Local media representatives, including The Bruneian, recently had the exclusive opportunity to attend the BYD Asia Pacific Conference 2025 in China to experience first-hand the brand’s technological innovations and test-drive its latest models.
The event not only provided media representatives with a deeper understanding of BYD and its latest products but also highlighted the brand’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement.
2025 BYD Intelligent Driving Camp
From the performance of the BYD Sealion 7 to the off-road capabilities of the BYD Shark, the BYD test drive event at the Shenzhen Pingshan Bay Area Intelligent Test Drive Centre offered media representatives an in-depth look at BYD’s advanced intelligent driving and DM technology.
Media representatives had the opportunity to experience the power and performance of several of BYD’s latest models, including the BYD Sealion 7, BYD Shark, and more, all set to launch in Brunei.
The event was divided into two key segments: the Intelligent Driving Experience and the Functional Test Drive.
The Intelligent Driving Experience Zone is designed to simulate real-life scenarios, showcasing features such as Narrow Pass Navigation, Intelligent Parking, and Large Radius Turning, allowing participants to experience the convenience and safety of BYD’s innovative technology in action.
Meanwhile, the Functional Test Drive Zone put vehicles through their paces with various challenges, including straight-line acceleration, emergency braking, slalom, speed bump tests, combination corners, and off-road trails for SUVs.
Off-road capabilities of the BYD Shark
The adventure began with a thrilling ride in the BYD Shark, an AWD Plug-in hybrid that promises to take on the toughest terrains with ease.
As The Bruneian ventured into the Experience Area for off-road testing, we had the chance to put the Shark through a series of challenges designed to test its durability and off-road prowess.
One of the most exciting challenges we faced was the single-side bridge test, which simulates crossing a narrow, elevated path. The BYD Shark handled it effortlessly, thanks to its advanced suspension system and balanced weight distribution.
Next was the Hill-climbing challenge, where the Shark showcased its impressive power and torque.
Its turbo high-power hybrid engine delivered consistent power, and the advanced traction control system helped it navigate the tough slope without slipping or losing momentum. The climb felt like a breeze, reinforcing the Shark’s off-road capabilities.
All in all, the BYD Shark proved to be a reliable and robust option for anyone seeking an adventure vehicle with a focus on sustainability.
The BYD Sealion 7 shines in performance
During the event, the media representatives had the chance to test various BYD models on a series of performance courses, including high-speed lane changes and slalom sessions.
On the track, the BYD Sealion 7 impressed with its agility, effortlessly weaving through cones. Its all-wheel-drive system provided responsive steering with minimal effort, making it easy to control.
The performance coupe SUV displayed minimal body roll or dive, inspiring confidence in fast-paced maneuvers, thanks to its integrated battery and stiffened chassis that enhance cornering.
During the Functional Test Drive Zone, we pushed the Sealion 7 to its limits, experiencing its outstanding agility.
The high-performance SUV excelled in tight curves with its innovative safety features ensuring a smooth, secure ride — so much so that it was easy to exceed speed limits without noticing.
Parking made easier with BYD technology
One of the most impressive features we encountered during the test drive event was the remote parking assistance.
BYD’s vehicles take convenience to a new level, allowing drivers to park the car without even being inside it.
Using a smartphone app or remote control, we were able to guide the vehicle into a tight parking spot, all while monitoring the surroundings through the car’s cameras.
The feature was particularly helpful in narrow spaces, showing just how much BYD values convenience and innovation.
Water-Driving with the Yangwang U8
Another key highlight was an exclusive viewing of the revolutionary Yangwang U8 floating pool, showcasing BYD’s advancements in vehicle safety and innovative design.
One of the most memorable parts of the event was getting behind the wheel of the Yangwang U8, an experience that truly showcased the vehicle’s unique capabilities.
The Yangwang U8 truly impresses with its innovative emergency flotation mode. The standout feature was put to the test, allowing the U8 to float effortlessly on water for up to 30 minutes.
In addition to its remarkable buoyancy, the U8 can also move at speeds of up to 3 km/h, offering a crucial lifeline for drivers in water-based emergencies and helping them navigate challenging situations with ease.
The whole media test drive experience was designed to showcase BYD’s core values of power, speed, quality, and reliability, all while staying true to its strong commitment to sustainability
With an exceptional fusion of dynamic performance, innovative technology, and a focus on environmental sustainability, the BYD test drive event delivered an unforgettable experience that truly sets the brand apart
Beyond the drive
The BYD Asia Pacific Conference 2025 took media representatives on a memorable tour of Zhengzhou and Shenzhen.
