You Will Not Believe What This Chinese Off-Roader Can Do – M-Hero M817

The Dongfeng M-Hero M817 is not your average plug-in hybrid SUV. It is a high-performance, tech-loaded off-roader that merges rugged capability with futuristic design and intelligent features. This vehicle is built by Dongfeng under its premium M-Hero sub-brand and is known outside of China as the MHERO 2. With a commanding presence and the muscle to back it up, this SUV has stirred serious interest, especially after nearly 10,000 refundable deposits were recorded within the first hour of pre-sales.

At first glance, the M817 looks like it belongs on the battlefield, but its refined touches prove it is just as fit for city life as it is for the trail. It measures 5,100 millimeters in length and nearly 2,000 millimeters wide, standing over 1,900 millimeters tall with a wheelbase of 3,005 millimeters. The Off-Road Edition flaunts a winch, exposed door hinges, and beadlock wheels, while the City Edition is sleeker with flush handles and aerodynamic wheels. Approach and departure angles of 33 and 34 degrees respectively, along with up to 385 millimeters of ground clearance, make this SUV ready for anything.

Under the hood, the M-Hero M817 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine paired with dual electric motors to create an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the trim, the total system output ranges from 687 horsepower to a staggering 912 horsepower, with torque climbing as high as 1,280 newton-meters. The result? Zero to 100 kilometers per hour acceleration times as quick as 4.2 seconds, which is blazing fast for an SUV of this size and capability.

A 31.7 kilowatt-hour battery delivers a pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers using the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. Combine that with the onboard fuel system and the total range extends beyond 1,000 kilometers, making it ideal for long adventures and daily commuting alike.

But performance is only half the story. Inside, the cabin is where the M817 begins to feel like a tech lounge on wheels. A massive curved 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by HarmonyOS acts as the central command unit. Paired with rotary dials and aviation-style toggles, it delivers both luxury and function. Features like dual 50-watt wireless charging pads, up to 13 power outlets, and 6 kilowatts of external power discharge ensure the SUV doubles as a mobile energy hub. Add premium leather, ambient lighting, and optional heads-up display, and it is clear this vehicle was designed to impress.

Advanced driver assistance is courtesy of Huawei’s ADS 4.0 system. This is not just lane keeping and adaptive cruise control—it is an intelligent driving experience. The system supports highway, urban, and parking scenarios, using Huawei’s Qiankun architecture to respond to real-time traffic and navigation data with precision.

Priced at 329,900 yuan for the Pro version and 359,900 yuan for the Max, that converts to around 45,950 dollars and 50,000 dollars respectively. It is not cheap, but considering its power, range, and technology, it competes aggressively with Western brands, and undercuts many of them. Plus, with export plans that include both left-hand and right-hand drive versions, there is a strong possibility it will eventually make its way outside of China.

Dongfeng’s M-Hero brand is clearly making a statement with the M817. It is bold, smart, and unmistakably powerful. This SUV is not just a vehicle—it is a preview of how Chinese automakers are rewriting the rulebook for premium off-road machines.