipates commencing production
of the Five RS in late 2025, with sales set to commence in mid-2026. Subsequent
versions of the SUV, including the US$ 55,000 entry-level variant (originally
slated for late last year), will follow in due course.
