Dongfeng Motor hits annual NEV sales of 1 million vehicles

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Dongfeng Motor's premium off-road new energy vehicle (NEV) marque MHERO announced on December 26 that the 10,000th unit of its M817 model has rolled off the production line, a symbolic milestone for the brand's expansion. At the same time, the automaker said the broader Dongfeng Motor has achieved its target of selling 1 million new energy vehicles (NEV) in 2025, underscoring the rapid scale-up of its electrification strategy.

MHERO is positioned as Dongfeng Motor's high-end new energy off-road brand, aimed at combining rugged capability with intelligent and luxury features. It sits alongside a growing NEV portfolio that includes VOYAH, eπ, Nammi and Aeolus, reflecting Dongfeng Motor's multi-brand approach to covering different market segments in the transition to electrification.

Photo source: Dongfeng Motor

The M817 entered the market on August 17 with two variants priced at 319,900 yuan and 349,900 yuan, targeting the luxury intelligent off-road SUV segment. The lineup was expanded on September 29 with the launch of the long-range M817 Max+, carrying an official guide price of 369,900 yuan and catering to customers seeking extended electric range and higher specifications.

Visually, the M817 follows MHERO's "Heroic Spirit Aesthetics 2.0" design philosophy. The front end is defined by the brand's signature "lion's roar" grille paired with an illuminated M-LOGO lamps, blending a high-tech look with a sense of raw power. Strong, sculpted body lines along the sides emphasize a muscular stance, while the rear features distinctive cross-shaped taillights and an externally mounted, rounded rectangular storage box that reinforces its off-road character.

Inside, the cabin adopts a symmetrical, horizontal-and-vertical layout that emphasizes solidity and order, complemented by metallic finishes to create a robust, almost mech-inspired atmosphere. Despite the tough styling, comfort is a clear priority: extensive soft-touch materials are used throughout, with Nappa leather covering large areas of the seating surfaces, while premium suede-like fabrics line the headliner and luggage compartment.

On the technology front, the M817 is equipped with Huawei's full Qiankun intelligent vehicle solution. This includes the Qiankun ADS 4 advanced driving assistance system, HarmonySpace 5, vehicle-cloud integration, enhanced communication technologies and intelligent vehicle control. Together, these systems enable intelligent recognition across multiple terrains and allow seamless connectivity between the vehicle's infotainment system and users’ mobile devices through the HarmonySpace 5.

Powering the M817 is a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors, arranged in a P1+P3+P4 intelligent electric all-wheel-drive configuration. The system delivers a combined output of 505 kW and peak torque of 848 Nm, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds. Under the CLTC standard, the model offers a total driving range of up to 1,300 km, with fuel consumption in charge-sustaining mode as low as 7.24 liters per 100 km. The M817 Max+ comes standard with a 50.4 kWh CATL battery, extending battery-powered range to 215 km and pushing the combined CLTC range to 1,365 km.