This week, Dongfeng Motor Corporation unveiled the M-Hero 917L at the Beijing Auto Show, a military-inspired electric off-road vehicle designed to take on the American GMC Hummer EV in the high-performance 4x4 sector.
The M-Hero 917L draws its design and technical inspiration from the Chinese People's Liberation Army's CSK-181 Mengshi tactical armored vehicle. Its dimensions are impressive, stretching 5.18 meters in length with a wheelbase of 3.15 meters.
The vehicle's exterior, crafted by Dongfeng's design team led by Alexander Knöpfle—formerly of Volkswagen and Audi—and Yongliang Zhang, features hood creases, headlight contours, wheel arches, and a grille shape reminiscent of the original military model. The design nods to stealth aircraft, with Motor1 describing the front as resembling an ancient warrior's mask. "Love it or hate it, it's undeniably unique," they noted.
Inside, the M-Hero 917L offers a stark contrast to its rugged exterior with natural hair-speckled leather carpeting, genuine leather and wood paneling, and a transmission selector mimicking jet throttle levers. Door handles take the shape of pistol grips, enhancing the vehicle's military theme.
The dashboard is dominated by three screens: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central floating monitor, and an additional 12.3-inch display for the passenger. An eight-inch screen is available on the rear armrest. An optional third row allows seating for seven occupants.
In its all-electric version, the 917L is powered by four motors—one at each wheel—delivering a combined 1,088 horsepower and 1,392 Nm of torque. It uses a 142.7 kWh battery that provides a range of 450 to 500 km based on the WLTP cycle. The extended range version (EREV) combines three electric motors totaling 816 horsepower with a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine acting solely as a generator, achieving a combined range of over 800 km with its 66 kWh battery and full 84-liter fuel tank.
Despite weighing between 3,500 and 3,920 kg depending on the version, the 917L can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Each axle features a reduction gear, boosting total wheel torque to 16,196 Nm, enabling it to conquer 45° gradients.
The air suspension adjusts ground clearance from 220 mm for highway driving to 335 mm in extreme off-road mode, and the vehicle can ford water up to 900 mm deep. The rear-wheel steering, with up to 10.6° of rotation, allows lateral movement similar to a crab, reducing the turning radius to merely 5.1 meters. The M-Hero 917L includes five driving modes—snow, mud, sand, rock, and floods—and three electronic locking differentials to enhance its off-road capabilities.
This move by Dongfeng reflects a broader strategy among Chinese manufacturers to advance into luxury and high-performance segments. In the same week, Dongfeng and Huawei launched the Yijing X9, another luxury SUV debuting at the Beijing show. Dongfeng's premium brand, Voyah, recently went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, at a time when GM has paused its future electric truck projects while China continues to push forward in electromobility.
The starting price for the 917L in China is 820,000 yuan—around 102,500 euros—for the EREV version. In Europe, where it is already being exported to Switzerland and Middle Eastern markets, the price begins at approximately 170,000 euros, compared to less than 100,000 euros for the GMC Hummer EV in its home market.
Frequently Asked Questions about the M-Hero 917L
What are the main features of the M-Hero 917L?
The M-Hero 917L is a military-inspired electric off-roader featuring a powerful all-electric drivetrain with four motors, a striking exterior design, and a luxurious interior. It offers up to 500 km of range on its electric version and over 800 km on the extended range version.
How does the M-Hero 917L compare to the GMC Hummer EV?
The M-Hero 917L aims to compete directly with the GMC Hummer EV by offering similar high-performance capabilities and unique design elements inspired by military vehicles. While the Hummer EV is available at a lower price in its home market, the M-Hero 917L offers a distinct appeal with its advanced features and extended range options.