From driving the world’s fastest production car, the Yangwang U9, on a high-speed race track to tackling rugged terrain in the Denza B8 off-road, Bruneian participants were given a rare glimpse into the future of sustainable mobility at BYD’s “One BYD, Infinite Connections” event in Zhengzhou, China.
The Bruneian joined BYD Brunei and over 40 other participants, including customers and members of the media, for an exclusive journey designed to showcase BYD and Denza’s latest technological breakthroughs.
The immersive programme offered first-hand access to the brand’s most advanced models while deepening understanding of its commitment to sustainability, intelligent mobility and cutting-edge engineering.
Held at the world’s first all-terrain circuit in Zhengzhou, the “One BYD, Infinite Connections” event provided guests from Brunei a comprehensive look at BYD and Denza’s intelligent driving systems and DM technology.
The state-of-the-art venue is designed to push vehicles to their limits across eight specialised zones, including the Indoor Sand Dune, Low-Friction Ring, Kick-Plate, Wading Pool, Dynamic Paddock, Race Track, Off-Road Mountain Park and a dedicated Camping Area.
Across these zones, participants had the opportunity to test the power, performance and versatility of several flagship BYD and Denza models. The lineup included the Yangwang U9, the Yangwang U8, the Denza Z9 GT, Denza Bao 8, Denza Bao 5, BYD SEAL 6 and BYD SEAL 7.
The immersive experience left participants with a deeper appreciation of the brand’s forward-thinking engineering and its leadership in electric and hybrid vehicle technology. From record-breaking performance to intelligent safety systems, BYD and Denza showcased how their innovations continue to redefine sustainable mobility worldwide.
At the Race Track with the Yangwang U9
All dressed in white balaclavas and headgear, The Bruneian had the chance to complete a full lap of the high-speed race track in the world’s fastest production car, the Yangwang U9, under the guidance of an expert instructor.
The track itself spans 1,758 meters, featuring an acceleration section and nine dramatic corners, providing the perfect arena to push the U9 to its limits. From the very first turn, it was clear that this supercar is engineered for precision. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures incredible grip through tight corners, while its torque vectoring technology delivers razor-sharp control at high speeds. Even on challenging sections, the car remained composed, responding instantly to every input.
The Yangwang U9 is more than just raw speed. Its aerodynamically sculpted body not only looks aggressive but also maximises downforce, keeping the car planted even at extreme velocities.
Inside, the cockpit combines luxury and functionality, with driver-focused controls, digital displays, and advanced telemetry that give real-time feedback on speed, G-force, and performance metrics.
The hypercar excelled in tight curves, with innovative safety features that made even aggressive driving feel secure. It was easy to forget just how fast we were going, a testament to the car’s confidence-inspiring engineering.
The Yangwang U9 comes with two powertrain options. The regular model, which we tested, produces a thundering 1,306 hp and 1,680 Nm of torque, enabling breathtaking acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in mere seconds. For those seeking record-breaking performance, the Xtreme variant replaces the regular four 240 kW motors with four 555 kW propulsion units, taking the supercar into a league of its own with unmatched speed and power.
From the adrenaline rush of its acceleration to the precision of its cornering, every moment behind the wheel of the Yangwang U9 showcased why it is not only the fastest production car in the world but also a marvel of modern automotive engineering.
Driving it was an unforgettable experience that perfectly blends luxury, technology, and extreme performance.
Off-road challenges with the Denza Bao 8
From climbing 27-degree slopes to crawling down stairways, the adventure began with a thrilling ride in the Denza Bao 8 at the Off-Road Mountain Park, which features 27 scenarios for varying skill levels.
We put the premium SUV through a series of challenges designed to test its durability and off-road prowess.
One of the most exciting was the cross-axle challenge, which simulates extreme uneven terrain. Although I was still adjusting to the left-hand drive layout, the Denza Bao 8 handled the course effortlessly. Its advanced all-wheel-drive system and intelligent traction control helped distribute power where it was needed most, allowing the vehicle to maintain stability even with wheels lifted off the ground.
