Voyah recreates Mercedes' famous ad stunt, launches electric SUV for $33,800
Chinese brand unveils new electric SUV with attention-grabbing ceiling driving demonstration.
1Spectacular Launch
Dongfeng's premium brand Voyah introduced the Passion S electric SUV. The most striking aspect of the launch was a demonstration where the vehicle completed a full loop around the ceiling of a closed test tunnel in Wuhan. This move deliberately recreates Mercedes SLS AMG's 2010 advertisement. The company claims the stunt was real and no special effects were used.
2Physical Challenges
The vehicle completed the ceiling loop at 130 km/h with 16 degrees of steering lock. Voyah stated that going just a few km/h slower would have caused the car to fall. A leaked video of a previous attempt shows the car falling from the ceiling, proving the stunt's authenticity. Such demonstrations push the boundaries of automotive engineering.
3Technical Specifications
The Passion S is offered in three trim levels ranging from 229,900 to 279,900 yuan ($33,800-$41,200). Its 800V platform offers 81 or 98 kWh battery options with CLTC range varying between 630-740 km. The 5C charging feature charges the battery from 20% to 80% in 10 minutes. The dual-motor version produces 637 horsepower and 765 Nm of torque.
4Performance Details
The Passion S accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The silicon carbide system claims 93.8% drivetrain efficiency. It's equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5.0 driver assistance system featuring dual-path 896-line lidar and five 4D millimeter-wave radars. The system provides support for both city and highway driving.
5Marketing Strategy
Voyah's flashy launch was designed to stand out in China's competitive market where numerous new models debut weekly. The ceiling driving stunt highlights the brand's technological capabilities while having viral potential on social media. Chinese automakers are challenging Western rivals with creative marketing approaches.
6European Ambitions
Voyah plans to enter the European market through a May agreement with Stellantis. The brand is currently available in the Netherlands and Norway. Chinese brands are achieving record shares in Europe's EV market. Price wars in China are creating competitive advantages in Europe by increasing features while lowering prices.
7Industry Position
Chinese automakers are growing rapidly both domestically and globally. Premium brands like Voyah are challenging traditional automakers with high technology and aggressive pricing strategies. This competition in the EV market provides consumers with more choices and better technologies.
8Future Implications
Voyah's bold marketing move and competitively priced high-tech SUV could cause ripples in the global EV market. The increasing presence of Chinese manufacturers in Europe will force local brands to be more aggressive in innovation and pricing. These dynamics will shape the future of the electric vehicle market.