We listen, we don’t judge: I used to think that all a car is good for is taking you from Point A to Point B. It exists only to meet basic transportation needs. Nothing more, nothing less. Then came the invitation from BYD. The leading automaker was hosting a media get-together at its all-terrain facility in Zhengzhou, which reportedly covers an area equivalent to 21 football fields and cost five billion yuan to develop, offering a closer look at its suite of electric vehicles (EVs). The sheer scale of the production intrigued me. Driven by this curiosity, I signed up for the programme, unaware that it would permanently change my outlook on automobiles. Here are the highlights of the trip:

 

ROARING AT FULL THROTTLE

Day one in the capital of China’s Henan province, and I was thrown straight in at the deep end. Soon after arriving at the venue, I sat down for a product presentation and safety briefing, getting familiarised with the fleet of EVs on hand as well as the eight experience zones sprinkled across the circuit. The party was then moved outside to the middle of the 1.8-kilometre race track, where a couple of sleek, sporty Yangwang U9s awaited.

These electric supercars knew how to make an impression. As soon as the cameras turned their way, they started bouncing on all four wheels to the beat. I couldn’t help but ooh and aah at the showcase of BYD’s high-pressure hydraulic suspension system. This pulse-pounding display matched the performance on the road. Taking the driver’s seat for a speed run, I was floored by the car’s stability as it surged from zero to one hundred in just 2.36 seconds.

 

GOING OVER AND UNDER

Another showstopper moment unfolded with the brawny Yangwang U8. For this particular demonstration, I was escorted to the other side of the facility where the 70-metre pool was located. It was immediately clear to me that the sport utility vehicle (SUV), too, was going to put on a show for the group—and I was right. Seeing it go into ‘Emergency Flotation Mode’ and cut through water with ease was exactly as exhilarating as it sounds.

Not stopping there, BYD took the star of its premium arm, Denza, out for a spin. The Denza B5 navigated the off-road terrain area—rocky ridges and steep slopes—seamlessly. Further flexing its street cred, this luxury SUV conquered the indoor sand dune without a hint of strain. Just to put it in perspective, the course boasts a dramatic 28-degree incline leading to a 29.6-metre elevation drop and is certified as the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records.

 

THINGS TO COME

Keeping the momentum going, BYD gave the group a sneak peek of its latest innovations, including the new Denza Z9GT. The flagship grand tourer is a technologically advanced vehicle wrapped in a tastefully sculpted design. The integration of the e3 Platform is matched with stunning aesthetic details. Think an exterior featuring a silk-inspired silhouette and an interior that flaunts trimmings in premium materials like genuine leather and real wood.

I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel and run it through an obstacle course to test its control in difficult conditions. Weaving through the slalom allowed me to feel the car’s handling, steering response, and stability as I navigated the tight turns. The wet kick-plate section was especially exciting, as it simulated slippery ice conditions and tested how well the car reacted when traction was suddenly reduced. In short, 10/10, no notes.

 

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

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