Always bigger, ever bigger, ever heavier and ever more powerful! Here is yet another huge electric off-roader which, barring any surprises, will not arrive in France, and which should delight Chinese customers. But this electric car is impressive in several ways.
Attention, new juggernaut in sight. Although it is not as imposing as the Tesla Cybertruck, the Dongfeng Mengshi M-Hero 917 is what we call in the jargon a “beautiful baby”. Based on the M-Terrain concept car, which was revealed in 2022, technical specifications of the M-Hero 917 were recently released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
In terms of size, the SUV appears to be “smaller” than its concept, but its dimensions are however well above European standards.
Undriveable with License B
Indeed, it measures 4.99 meters long, 2.08 meters wide and 1.94 meters high and its wheelbase is 2.96 meters. With its approach and departure angles of around 31 degrees, nothing scares it even if, as usual with this type of machine, it will never be used in extreme conditions.
With a mass greater than three tonnes, and up to 3.8 tonnes for the heaviest versionneedless to say that it will not be drivable in Europe without a specific license, License B authorizing a total weight in running order of 3.5 tonnes.
Customers will have the choice between two types of propulsion: a 100% electric version, and another, also electric, but with a thermal block which acts as a range extendera bit like the latest Mazda MX-30 R-EV.
A powerful SUV, but disappointing autonomy
The 100% electric version has four units for a combined power of 800 kW, or approximately 1,088 hp and 1,400 Nm of torque. The battery, manufactured by CATL, has NMC chemistry with a capacity of 140 kWh. Despite the impressive battery capacity, the autonomy of the M-Hero 917 is limited to 505 km on the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle due to its pachydermic weight.
The extended range version is equipped with three electric motors, two on the rear axle and one on the front axle. As a result, its combined power and torque are reduced to 600 kW (816 hp) and 1,050 Nm, respectively. Added to this is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine that generates 145 kW (197 hp). The battery, also manufactured by CATL, has a capacity of 66 kWh, offering a combined range of 800 km.
As stated above, there is little chance of such a device arriving on the Old Continent. This model will be offered in China from 700,000 RMB, the equivalent of around 91,000 euros. In China, Dongfeng Mengshi M-Hero 917 will compete with the BYD Yangwang U8, which also has four electric motors and off-road capabilities, or the equally ostentatious future Mercedes EQG.
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