The All-New Dongfeng M-Hero M817: Unveiled and Unrivaled

According to the manufacturer, by the end of the first day of pre-orders, the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 had received an impressive 9,713 orders, despite the refundable nature of the deposits (in case of excess orders). This initial response highlights the strong appeal of this futuristic, beast-like SUV in the domestic market, where consumers are increasingly favoring electrified off-road vehicles.

The M-Hero M817 is a collaborative effort between Dongfeng and Huawei, built upon the foundation of its sibling, the M-Hero 917, but with a more compact design. It boasts a range-extender powertrain that combines a turbocharged 1.5L gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a staggering 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. With these specifications, the M817 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, an impressive feat for a hefty SUV.

Equipped with a large-capacity battery, the vehicle offers an all-electric range of up to 200 kilometers. While the mixed-condition fuel consumption figures are yet to be announced, the range-extender technology ensures that the M817 can conquer long-distance journeys without relying heavily on electric charging infrastructure.

The M-Hero M817 stands out not only for its power but also for its distinctive appearance. Its design language is characterized by sharp, aggressive lines with a military-inspired aesthetic blended with futuristic elements, resulting in a look that’s unlike any other SUV on the market. This design evokes comparisons to vehicles like the Hummer EV and Tank 500 Hi4-T, yet the M-Hero retains its unique identity.

Another contributing factor to its popularity is its accessible pricing. With a starting price of 329,900 Chinese yuan (approximately 1.2 billion VND) and a top-end trim priced at 359,900 yuan (around 1.31 billion VND), the M817 offers excellent value.

Currently, Dongfeng has no plans to distribute the M817 outside of China, particularly in the US market. However, the company has indicated that the vehicle will be offered with a right-hand drive configuration, opening up the possibility of exports to select countries in Asia, Africa, and South America in the future.

As the popularity of all-electric off-road vehicles continues to grow, especially in developing markets, Dongfeng’s strategy of offering multiple configurations for the M817 could be a strategic move to expand the M-Hero brand’s global reach.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)