The Chinese automaker Mengshi a.k.a. M-Hero (part of Dongfeng Group) launched a large, body-on-frame, hybrid off-roader called the M817 in July. Buyers were choosing from only two specs back then, and a third one is arriving to the market now priced at 369,900 CNY.
Compared to the two initial versions Pro and Max, the new Max+ benefits from a CATL Freevoy battery pack rated at 50.4 kilowatt-hours. That’s a solid improvement over the previously available 31.7 kWh. As a result, the SUV now covers up to 215 km (133 miles) in all-electric mode instead of 140 km (87 miles). With the gas tank filled to the top, it can do 1,365 km (848 miles) before finding a gas station becomes a priority, Dongfeng says.
All three M817 variants come equipped with an engine and two electric motors jointly rated at 687 PS (678 hp / 505 kW) and 848 Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque. Drivers can choose from as many as 11 available powertrain modes covering all scenarios. The M817 Pro starts from 319,900 CNY and the M817 Max from 349,900 CNY.
Other than the battery, the Max+ spec doesn’t seem any different from the rest. The SUV is 5.1 meters (16.7 ft) long and comes loaded with tech features from Huawei. This includes a digital cockpit and an assist package called the ADS4, which includes a LiDAR and 26 other sensors. With approach and departure angles reaching 37 degrees and a ground clearance of 333 mm (full 13 inches), the off-roader can traverse rough terrain and wade water 820 mm (32 inches) high.
