Model S Plaid

Make
Tesla
Segment
Sedan

Mullen is not a well-known EV manufacturer, but it might just be the next big thing.

It chose the 2021 LA Auto Show to introduce its SUV, called the Five. The Five appears to be the production version of the MX-05 Mullen teased last year.

At the time, a range of 600 miles and a charging time of 35 minutes was promised, but Mullen was perhaps too enthusiastic. The actual claimed range is 325 miles, which is still impressive. Even more impressive is the claimed 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, which puts it on par with the Tesla Model S Plaid.

The Five will be sold as a premium SUV, featuring a design to match. We see subtle Aston Martin and Land Rover hints, like the slim headlights and the flush door handles. According to the presentation, you can have a Five with 23-inch wheels, but as you can see in the photographs, the result is just a lick of rubber where the tires usually go.

The inside follows the current minimalist trend. There's a steering wheel, a small digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen display. The wood trim, black upper dash, and light upholstery do work well together. We're slightly worried about the lack of buttons, as it usually means that the driver has to operate everything via the touchscreen interface, including the climate control. The latter, we think, should always be separate.

The Five is packed with features. To start with, the exterior has facial recognition and will automatically open the doors and adjust the seating position as you walk towards it.

Mullen did not provide output details, but we know that it will use a 95-kWh battery pack and a dual-motor setup. The additional grip offered by the eAWD system will power it to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Using fast charging, the battery can get back to 80% in 21 minutes.

There will be a performance model called the Five RS. Mullen says it will have carbon-ceramic brakes, which it will need since the claimed 0-60 mph time is 1.9 seconds. The top speed is not electronically limited as in most EVs, so the RS will keep on going beyond 200 mph. We just wonder what Audi will say about Mullen using the letters "RS" on its performance derivative?

According to Mullen, the pricing will start at $55,000, while a so-called "Touring" model will retail for $75,000. There's no word on what the blistering RS is going to cost.

These prices will likely change, as production won't start for a few years. Deliveries are only scheduled for the second quarter of 2024, but Mullen is currently accepting $100 deposits. The deposit is refundable if something sweeter comes along between now and 2024.

It seems Mullen has longer-term plans. We looked at its website, and it also mentions the Dragonfly, which resembles the Qiantu K50. This roadster was designed in China, but Mullen will build it in the USA.

As far as we know, Rivian has that particular segment locked up as part of their deal with Amazon.