Could Dongfeng M-Hero 917 Be Perfect Rival to Hummer EV?

Chinese EV markers are coming up with exciting models in the electric realm and the Dongfeng M-Hero 917 could be the one to watch out for.

China’s automotive landscape has witnessed the grand arrival of the Dongfeng M-Hero 917. It is a formidable off-road vehicle with an electric heart. This high-end SUV offers both Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrain options. The EV offers staggering peak power of 1,088 hp and a range that goes up to 1,032 km (CLTC). In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into its design features, specifications, and what makes it stand out.

You might also like: How to Prevent Effects of Extreme Hot & Cold Weather on EV Batteries?

Dongfeng M-Hero 917 Design

Exterior

The M-Hero 917’s exterior design exudes ruggedness and power. It boasts massive bumpers, substantial ground clearance, short overhangs, a high bonnet line, and sharp LED lights. Measuring 4,987 / 2,080 / 1,935 mm (LxWxH) with a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, the 917 is larger than life. It iss 70 mm longer, 149 mm wider, and 34 mm lower than the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Despite its mammoth size, the M-Hero 917 accommodates just five seats, emphasizing its focus on performance and adventure.

Tech-Savvy Interior

Inside, the M-Hero 917 surprises with its technological prowess. It boasts three screens: an LCD instrument panel, a driver’s touchscreen, and one for the front passenger. The centre console features a prominent gear shifter and a wireless phone charging pad. While this SUV is designed for off-roading, it also offers optional Alcantara-wrapped seats, a decision that might raise eyebrows among purists.

You might also like: Ownership Experience of EVs More Tricky Than ICE Cars – Study

Dongfeng M-Hero 917 Specs

The M-Hero 917 rests on Dongfeng’s new MORA platform and offers two distinct powertrain options. The BEV variant boasts four electric motors generating a mind-boggling 800 kW (1,088 hp). This enables a lightning-quick zero-to-hundred acceleration in just 4.2 seconds. These electric motors are powered by a colossal 140-kWh ternary (NMC) battery from CATL. However, due to the vehicle’s substantial curb weight (3,293 kg) and high power output, its maximum range on a single battery charge stands at 505 km (CLTC). This may be considered relatively low in today’s EV landscape.

The EREV version of the M-Hero 917 comes with three electric motors delivering 600 kW (816 hp) and a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 197 hp. Interestingly, the internal combustion engine in the EREV acts as a generator. It charges the battery and provides power directly to the electric motor. This setup pairs with a 66 kWh ternary battery from CATL, results in an impressive mixed range of 1,032 km (CLTC).

You might also like: How Are EREVs Different From BEVs, PHEVs or HEVs?

Learn Electric Cars Says

The M-Hero 917 is a standout addition to the off-road vehicle market in China. While its price tag of 637,700 Yuan (approximately 87,500 USD) for the EREV version and 697,700 Yuan (approximately 95,730 USD) for the BEV version places it firmly in the premium category, it offers exceptional performance and a unique blend of technology and capability. It’s worth noting that the M-Hero 917 and the BYD YangWang U8, although both high-performance SUVs, cater to different niches in the market, with the YangWang U8 being larger and accommodating a third row of seats.

Dongfeng has ambitious plans for the M-Hero 917, aiming to sell 1,500 units in the coming year, with annual sales projections reaching 4,000 units. As electric and extended-range electric vehicles gain popularity worldwide, the M-Hero 917 is poised to capture the imaginations of adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts alike.