Dongfeng’s M-HERO Launches with Wild Electric Off-Roader
CAPITAL — April 22, 2025 — Dongfeng’s new premium brand, M-HERO, has launched with the unveiling of its all-electric 917 off-roader. This follows the introduction of the voyah brand and marks Dongfeng’s further expansion into the luxury electric vehicle market.The M-HERO 917, a luxury off-roader, features a bold design inspired by military vehicles. For more facts about this remarkable new electric off-roader, read on.
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Dongfeng’s M-HERO Brand Launches with Wild Electric Off-Roader
Chinese automaker Dongfeng, already present in the Czech republic with combustion engine vehicles and a selection of electric cars, is expanding its reach with a new premium brand: M-HERO. This move follows the introduction of Dongfeng’s Voyah brand, known for its unique range-extended electric vehicles (ReEVs) – essentially serial hybrids using an internal combustion engine as a generator.M-HERO’s first offering is the 917,a striking and expensive all-electric off-roader. The name “Mengshi” (meaning “brave warrior” in Chinese) was first used by Dongfeng on a military vehicle in 2007, a vehicle heavily inspired by the American Humvee, even partially licensed. Mengshi continues to produce both military and civilian off-road vehicles and pickups, frequently enough powered by large Cummins diesel engines.
Though, the M-HERO brand represents a shift in focus, targeting affluent civilian customers rather than military or police forces. The M-HERO 917 is designed as a luxury off-roader built for fun, available with either a battery-electric or range-extended electric powertrain. This is further emphasized by the M-Hunter concept, a buggy-style vehicle similar to the 917 but with an open-air design, two seats, and a focus on extreme off-road capability. Confusingly, the M-Hunter is sometimes presented as the “917” while also displaying “M-HERO 1” logos.
The M-HERO 917’s design is undeniably bold,drawing inspiration from military transporters and stealth fighters,reminiscent of the creations of Latvian automaker Dartz Motors. Its angular, almost brutalist aesthetic makes a strong statement. Despite its imposing appearance,the 917 is relatively compact,measuring just under five meters long,2.08 meters wide, and 1.94 meters high. This makes it comparable in size to the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 250, though smaller than full-size American pickups like the RAM 1500.The 917 is clearly designed for off-road adventures, featuring large wheels with off-road tires, short overhangs, specially shaped bumpers for improved approach angles, and a standard ground clearance of 230 mm, adjustable by 150 mm thanks to its air suspension.
Inside, the M-HERO 917 features a more restrained design, though still with some unique touches. The door handles are shaped like Desert eagle pistols, and closing the doors triggers a sound effect of a semi-automatic weapon, a feature that is sure to elicit a reaction. The door handles are electronic, with a button on the inside, which is becoming increasingly common. From the outside, they function like regular handles, but the button underneath is small and slow to respond, making the whole process feel unnatural.
The gear selector and driving mode selector are inspired by fighter jet controls. The interior is dominated by a large central display, with a smaller screen for the passenger. the materials and build quality are high, reflecting the brand’s premium aspirations. Engaging features include a night vision system, displayed on the multimedia screen, that is said to rival military equipment. In China, customers can even opt for a roof-mounted drone hangar, allowing the drone to scout the surrounding terrain and assist with route planning.
