Self-parking cars, amphibious SUVs, and lightning-fast charging speeds – the automotive future is no longer on the horizon. It’s already here, and BYD, China’s electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse, is driving it at full throttle.
With innovations that read like scenes from a sci-fi film, BYD continues to redefine what we expect from mobility. And now, Brunei is firmly in its sights.
A group of local media representatives, including from the Bulletin, had front-row seats to this electric evolution during the BYD media conference in China from March 17 to 24.
The highlight of the visit? A hands-on Test Drive Day on March 22, where journalists experienced the full range of BYD’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles – each one brimming with futuristic tech.
Among the head-turners were the upcoming BYD Shark and BYD Sealion 7, both slated to make their debut in Brunei. The Shark, expected to launch this May, showed off its brute strength and off-road prowess by conquering makeshift hills and rugged terrain with ease.
As the world’s first plug-in hybrid double-cabin truck featuring DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) technology, it delivers a hefty 435 horsepower and 650Nm of torque, with an impressive 800 kilometres (km) range.
Not to be outdone, the Sealion 7 – a sleek electric SUV arriving next month – impressed with its high performance and modern design. With 523 horsepower under the hood and 690 Nm of torque, this SUV balances sustainability with raw power.
Its striking “OCEAN X” front gives it a bold, commanding presence, and on a full charge, it offers a generous range of 542km.
But it wasn’t just about speed and range. BYD’s demonstration of its cutting-edge parking technology had jaws dropping. The Denza Z9, operating on BYD’s E3 platform, can self-park into a parallel space at the touch of a button – spinning its rear wheel with such precision it felt like watching a ballet on asphalt.
Even more convenient? Owners can summon their vehicle from a parking spot using just their smartphone.
Then there was the show-stopping Yangwang U8, an off-road luxury EV that remained calm even when half-submerged in water. Designed to float for up to 30 minutes during emergencies, the U8 offers a level of safety that feels almost surreal.
With individual motors powering each wheel, it can also perform a full 360-degree tank turn – an engineering flex if there ever was one.
Speaking at the conference, General Manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu Xueliang shared the company’s vision. “The best products and latest technologies shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. We believe innovation should benefit everyone.”
Even though Brunei may be a relatively small market, Liu confirmed that BYD remains fully committed to supporting local demand.
“We had some doubts at first about whether the Shark would gain traction in Brunei, but after speaking to our local partner, Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, it’s clear – the demand is there, and we’re ready to meet it.”
He added that Brunei is on track to becoming the number one market for BYD in the region, a milestone that could be achieved as early as next year.
“The sooner you experience a BYD, the happier you’ll be,” he encouraged. “It’s not just about driving – it’s a whole new way of life.”
The media delegation also visited BYD’s sprawling factory in Zhengzhou – a facility so massive it dwarfs Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory. Spanning the equivalent of 50 square miles (about the size of San Francisco), the factory currently houses 60,000 workers, with plans to recruit another 200,000 globally.
With an annual production capacity of one million vehicles, Zhengzhou is the beating heart of BYD’s global operation.
Closer to home, Maju Motors – BYD’s sole distributor in Brunei – recently bagged the Best Sales Growth Award 2024 at the BYD Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference in Shenzhen.
This recognition highlights the growing enthusiasm among Bruneians for EVs and hybrid vehicles.
The line-up heading to Brunei is nothing short of exciting. Alongside the Sealion 7 and Shark, drivers can expect the arrival of the BYD Seal 05 – a plug-in hybrid sedan powered by DMI (Dual Mode Intelligence) technology, capable of covering a jaw-dropping 1,240km on a single charge. With 197 horsepower and 325 Nm torque, it blends long-distance travel with urban efficiency.
And that’s not all. Maju Motors is preparing to roll out BYD’s premium marques in Brunei, including Denza (D9, N9, Z9), Fangchengbao (Bao 5 and Bao 8), and the revolutionary Yangwang U8.
If there’s one takeaway from the media trip, it’s this: the EV revolution is not coming – it’s already parked at the showroom. All you have to do is get behind the wheel. – James Kon
