The M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) is the debut production model from M-HERO, the premium electric off-road arm of Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Underpinned by the proprietary M-TECH Intelligent Off-Road Architecture, the rugged SUV features a non-load-bearing ladder-frame chassis across the range. It is offered in both range-extender (EREV) and pure electric (BEV) powertrains, with options spanning standard variants to factory-tuned editions like the Dragon Armor. The 2026 model year is now officially launched with customer deliveries underway, carrying an official price tag between RM637,700 and RM699,000. The flagship long-wheelbase Dragon Armor Max tops the range at RM1,098,000.
Standard variants measure 4987/2080/1935mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a 2950mm wheelbase; the larger Dragon Armor Max measures 5252/2150/1999mm with a 3150mm wheelbase. All models feature a five-door, five-seater layout, offering a standard boot capacity of 452L, expandable to 1137L with the rear seats folded to easily fit camping and outdoor gear.
The M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) sports a highly distinctive "Heroic Soul" design philosophy. While retaining its bold aesthetic, the 2026 model incorporates the Oriental Awakening Lion as its core design theme, seamlessly blending modern technology with traditional cultural motifs. The front end is dominated by an aggressive Lion Roar illuminated trapezoidal grille with honeycomb mesh inserts, flanked by sharp "Zhi Ge Wei Wu 2.0" LED headlights and an illuminated M-HERO emblem at the centre, complemented by a heavy-duty off-road bumper for an imposing stance. To enhance luxury and personalisation, the 2026 model adds an exclusive "Wulan Orange" exterior paint and a "Xiaying Orange" interior theme, both inspired by natural landforms.
Inside, the cabin features a wraparound cockpit layout that balances minimalism with luxury. At the centre is a five-screen intelligent interaction setup (comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, front passenger entertainment screen, HUD, and a rear armrest display). The 2026 model gets standard DINAMICA eco-friendly suede headlining and genuine wood trim, elevating material tactile quality and cabin ambience.
The M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) offers both range-extender (EREV) and fully electric (BEV) powertrains, delivering class-leading performance figures across the board.
The all-electric (BEV) version is driven by a four-motor AWD setup generating a combined maximum output of 800kW (approx. 1088 hp) and peak torque of 1400N·m. Paired with a single-speed gearbox, it sprints from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Energy comes from a 142.7kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 505km. It supports DC fast charging, replenishing from 30% to 80% in 0.78 hours.
The range-extender (EREV) version utilises a tri-motor configuration mated to an internal combustion range extender and a 2-speed transmission, producing a total system output of 600kW (approx. 816 hp) and 1050N·m of torque, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.0 seconds. Equipped with a 65.8kWh ternary lithium battery pack, it offers a CLTC pure electric range of 200km, while combined range reaches an impressive 1026km on a full tank (84L fuel tank capacity) and full charge. It is compatible with RON 92 petrol, significantly lowering running costs on long-distance overland expeditions.
As a thoroughbred off-roader, chassis dynamics and handling form the core appeal of the M-HERO I (M-HERO 917). Built on the M-TECH platform, the entire range comes equipped with heavy-duty off-road hardware and intelligent drive technologies as standard.
Underneath, the vehicle features front double wishbone independent suspension and rear double wishbone independent suspension. Range-topping trims add IAS Intelligent Air Suspension with CDC continuous damping control, offering ride-height and damping stiffness adjustments to strike an ideal balance between extreme off-road articulation and high-speed highway comfort. Three electronically controlled differential locks (front, centre, and rear) paired with the world's first lock-integrated two-speed transmission provide massive torque multiplication for effortless recovery in extreme terrain.
The 2026 model also gains the "Rock Chassis 2.0" co-developed with Huawei, working in tandem with the M ATS All-Terrain System, rear-wheel active steer-by-wire (yielding a tight 10.1-metre turning radius), and a water-wading depth of up to 900mm, drastically improving low-speed manoeuvrability and rough-terrain traversability.
Inside, the M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) leans heavily towards passenger comfort, luxury, and smart connectivity. Powered by the Huawei HarmonyOS Cockpit 6 system, it features a bespoke intelligent off-road AI co-pilot capable of auto-routing legendary expedition trails like the G318 Sichuan-Tibet Highway and Duku Highway, alongside food ordering, full-scenario voice commands, and multi-stop route planning.
Delivering a first-class mobile lounge experience, higher-spec 2026 models feature Nappa leather upholstery, a 20-speaker Dynaudio premium sound system, a zero-gravity Queen co-pilot seat, an onboard mini-fridge/warmer, and fold-flat rear seats. Other highlights include a windscreen Head-Up Display (W-HUD), soft-close doors on all five doors, powered retractable side steps, and an active fragrance system.
On the safety front, the M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) meets stringent multi-dimensional safety benchmarks. The body features an integrated high-strength steel cage construction for outstanding torsional rigidity. Alongside a comprehensive active and passive safety suite, it comes with a Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. The technical partnership with Huawei brings significant autonomous upgrades: the 2026 line-up debuts the Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 suite paired with an 896-line dual-optical-path image-grade LiDAR, capable of detecting small obstacles as tiny as 14cm from a distance of up to 120 metres.
Additionally, the vehicle features Huawei Qiankun Whale Fin communication technology, boosting signal strength by 60% over industry standards and reconnecting within three seconds in dead zones—a vital safety feature in remote wilderness. A newly introduced intelligent infrared night vision system on the 2026 model further enhances nighttime driving visibility.
In a competitive market, M-HERO has posted notable sales growth. In 2025, buoyed by the M-HERO 917, the brand surpassed 10,000 units in annual sales, marking a 387% year-on-year increase. Despite market fluctuations, monthly registrations grew from 1008 units in January 2026 to a record high of 2036 units in March, underlining strong market momentum.
As the pioneer model for the M-HERO marque, the M-HERO I (M-HERO 917) represents a milestone for Chinese carmakers in the RM1,000,000-class luxury electric off-road segment. Beyond delivering mechanical capabilities on par with world-renowned hardcore 4x4s, its deep integration of Huawei’s smart cockpit and autonomous driving tech provides a compelling benchmark for the next generation of intelligent luxury off-roaders.
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