Thrilling Off-Road Adventure: Conquering Extreme Terrain in the Dongfeng Mengshi M50

My test drive took place at the Mengshi Technology Park, featuring 24 professionally designed off-road modules that perfectly replicate real-world challenges. The park includes jaw-dropping obstacles like a 14-meter vertical climb, rock-crawling trails, a high-speed circuit, and over 20 specialized terrains: side slopes, gravel beds, boulder fields, water fording, rutted paths, embankments, and valley crossings. Today, I focused on four ultimate tests: 40° side slope, 60cm cross-axle, 60% gradient climb (≈30° incline), and 900mm deep water crossing.

1. 40° Side Slope: Confidence in Control

Starting with the “easier” challenge, the M50’s substantial weight provided natural stability. The game-changer? Its 540° transparent chassis system—live underbody footage on the central display let me navigate precisely without guessing what lay beneath the wheels.

2. 60cm Cross-Axle: Articulation Mastery

This torture test pushes suspension articulation and structural integrity to the limit. Crawling at low speed, one wheel inevitably lifted off the ground. But the M50’s torque-vectoring magic kicked in: disconnecting wheel pairs and redirecting power to grounded tires. The full-aluminum body remained torsionally rigid—no unsettling creaks even when twisted mid-obstacle.

3. 14m / 60% Gradient (30° Incline): Power Unleashed

Facing the skyscraper-like slope, I gripped the wheel, breathed deep, and steadily applied throttle. At just 70% accelerator input, the M50 clawed upward without hesitation—proof of relentless traction and torque reserves. (My nerves spared me the 45° “100% gradient” run, though instructors confirmed it’s conquerable!)

4. 900mm Deep Water: Trust the Tech

The moment of truth: submerging into a pool matching the M50’s claimed wading depth. As water surged toward the hood (far deeper than my past experiences!), the central screen’s real-time depth gauge became my lifeline. Holding steady speed, I plunged forward—sending up waves that visibly exceeded 900mm. Result? Flawless execution. This waterproof warrior laughs at flooded trails.

Verdict: Pure Adrenaline, Zero Compromise

Two words sum it up: Pure exhilaration. Brutal power meets intelligent off-road mastery—exactly the savage yet sophisticated performance I craved.