The Dongfeng M-Hero M817 features a potent plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) that combines a 1.5T engine with electric motors, delivering a substantial combined output of up to 687hp and 848 Nm of torque. This enables a rapid 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.2 seconds. A non-hybrid version has an even more powerful 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine with an astonishing 1050 Nm of peak torque.

The vehicle is built with a non-load-bearing body structure, essential for hardcore off-roading, and features an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, long suspension travel, and front and rear differential locks to handle challenging terrain with ease.

The M817 is designed for a variety of scenarios, from city commuting to long off-road adventures, offering an impressive combined range of up to 1,300 km when fully fuelled and charged.

The primary technology partner for the DongFeng M817 is Huawei, with battery cells supplied by CATL.

A major draw is the integration of Huawei’s full-stack intelligent solutions, including the HarmonyOS Cockpit 5 for a premium interior digital experience. The dashboard features a “coast-to-coast” three-screen setup which is a 12.3-inch driver instrument panel, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a separate 12.3-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger.

The central screen runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS Cockpit 5.0, offering fluid interaction and over-the-air (OTA) updates. A touchscreen integrated into the rear armrest allows passengers to control their seats, climate, and multimedia.

Includes dual 50W air-cooled wireless charging pads and multiple power outlets (up to 13 onboard), with an external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power discharge feature. A W-HUD system provides key information to the driver without needing to look away from the road.

It is also equipped with Qiankun ADS 4 advanced driver assistance system. The system relies on 11 HD cameras, three 4D millimeter-wave radars, and a 192-line LiDAR to perceive its environment.

The DongFeng M817 battery pack is designed to be fire-resistant through the use of an “armored battery” that employs “four-dimensional ultra-high protective shield technology”, providing comprehensive safety across multiple layers. This design has passed rigorous, beyond-standard fire tests. This system provides all-encompassing protection at the cell, module, entire packaging layer (pack), and vehicle chassis levels, making the batteries resistant to high temperatures, compression, and water.

The armored battery-equipped vehicle successfully traversed a 200-meter flame road for 140 seconds at an average speed of 4 km/h, with chassis temperatures reaching as high as 900°C. This test duration is double the national standard of 70 seconds of direct battery pack burning. The vehicle did not experience thermal runaway, and all functions remained normal after the intense fire exposure.

The battery pack has also passed severe collision tests, including a 22-ton truck bottoming and a 5-ton rear-end collision, with a “zero fire” result

Dongfeng provides an “M-Hero Off-Road Ecological Customisation Platform”, offering various original factory modification options, such as nitrogen shock absorbers for the off-road variant, and electric side steps.

Specific measurements highlight its off-road prowess:

• Ground Clearance: Minimum of 237mm, with the air suspension model offering up to 385mm.
• Wading Depth: Capable of wading through water up to 820mm deep.
• Approach & Departure Angles: 31° approach and departure angles.

The M817 (and its M-Hero 917 sibling) can be equipped with an advanced terrain management system featuring a “crab-walk” mode, allowing for impressive manoeuvrability in tight or challenging spaces.