With three electric motors, an AWD system, a massively overpowered V-8, and the most advanced aerodynamic setup, the latest 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale has some serious performance to offer. I am talking here about hypercar-beating numbers. With all the complexity, three electric motors, and lightweight design, engineers managed to engineer a car so advanced it has a sort of dissociative identity disorder condition. By switching through the modes on the lower left side of the steering wheel, you can choose between four very different driving modes. Ferrari published a video depicting its functions, and I will give you an overview.

2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale eD Driving Mode

If you have ever wanted a front-wheel-drive Ferrari than this is the mode to use on the steering wheel of the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale, thus, can have enough electric juice to travel as an FWD EV for 15 miles. That is not much, but I believe that it is more than enough for the Zero Emission Zones in most European city centers.

While in eD mode, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale can achieve up to 84 mph. Not shabby. Ferrari even mentioned that two electric motors up front could accelerate the SF90 with a longitudinal acceleration of 0.4g. I've used an online g-Acceleration calculator to calculate the 0-62 mph time for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale in eD mode (only with two emotors). If the motors can keep a continuous 0.4 gs of longitudinal acceleration, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale can accelerate to 62 mph on electricity in 7 seconds. That's a perfect world, but I do suspect that electric motors cannot provide that much thrust. In that case, I am estimating that 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale can accelerate to 62 mph in about 10 seconds using only three electric motors.

In this mode, regenerative braking is of paramount importance, as Ferrari created a system that can recuperate a whole lot of electricity usually dissipated as heat when braking.

Interestingly enough, if you want to go in reverse, the only way you can achieve that is with the eD mode.

2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale H Driving Mode

H is for Hybrid, of course. Ferrari crafted this mode to achieve the best possible efficiency with the ICE turning off when not needed (in low power applications - like crawling in a traffic jam). The ICE can kick in on demand (when you press the acceleration pedal harder), or when needed (if the battery needs a bit more juice).

Furthermore, the M-GUK - an electric motor between the gearbox and the ICE - can work as an assistant to the ICE, but also as a power recuperation device. When decelerating, electric motors turn opposite, this overcoming the magnetic forces and sending electrons back to the negatively charged side of the battery thus recharging it.

While focused on keeping efficiency on the best possible levels, the Hybrid mode also provides access to full power. Just press the acceleration pedal, and you'll see what I mean. It is a savage.

2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Performance Driving Mode

The little checkered flag marking above the letter H on the steering wheel represents the Performance mode. If selected, the ICE will focus on recharging the battery to enable access to all power at all times. This mode utilizes the 769 horsepower ICE and three electric motors with a maximum power output of 217 horsepower to provide a thrilling driving experience. While not explicitly stated, I have to believe that the Performance mode can give you the most fun on the track.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale drivetrain specifications

2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Qualify Driving Mode

As the fourth mode, Ferrari engineered a rather cool-named feature called the Qualify. If selected (a small stopwatch button above the checkered flag on the steering wheel), the Qualify mode will focus all the available power to the wheels. Of course, with a small 7.9 kWh battery, you cannot expect to drive in qualify mode forever. You can, however, drive long enough to complete a lap on any track in the world - the Nurburgring included. However you cut it, it seems that the maximum power of the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale is available only for a couple of minutes when driving in Qualify mode. It makes the SF90 Stradale somewhat unique, as you, it seems, cannot access the full power for any longer. The ICE has to use some of its might to recharge that battery sometime. Nevertheless, I think that the mode Qualify is where you can achieve all the performance numbers Ferrari claimed for the SF90 Stradale.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale performance figures

Don't tell anyone I told you this, but I am quite sure that the Ferrari SF90 Stradale can go even quicker than this on a good day. After all, it managed to be faster around the Fiorano test track than the LaFerrari. It did it with the Qualify mode selected.

Conclusion

You, the driver, can go through the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale modes using the eMannetino switch. It is an analogous feature to the Mannetino switch, but, I have to say, not as fancy looking. Nevertheless, the modes available for the Ferrari SF90 Stradale can make this car as gentle and efficient as the Toyota Prius. With the eMannetino switch, you can make it as savage, as,... well, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. And that is a lot of savage.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Ferrari SF90 Stradale.