Stellantis is reportedly gearing up to develop a new Jeep-branded off-road SUV in collaboration with the state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group. This move aims to infuse the rugged Jeep spirit with cutting-edge Chinese EV technology, specifically drawing from Dongfeng’s Voyah and M-Hero brands.
While Stellantis has recently made headlines for its partnership with Leapmotor, its relationship with Dongfeng runs deeper, spanning years of joint ventures in producing Citroën and Peugeot vehicles for the Chinese market. In a significant development for the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën JV even launched a new NEV brand, Hedmos, in May 2025.
Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis Group, recently visited Dongfeng Motor, where he got a firsthand look at key models from Voyah and M-Hero. This visit underscored Stellantis’ commitment to strengthening its collaboration with Dongfeng, especially in accelerating the transition to new energy vehicles.
Jeep’s New Chapter with Dongfeng
Sources suggest that Stellantis and Dongfeng have reached a preliminary agreement for this exciting new collaboration. The plan involves developing a Jeep off-road SUV that will harness technologies from the Voyah and M-Hero brands. It is a strategic shift for Jeep in China, especially after its prior joint venture with GAC declared bankruptcy in 2022.
The partnership structure mirrors the successful Freelander project involving Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. Stellantis will lend its expertise in styling to ensure the new Jeep maintains its iconic look, while Dongfeng will steer the development of critical technologies. This includes the powertrain, advanced cockpit systems, and autonomous driving features.
Both companies are eyeing a Q1 2027 launch for their first new energy Jeep crossover, with an ambitious development cycle of just 18 months. This rapid turnaround highlights the urgency and dynamism of the Chinese EV market.
A Strategic Push into China’s EV Market
This collaboration is a crucial step for Stellantis to reassert its presence in the Chinese market, where sales have seen a decline in recent years. Introducing a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Jeep is expected to reinvigorate the brand domestically. What’s more, there are plans for this China-developed Jeep crossover to make its way into overseas markets later on.
The new Jeep model is expected to integrate much of the advanced tech seen in the recently launched M-Hero 817, including elements like Huawei’s Harmony OS.
Meet the M-Hero M817: A Glimpse into the Future
The M-Hero M817, developed by Dongfeng, is a full-size SUV that boasts a commanding presence. It measures 5100mm long, 1998mm wide, and 1919mm high, with a substantial 3,005mm wheelbase. With 237mm of ground clearance, it’s built for capability. The M817 also features rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability and a comfortable five-seat layout.
Step inside, and you are greeted by a prominent 15.6-inch touchscreen, powered by Huawei’s Harmony OS 5 system, right on the center console.
Under the hood, the M-Hero M817 PHEV combines a 1.5-liter engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 505 kW (677 hp) and 848 Nm of torque. The top-tier M817 packs a 50.4 kWh Freevoy battery from CATL, offering a pure electric range of 215 km and a combined range of 1,365 km. Pricing for this powerhouse ranges from 319,900 to 369,900 yuan (approximately 44,960 to 51,990 USD). It is compelling to notice that Dongfeng’s hybrid engines are becoming increasingly efficient.
