Voyah Passion S Recreates Iconic Mercedes Tunnel Loop in Wuhan

Voyah, the premium arm of Dongfeng, has released a video showing its new Passion S electric SUV completing a full 360-degree loop inside a tunnel in Wuhan. The high-stakes maneuver is a direct tribute to a famous 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG advertisement featuring Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.

To achieve the loop, the vehicle entered the curved tunnel wall at a speed of approximately 130 km/h with a precise steering angle of 16 degrees. Voyah claims the feat was performed by an unmodified production vehicle without the use of special effects. The stunt serves as a raw demonstration of the SUV's grip and power-to-weight ratio, utilizing a dual-motor AWD system that delivers a combined power output of 475 kW (approximately 637 hp) and a peak torque of 765 N·m.

A Nod to Automotive Controversy

The stunt references one of the most debated pieces of automotive marketing: the 2010 Mercedes-Benz commercial where Schumacher appeared to drive upside down. That original campaign sparked years of controversy, with critics and enthusiasts alike arguing that the footage relied on CGI or a professional stunt driver rather than the racing legend himself. By recreating this specific imagery, Voyah is not only showcasing technical prowess but is intentionally inserting itself into a well-known piece of automotive pop-culture history to capture international attention.

Shifting the EV Marketing Narrative

This demonstration signals a strategic shift in how Chinese electric vehicles are marketed. While the industry has traditionally focused on technical specifications—such as battery range and charging speeds—Voyah is pivoting toward high-stakes performance demonstrations to position the Passion S as a legitimate competitor to other high-tech EVs.

Beyond the stunt, the Passion S is targeting the premium mass market. The top-spec model is priced at 309,900 yuan (approximately $45,600) and is equipped with a modern 800V platform and 5C charging capabilities, blending extreme performance marketing with practical high-speed charging infrastructure.

What Remains Unconfirmed

While the video has generated significant buzz, some of the company's broader claims remain unverified. Voyah has suggested the Passion S is the first production vehicle in the world to achieve such a maneuver, though this has not been independently confirmed. Additionally, while the brand is leveraging the stunt to drive sales, the exact impact on pre-order volumes remains a point of company reporting rather than verified market data. Observers will be watching to see if other Chinese manufacturers respond with similar performance-based spectacles.