BYD Philippines and ACMobility brought members of the motoring media to Zhengzhou, China, to experience the newly opened all-terrain circuit-one of the first in China designed specifically for new energy vehicles (NEVs). Since the site’s opening last August 14, 2025, the Philippine contingent was the first from the ASEAN region to experience the unique test track.
Unlike conventional single-track designs, the BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Race Track redefines expectations by uniting diverse national terrains in one location. Drivers can encounter extreme scenarios-including navigating floating water, climbing desert dunes, and simulating ice and snow-without extensive travel. It is the first circuit in China to provide a broad range of driving environments for testing safety, performance, and off-road capabilities.
The circuit includes eight experience zones: Indoor Sand Dune, Low-Friction Ring, Kick-Plate, Wading Pool, Dynamic Paddock, Race Track, Off-Road Park, and Camping Area. While delivering exceptional driving experiences, the circuit also serves as an ideal place for demonstrating safety technologies in NEVs.
Sand Incline
The demonstration kicked off at the ‘Sand Incline,’ an indoor sand dune facility. The structure features a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope. It was constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to replicate the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, offering a genuine dune-bashing experience for passengers.
The entire presentation was for us to witness how the all-wheel drive test vehicle would climb the long and difficult slope, swiftly and effortlessly. The presented test vehicle was the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV, powered by two groundbreaking technologies: the e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System. The unique BYD E4 is the world’s first mass-produced four-motor independent drive technology platform. Compared with conventional fuel vehicles, it precisely controls the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities.
Sand Incline
The demonstration kicked off at the ‘Sand Incline,’ an indoor sand dune facility. The structure features a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope. It was constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to replicate the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, offering a genuine dune-bashing experience for passengers.
The entire presentation was for us to witness how the all-wheel drive test vehicle would climb the long and difficult slope, swiftly and effortlessly. The presented test vehicle was the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV, powered by two groundbreaking technologies: the e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System. The unique BYD E4 is the world’s first mass-produced four-motor independent drive technology platform. Compared with conventional fuel vehicles, it precisely controls the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities.
However, BYD was clear enough to claim that the capability is designed for an emergency scenario involving a deep-water plunge. Guaranteed to handle the task within 30 minutes, which should be enough time for the occupants to exit through the vehicle’s sunroof and avoid drowning inside. This vehicle’s capability has redefined the safety standard in extreme driving scenarios.
Skids and drifting
The following sessions were to experience the ‘Kick-Plate’ and ‘Low Friction Circle’ test tracks. This time, we get to experience the ride in the test vehicles. The test path simulates icy road conditions on a wet, polished cement surface. There are also movable suction plates to simulate the loss of control. After boarding the BYD L EV model, the driver accelerated and then slammed the brakes. The scenario allowed us to feel emergency situations in a controlled environment, while the vehicle showcases its ability to maintain stability and control.
Next was the behind-the-wheel experience at The Low Friction Circle, China’s first 44-meter-diameter circular track, which consists of 30,000 smooth basalt bricks and features a three-millimeter water-covered surface. This ensures a constant friction coefficient between ice and snow. While driving the Denza Z9 luxury sedan, we experienced stable induced drifting, thanks to BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control response and intelligent body control system. It made the session rather fun and intense due to the slow drifting action.
Dynamic paddock
Our next session focused on the slalom and braking test, which involved navigating coned paths. The 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock features over a dozen scenarios, such as standard slalom, moose testing, and automated parking, showcasing the full range of BYD’s intelligent technology.
First, we had a shotgun ride with the expert drivers testing the BYD eMax 9 DM-i luxury MPV. The minivan impressively sliced through the technical paths like a small car, in great form. Then, it was our turn to drive the Tang DM-i and Seal EV on the same course. Truth be told, it was an entirely different experience pushing the two vehicles while making sharp turns and braking. Moreover, the Seal EV has its staggering power from all wheels.
Off-Road fun
On to the next demonstration. The off-road section features 27 distinct projects, replicating famous routes such as the Sichuan-Tibet line and Chengdu Slope. These cater to a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. But this time, we were passengers. We boarded the Bao 5 4×4 PHEV SUV, and the driver took us to the various terrain setups. Mostly, these are standard off-roading courses to showcase the vehicles’ ability to tackle steep angles, articulation, and chassis rigidity.
The main highlight is the intimidating 4×4 hydraulic ramp, which demonstrates the SUV’s ability to climb and descend a high-angled ramp.
Extreme Yangwang U9 shotgun ride
Perhaps the shortest but most extreme session was the shotgun ride at the main track with the all-electric supercar Yangwang U9. The track spans 1,758 meters and features nine turns. Its 550-meter straightaway lets vehicles reach speeds of up to 220 km/h. True enough, upon launch, no amount of experience with fast cars could prepare us for the initial effect of G-force from the swift acceleration. That is coming from 1,287 hp and 1,680 N-m of torque of pure electric power via the e4 platform. The launch was followed by constant full-force braking and sudden turns to showcase the supercar’s exemplary handling.