Dongfeng, the massive state-owned automaker, owns the M-Hero brand. Road-certified versions of armored military vehicles made up the original Mengshi product line. Later, under Dongfeng, Mengshi evolved into an independent brand with the official English name M-Hero.
Dongfeng claims that after the M-Hero 917's rigorous off-road electric SUV trials conclude in March 2024, exports to international markets will take place. The vehicle was introduced in August and is currently only available in China. Testing for M-Hero 917's international adaptability has begun at Mengshi Technology Park.
The adaptability testing will be carried out by Xiangyang Da An Automobile Test Center in collaboration with Dongfeng's R&D Institute. Two teams were formed, one to test for adaptability in the EU and the other to test for adaptability in the Middle East.
Dognfeng made it clear that it intended to concentrate on the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia with regard to the Middle East, as well as Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway as representative nations regarding EU market trials.
M-Hero's newest vehicle, the 917, has an outrageous design. It has over 1,000 horsepower, a sizable CATL battery, extreme off-road capabilities, and even a drone helipad. It is available as an EREV or BEV.
Standing on Dongfeng's new M-Tech (formerly MORA) platform is M-Hero 917. With a wheelbase of 2950 mm, the dimensions are 194987 mm long, 2080 mm wide, and 1935 mm tall.
With four electric motors and a maximum power of 800 kW (1,088 horsepower), the BEV version of the M-Hero 917 can accelerate from zero to one hundred miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. A massive 142.7 kWh ternary (NMC) battery from CATL powers the e-motors. Nevertheless, the M-Hero 917 has a curb weight of 3,293 kg, and the output of the quad motor allows for a maximum range of 505 km (CLTC).
Three electric motors providing 816 horsepower power the M-Hero 917 EREV version. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in the ICE has 197 horsepower. It does not, however, transmit torque to the wheels because it is EREV. Rather, it charges the battery by functioning as a generator. With a full 85L tank, the mixed range (CLTC) is 1,032 km (with a 65.8 kWh NMC pack from CATL).
The testing team will concentrate on driving through mountainous regions, driving along the coast, going shopping, and making daily commutes within the EU. It will employ drivers from Europe and solicit comments and viewpoints from regional users. The testing will focus on driving performance in hot desert temperatures in the Middle East.
The 917's EREV option is the less expensive, costing $90,000. The BEV version costs $98,400.
Love it, but it will never get into North American market!