Dongfeng MHero 917 showcases luxury electric off-road tech

WUHAN: The Dongfeng MHero 917 recently showcased its rugged off-road durability and technologies in a series of extreme challenges at the company's test track here.

The live showcase drew a global audience as the MHero 917 has gained fame for conquering some of the world's most challenging terrain.

It has scaled the Tengger Desert sinkholes, traversed the ancient Keliya Trail, and reached the summit of the world's tallest sand dune in the Kumukuli Desert, setting eight industry-first records in China.

The MHero 917 is also the world's first luxury new energy off-road vehicle, available in both extended-range and pure electric powertrain options.

Dongfeng says the MHero 917 redefines luxury off-roading with its M Tech intelligent off-road architecture, which is China's first independently developed luxury electric off-road technology platform - holding over 450 patents, including 11 industry-first technologies.

"Innovation is the key to real strength," said Dongfeng Motor's Mengshi Automobile Technology company (MHero Tech) vice general manager and chief brand officer Wang Jiong.

The MHero 917 can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 4.2 seconds, with a maximum climb gradient of 100%.

Power is courtesy of four electric motors with a combined 1,088hp while a huge 142.7kWh battery can deliver 450km.

Meanwhile, the MATS all-terrain system intelligently adapts driving modes to different environments, lowering the barrier to off-road driving and shattering the myth that "pure EVs can't handle off-roading."

To cater to diverse user needs, Dongfeng has introduced a "One Car, One Price, One Driver, One Experience" personalised customisation service, ushering in an era of highly tailored off-road vehicles.

With over 180 off-road accessories and modification kits, users can build their own ultra-capable MHero for any scenario.

At the Shanghai Auto Show in April, Dongfeng plans to unveil an extended-wheelbase luxury edition of the MHero 917.

A new intelligent electric off-road vehicle, co-developed with Huawei, is set to launch in the second half of the year.

The MHero 917 is already available in Switzerland, Spain, and the UAE, and its global variant, the MHero I, has received new vehicle certification in the EU, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Gulf region.