Mengshi a.k.a. M-Hero, a sub-brand of Dongfeng Group China, has begun selling its flagship off-roader named the M817. According to AutoHome.cn, it now comes in only two trim levels priced at 319,900 and 349,900 Yuan, which is slightly lower than the company estimated during the preorder period.
Coming in at 5.1 meters (16.73 ft.) long with 3,005 mm (9.86 ft.) between the axles, the M817 is a bit larger than the M-Hero 917 model already on sale. The height varies from 1,899 to 1,919 mm (74.2–75 inches) depending on whether you go with the standard spring-based suspension or pay extra for an air-cushioned one. The latter comes with the ability to adjust clearance in a 150-mm (5.9-inch) range. There are also two body kits to choose from, Urban and Off-Road, but the differences are purely stylistic aside from the front bumper, which is more practical in the overlanding version.
Power comes from dual electric motors developing 687 PS (678 hp / 505 kW) and 848 Nm (625 lb-ft) of torque. A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine normally spends its 197 PS (194 hp / 145 kW) on electricity generation, but can be set up to drive the wheels when needed. The SUV needs 5.2 seconds to sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) and has up to 1,300 km (808 miles) of range with its gas tank and 31.7-kWh battery maxed out.
The interior has five seats that can fold down to form a nice, level bed 2.1 square meters large. Mengshi claims that 91.2% of all interior surfaces are trimmed with soft-touch materials, and the seats come wrapped in Nappa leather. A 15.6-inch infotainment system running on Huawei’s Harmony OS and an ADAS package from the same IT company are included as well.
