Mullen Five RS, an electric crossover with over 1,000 horsepower, debuts

There is a new U.S. electric car startup that promises to offer cars with performance rivaling Tesla's plaid versions of the Model S and Model X, and Rimac's Nevera hypercar.

That startup is Mullen, and the Southern California company unveiled its first product, the Five RS, at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas this week.

As the name suggests, the Five RS is based on the Five compact crossover that Mullen first unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the RS version offers significant improvements not only in performance, but also in design and technology.

The Five RS sits much lower than the regular Five and boasts unique styling both inside and out, with peak power of over 1,000 hp promised from a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain that includes a two-speed gearbox. This gearbox is key to the Five RS achieving Mullen's goal of a top speed of over 200 mph. The company also claims a 0-60 mph time of less than 2 seconds and 60-0 mph braking performance of less than 110 feet.

The Five RS features Brembo brake calipers gripping carbon ceramic discs and an Ultra Performance Race Track mode that maximizes power and enhances steering. In addition, the vehicle will feature an AI-powered voice assistant with facial recognition technology.

Mullen did not discuss platform details, but said the Five RS will feature an 800-volt electric architecture and 100 kwh battery capacity, allowing for a 10-80% charge time of 21 minutes and a range of 300 miles. The company's target vehicle weight is 5,070 lbs.

Pricing has not been disclosed, but according to Car and Driver, Mullen CEO David Mycherry said during the CES reveal that the starting price will be $295,000. This is well above the price target of $55,000 set by Mullen for the Regular Five.

Production of the Five will take place at a plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. The plant's previous owner was AM General, which built the Hummer and Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Mullen is taking reservations for the Five and previously indicated that production would begin in 2024. Production of the performance crossover is expected to begin in 2025.

In addition to the Five, Mullen plans to launch its own version of the Qiantu K50, a Chinese electric sports car, which Mullen plans to rename GT and also offer in RS guise. It also plans a miniature car called the Go.

Mullen is also active in the commercial vehicle sector, offering electric vans and trucks under its own brand, and following its acquisition of Bollinger, another EV startup, in 2022, Mullen intends to introduce a Bollinger-label electric truck. In addition, Mullen plans to resume development of Bollinger's B1 and B2 electric SUVs and pickup trucks.