In the world of rugged vehicles, few stories grab attention like a newcomer blasting through production goals. Dongfeng Motor's luxury off-road brand, M-Hero, just rolled out its 10,000th M817 PHEV model, and it only took months since the August launch. This beast is turning heads with its mix of brute strength and smart tech, proving that high-end off-roaders from China are ready to play in the big leagues.
The celebration hit a high note when M-Hero handed over one of these milestone rigs personally to Jin Yuzhi, the CEO of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution Business Unit. It's no coincidence – these two powerhouses have teamed up on the tech side, blending Dongfeng's tough engineering with Huawei's cutting-edge smarts. That kind of partnership hints at vehicles that don't just get you through the mud but think ahead while doing it.
Now, this isn't just staying put in China. On December 16, the first shipment of 400 M-Hero M817 units headed out to the Middle East, kicking off what looks like a serious push overseas. For guys who love hitting trails or long hauls, this could mean more options on the global scene, where demand for vehicles that handle extreme conditions without guzzling gas is picking up steam.
Let's talk size and build – the M817 is a big player, stretching 200.8 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and standing 74.5 inches tall, or 75.7 with extra gear. It sits on a 118.3-inch wheelbase, giving it that stable feel whether you're cruising highways or tackling rough paths. Wading through water? No sweat – it can handle up to 2.95 feet deep. And for those tight spots in the wilderness, the minimum turning radius is just 11.5 feet, making maneuvers feel effortless even in a vehicle this substantial.
What sets it apart for off-road enthusiasts is the nine specialized driving modes. You've got settings for snow, deep snow, mud, rocks, sand, and water, plus a few more to fine-tune for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. It's built for guys who want to escape the daily grind, whether that's a weekend camping trip or pushing limits on backcountry routes. This versatility means you can switch from city streets to serious terrain without missing a beat.
Under the hood, the plug-in hybrid setup packs a punch with 505 kW, which shakes out to 677 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque. That combo launches the M817 from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 5.2 seconds – not bad for a full-size SUV that's ready to conquer hills or haul gear. The top model comes with a 50.4 kWh battery from CATL's Freevoy line, delivering up to 134 miles of pure electric driving on the CLTC standard. But for those epic road trips, the total range stretches to an impressive 848 miles, blending electric efficiency with hybrid reliability. It's the kind of setup that lets you go farther without constant stops, perfect for cross-country adventures or just avoiding the pump on long commutes.
Tech-wise, Huawei's Qiankun ADS 4.0 system takes things to another level. The M817 is loaded with 27 sensing units: 11 high-definition cameras, three 4D millimeter-wave radars, a 192-line lidar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This arsenal keeps an eye on everything around you, making drives safer and smoother. The automatic emergency braking kicks in at speeds up to 81 mph, giving peace of mind when you're barreling down highways or navigating crowded areas. For off-road fans, this means autonomous assists that help spot obstacles in tough spots, blending old-school ruggedness with modern intelligence.
Sales are ramping up too, showing real market pull. In November, the M-Hero brand moved 2,007 vehicles, a solid 38.4 percent jump from October. That's in line with the buzz around China's new energy vehicles, especially plug-in hybrids and electric SUVs that offer power without the environmental hit. While it's still a smaller slice of Dongfeng's overall pie, this growth points to strong early interest at home and abroad.
Looking ahead, with production humming along, M-Hero seems set to keep building steam. More deliveries in China could solidify its spot in a crowded market, while those overseas shipments lay the tracks for expansion where folks crave tough, tech-packed rides. In a segment that's all about capability and innovation, the M817 stands out as a contender that's not just keeping up but pushing boundaries. For anyone eyeing their next adventure machine, this one's worth watching as it carves out its place on the global stage.
