Voyah Passion S: Xiaomi YU7's First Real Rival

The first serious rival to the Xiaomi YU7 has arrived from Dongfeng's premium Voyah brand. Launched on 15 August, the Passion S (known in China as Zhuiguang S, translating to "Chasing Light") aims to carve share in the so-called FUV segment — short for "Ferrari Utility Vehicle" — a term coined because the YU7 drew heavy styling inspiration from the Ferrari Purosangue.

Dimensions and Pricing

The Passion S measures 5,050 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,656 mm tall on a 3,000 mm wheelbase, placing it within millimetres of the YU7 GT in every dimension. Three trims are available, priced between RMB 229,900 and RMB 279,900, which works out to approx. $33,800 to approx. $41,200. Those figures sit below the pre-sale price of RMB 309,900.

The Tunnel Stunt

Voyah announced the car with a stunt echoing the famous 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG CGI advertisement: driving a full 360-degree loop around the ceiling of a tunnel in Wuhan. When online commentators accused the automaker of CGI trickery, Voyah released an uncut one-take video at the launch event. A previously leaked clip of a camouflaged prototype falling from the tunnel ceiling during an earlier attempt further reinforced the authenticity of the manoeuvre.

Design and Aerodynamics

The Passion S features a very slippery profile with a low centre of gravity and a drag coefficient of just 0.24, achieved through roughly 18 aero features and through-flow wind ducts. One notable channel flows beneath the bonnet above the daytime running lights, across the front wing and through the bonnet itself. The slim segmented DRLs draw comparisons to Porsche detailing and are widely considered more attractive than the YU7's version. A Ferrari-style red paint option was prominently featured at launch.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the cabin is premium and screen-heavy. The Passion S offers zero-gravity front seats with typical Chinese EV luxuries, plus a large heads-up display — but it forgoes the Xiaomi's HyperVision screen. Instead of a conventional glovebox, Voyah prioritises rear-seat comfort: a button in the B-pillar folds the front passenger seat forward and slides it under the dash, creating generous rear legroom in about 45 seconds. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, with contrast stitching lending a sporty feel.

Going Global

Stellantis agreed in May to a joint venture to sell Voyah in Europe, where the brand is already present in the Netherlands and Norway. Voyah has confirmed that Australia and New Zealand are also in its expansion plans, meaning the Passion S will leave Chinese shores.