The SUV corners with minimal body roll and manoeuvres confidently across rocky sections. Its adjustable hydraulic suspension allows drivers to change ride height depending on the terrain. Bumps and ruts are absorbed smoothly, making the Bao 8 capable of switching between everyday comfort and serious off-road performance with ease.
Next came the hill-climbing challenge, where the Denza Bao 8 powered up the steep incline without hesitation. On the descent, its hill descent control activated instantly, guiding the vehicle down in a smooth, controlled manner.
All in all, the Denza Bao 8 proved to be a reliable and robust choice for anyone seeking an adventure-ready SUV that balances capability, comfort and sustainability.
Skids to Smart Parking: BYD and Denza in Action
At the all-terrain circuit, guests had the opportunity to test various BYD and Denza models on a series of performance courses, including the Kick-Plate test and slalom sessions.
The Kick-Plate simulated icy roads, sending the car into sudden skids while professional drivers demonstrated how BYD’s NEV safety systems react instantly to maintain control. Driving the BYD Sealion 6 through the challenge, The Bruneian experienced its stability firsthand. The vehicle remained composed, with traction control and electronic stability systems adjusting seamlessly, making the skids manageable and safe even at higher speeds.
At the Dynamic Paddock, the Sealion 6 also impressed with its agility, effortlessly weaving through cones. Its all-wheel-drive system provided responsive steering with minimal effort, while the integrated battery and stiffened chassis reduced body roll and dive, giving confidence during fast-paced manoeuvres.
The Dynamic Paddock showcases BYD’s smart technology across more than 12 immersive driving scenarios, and the Sealion 6 proved it could handle them all with poise.
Parking was also made easier thanks to BYD and Denza’s advanced remote parking assistance. This feature allows drivers to park the vehicle without being inside it. Using a smartphone app or remote control, we guided the Denza Z9 GTR into tight spaces while monitoring the surroundings through the car’s cameras. It proved particularly useful in narrow spots, demonstrating BYD’s commitment to convenience and innovation.
Overall, the Kick-Plate, slalom, and smart parking tests highlighted BYD and Denza’s blend of performance, safety, and cutting-edge technology, making them standouts in the brand’s growing lineup.
Water and Sand Driving with the Yangwang U8
Another major highlight was getting an exclusive look at how the Yangwang U8 handles extreme terrain, from steep dunes to deep water, with absolute precision.
We first watched the U8 power through the world’s highest indoor sand dune, delivering a seamless and powerful climb that showed just how versatile the vehicle truly is.
The dune features a 26.9 metre vertical drop and a 28 degree slope, and is officially recognised by Guinness as the largest dune climbing structure in the world. Built with over 6,000 tonnes of sand to replicate the Alxa Desert, it offers dune bashing thrills that usually require a trip deep into Mongolia.
The adventure continued at the water driving zone, where we witnessed the U8 SUV drive and even reverse while fully submerged. The 70 metre water crossing pool was purpose-built to push BYD’s e4 platform to its limits.
To top it off, we saw the U8’s emergency flotation mode in action. The vehicle can float on water for up to 30 minutes and even move at speeds of up to 3 km/h, providing an essential lifeline during water-based emergencies.
Seeing the U8 handle both sand and water made its engineering stand out even more. With four independent electric motors producing over 1,200 hp, the U8 delivers massive torque and pinpoint control across the most demanding surfaces.
Extra cooling and added load capacity ensure consistent performance even under extreme stress.
Overall, the Yangwang U8 proved itself as a machine built for the impossible, combining raw power, cutting-edge technology and real-world capability in every test.
From conquering rugged terrains in the Denza Bao 8 to navigating skids, slalom courses, and tight parking with the Sealion 6, and finally pushing the Yangwang U9 to its limits on the high-speed race track, the event offered a full spectrum of BYD and Denza’s automotive capabilities.
Each experience highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainable performance, whether on extreme off-road terrain, precise handling courses, or record-breaking circuits.
Ultimately, what stood out was the seamless blend of cutting-edge technology, driver confidence, and exhilarating performance across every model. From intelligent driving systems and advanced safety features to raw horsepower and agile handling, BYD and Denza proved that their vehicles are not just engineered to perform; they are designed to inspire and redefine the future of mobility.
THE BRUNEIAN | CHINA
