Investigation
The Dongfeng M-Hero M817, a collaboration between Dongfeng and Huawei, is making waves in the automotive industry with its impressive blend of luxury, performance, and off-road capabilities.
Powertrain and Performance
At its heart, the M-Hero M817 boasts a hybrid range-extender system that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (acting as a generator) and two electric motors. This setup delivers a total combined output of 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm torque.
The PHEV variant of the M-Hero M817 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, making it faster than many supercars. The vehicle also offers a pure electric range of about 200 kilometers (124 miles) and an overall combined range up to approximately 1,300 km.
Design and Dimensions
The M-Hero M817 showcases a military-inspired, futuristic design with aggressive angles and sharp lines. It measures approximately 5100 mm in length, 1998 mm in width, and 1899 mm in height. The Off-Road Edition, in particular, is equipped with practical off-road equipment like an electric winch (12,500 lb capacity), beadlock tires for greater grip, large wheel arches, and air suspension.
Technology and Features
Powered by Huawei technology, the M-Hero M817 features the HarmonyOS cockpit and advanced autonomous driving system ADS 4.0. It also utilizes CATL’s high-strength battery technology and offers full intelligent driving features tailored towards luxury and performance segments. The interior seating accommodates 5 passengers comfortably, with generous rear passenger space.
Pricing and Market Reception
The M-Hero M817 is priced competitively in China, with prices starting around 329,900 yuan (~$46,000) and reaching up to about 359,900 yuan (~$50,000). The vehicle saw impressive market demand, gaining nearly 10,000 pre-orders within 24 hours in China. Dongfeng plans to target both the Chinese domestic market and possibly broader global markets with both left- and right-hand drive configurations.
Reviews and Impressions
The M-Hero M817 has been praised for its powerful off-road capabilities combined with electric efficiency. Its aggressive styling sets it apart in a crowded SUV marketplace. Performance metrics position it as a new benchmark for Chinese luxury electric SUVs, with significant interest across GCC and other regions for potential introduction.
In summary, the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 is a technologically advanced, robust off-road hybrid SUV with exceptional power, competitive electric range, distinctive design, and strong initial market demand, blending luxury and ruggedness for the growing electric off-road segment.
Additional Features
- The M-Hero M817 is equipped with 13 power outlets, including a 6kW external power discharge function, and dual 50W air-cooled wireless fast chargers.
- The City Edition of the M-Hero M817 features hidden mechanical door handles and low-drag wheels.
- The M-Hero M817 is built upon a dual platform architecture, combining the Warrior Intelligent Off-Road Architecture M-tech with Huawei's Tianyuan Architecture.
- The M-Hero M817 offers two powertrain options: Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).
- The M-Hero M817 is equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 4 ADAS, supporting full-scenario intelligent driving.
- The M-Hero M817's ADAS system supports high-speed navigation assistance and over 160 parking scenarios.
- The M-Hero M817 is paired with CATL's Freevoy off-road specific battery, allowing the PHEV variant to achieve a CLTC pure electric range of 140 km.
- The peak torque of the PHEV variant is 848 N·m, and it is equipped with a 1.5T range extender.
- The Off-Road Edition of the M-Hero M817 is equipped with exposed hinges, beadlock wheels, and a 12,500-pound electric winch.
- Inside the M-Hero M817, there is a 15.6-inch floating curved central control screen that integrates the HarmonyOS Cockpit 5.0 system.
- The M-Hero M817's PHEV variant has a front and rear dual-motor four-wheel-drive system.
- The combined range of the PHEV variant exceeds 1000 km.
- The M-Hero M817 is a new off-roader launched by Dongfeng in collaboration with Huawei.
- The impressive powertrain of the Dongfeng M-Hero M817, a collaboration between Dongfeng and Huawei, delivers a total combined output of 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.
- Equipped with Huawei technology, the M-Hero M817 showcases advanced features such as the HarmonyOS cockpit, ADS 4.0 autonomous driving system, and CATL’s high-strength battery technology, positioning it as a technologically advanced option in the luxury and performance segments.