Highlights included cultural visits to the Shaolin Temple and Zhengzhou Museum, along with an exclusive tour of the BYD Di Space showroom, showcasing the brand’s history and cutting-edge automotive innovations.
A Cultural Tour of Shaolin Temple and Henan Museum
Henan Province is home to two iconic cultural sites: the legendary Shaolin Temple and the Henan Museum, offering a fascinating journey through China’s rich history and traditions.
One of the highlights of our cultural tour was visiting the birthplace of Kung Fu, the renowned Shaolin Temple.
Nestled along the scenic Songshan Mountains, the Shaolin Temple is well known for its deep-rooted connection to Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the world-famous Shaolin Kung Fu.
Founded in the 5th century, the temple boasts stunning architecture, including the grand Mahavira Hall and the impressive Bell and Drum Towers.
During our visit, we were captivated by awe-inspiring Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations performed by skilled monks. We also had the chance to witness an incredible live performance showcasing the power, agility, and discipline of Shaolin martial arts.
Another highlight within the temple grounds is the Pagoda Forest, a beautiful collection of over 240 stone pagodas, each serving as a monument to the temple’s rich history and legacy.
During our visit to Zhengzhou, we also had the chance to explore the Henan Museum.
The museum houses the world’s largest collection of nearly 130,000 pieces of Chinese art and artifacts, including calligraphy, porcelain, bronzes, paintings, jades and many other artifact
A museum full of rich stories, we had the opportunity to journey through 5,000 years of history, from the Neolithic Age to the Shang Dynasty, which dates back to around 1600 BCE.
Exploring the NEV Innovation at BYD Di Space
During our visit to Zhengzhou, China, the media representatives had the opportunity to explore the BYD Di Space showroom, an innovative museum that seamlessly integrates automotive culture, cutting-edge design, and advanced technology.
Created by BYD for the public, the facility stands as China’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) museum, offering an immersive experience into the future of sustainable mobility.
Strategically located in the heart of Zhengzhou’s commercial district, the Di Space spans an impressive 15,000 square meters across four floors.
The exhibition features four sections: Brand Culture, Craftsmanship & Intelligent Manufacturing, Innovative Technology, and Tech Exploration and with over 300 exhibits offering insight into the NEV industry.
A glimpse into the future at BYD Factory
Further into our trip, the Brunei media team had an exclusive visit to BYD’s biggest factory in Zhengzhou.
BYD Zhengzhou factory is expected to span approximately 50 square miles, which is more than ten times the size of Telsa’s Nevada Gigafactory, or about the size of the entire city of San Francisco.
Almost 60,000 of BYD’s 90,000 workers are currently stationed there today and BYD is said to recruit another 200,000 workers from around the world in the coming months. Workers will be able to live on-site in company-provided housing and have access to recreational accommodations on-site.
In all, BYD plans to install enough capacity to produce about one million cars annually at its Zhengzhou facility, which is enough to cover about a quarter of the overall sales of its New Energy Vehicles in 2024.
Visiting the BYD Headquarters at Shenzhen
During the final day, media representatives had the chance to visit the BYD Corporate Headquarters in Shenzhen, China.
Once inside the glass doors of the headquarters, we were given a tour of the BYD Museum, which provided us an eye-opening insight into the rich company’s history with all its milestones from its beginnings to the present day and its innovative electric vehicle line-up.
During the tour, we also witnessed the company’s diverse portfolio and its commitment towards sustainability extending beyond automobiles, including electric buses, trucks, energy storage solutions and more.
Another highlight of the tour was the nail penetration test on the BYD Blade
battery and the NCM battery.
While undergoing nail penetration tests, the NCM bursts into flames, whereas the Blade Battery emits neither smoke nor fire and its surface temperature rises no higher than 60°C.
Altogether, the headquarters and museum tour has been quite an eye-opening and immersive learning experience.
During our visit, we also had the chance to experience BYD’s new Super e-Platform.
Following the introduction of EVs capable of charging at up to 500 kilowatts, BYD now claims its latest technology supports charging at an impressive 1,000 kW, allowing a range boost of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) per second.
The new platform can handle up to 1,000 amps of current, enabling a rapid 249-mile (400km) range increase in just 5 minutes.
This innovation comes close to the refueling speed of combustion vehicles, addressing one of the biggest challenges of EVs — eliminating the long waiting times typically required for significant range replenishment.
All in all, the tour of the headquarters and museum has been an incredibly eye-opening and immersive learning experience
The event not only deepened our understanding of BYD’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement but also highlighted the exciting direction the industry is heading.
THE BRUNEIAN | CHINA
