The off-road world just got a major shake-up! Dongfeng’s M-Hero division has unleashed its flagship, the M817, and it is a beast. This rugged machine is not just about raw capability, it is also packed with Huawei’s cutting-edge intelligent solutions. The M817 hits the market with two trims, kicking off at an aggressive 319,900 yuan (approximately 44,500 USD) and climbing to 349,900 yuan (around 48,600 USD). This pricing puts serious pressure on rivals, especially considering the tech it bundles.
At its core, the M817 boasts Huawei’s full-stack intelligent arsenal. You are getting the Qiankun Huawei ADS 4 driver assistance system, the latest HarmonyOS Cockpit 5 for a seamlessly connected cabin, and the robust Tianyuan vehicle architecture. This integration of top-tier technology ensures that while you are tackling the toughest trails, you are also wrapped in a cocoon of digital sophistication.
Bold Design Meets Off-Road Prowess
The M817 instantly grabs your attention with its bold, family-styled silhouette. It flaunts a popular dual-face front-end design, letting you pick between a rugged split off-road bumper or a more refined body-color urban bumper. The striking front lights blend seamlessly into the hood lines, and for those serious off-road adventures, two LED spotlights perched on the roof edges promise to turn night into day. From the side, the M817 retains that unmistakable M-Hero muscularity, defined by a two-stage waistline and an A-pillar optimized for improved aerodynamics. Plus, it is ready for customization with support for aftermarket fittings like side window racks and access ladders.
Spacious and Smart Interior
Inside, the M817 offers a versatile 2+3 five-seat layout. Need to catch some shut-eye on the go? Move the front seats fully forward and remove the headrests to create a comfortable 1.7-meter sleeping surface. For those epic camping trips, folding the rear seats flat extends this to a massive 2.1-meter sleeping platform. The cabin exudes luxury too, with a claimed 91.2% soft-touch coverage spanning an impressive 32 square meters.
The cockpit itself is a masterclass in clean design, featuring straight, horizontal, and vertical lines accented by premium metal trim and a perfectly symmetric central axis. Dominating the dash is a crisp 15.6-inch central screen powered by HarmonyOS Cockpit 5. This means your smartphone and in-car apps can mirror effortlessly, keeping you connected without skipping a beat. Below the screen, you will find nine essential physical function keys, a welcome touch for those who appreciate tactile controls. Up on the roof console, six flight-style physical switches are integrated with the dome light, and these AUX switches link to reserved power ports, making aftermarket accessory installation a breeze.
Comfort is not an afterthought, either. The seats are trimmed in luscious Nappa leather, with the front seats offering massage, heating, and ventilation functions. And for ultimate convenience, a dedicated 5.05-liter cooled or warmed box with its own compressor sits neatly under the front center armrest.
Hybrid Powerhouse and Adaptive Chassis
Under the hood, the M817 employs a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system. It pairs a robust 1.5T internal combustion engine, delivering a max net output of 137 kW (184 hp), with two powerful electric motors. These motors peak at 200 kW (268 hp) and 205 kW (275 hp) respectively, promising exhilarating performance both on and off the blacktop.
But the M817 is not just about getting there; it is also about staying empowered. It supports 6 kW external power output, perfect for vehicle-to-load functions, whether you are powering tools at a remote campsite or running appliances during a blackout. Owners who prioritize comfort and adaptability can opt for the air-spring version. This model features rear-wheel steering and a 150 mm adjustable air suspension with continuous damping control (CDC). For those tight underground parking garages, a “garage mode” lowers the chassis by 45 mm, reducing its overall height to 1874 mm for easier access. For more insights on innovative chassis technologies, check out solutions like Deepal’s magnetic ride suspension. Plus, the fierce competition in the EV market, particularly among brands like Dongfeng, is driving incredible advancements, much like what’s seen with BYD’s Fangchengbao pushing boundaries.
The Dongfeng M-Hero M817 is a compelling package, blending serious off-road capability with advanced Huawei tech and a plush interior. It is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the large off-roader segment, offering a compelling mix of power, comfort, and smart features for an attractive starting price. For more on how Huawei is integrating its tech into the automotive world, take a look at the progress of Huawei Qiankun ADS, and explore what this could mean for L3 autonomous driving. It is clear that Chinese brands are making a huge splash, and many are even starting to eye global markets, much like BYD’s luxury brand Yangwang. Even brands like Nio’s Firefly are looking to expand into new markets, showing the global ambition of Chinese EV manufacturers.
