The Dongfeng M-Hero family has recently expanded its lineup with the official introduction of the M817 Max+, a premium off-road vehicle priced at $51,200. Positioned as a high-end model within the rugged M-Hero series, the M817 Max+ brings a host of upgrades in both configuration and performance, including a larger capacity battery, making it a versatile choice for adventure enthusiasts and off-road drivers.
In terms of size and proportions, the M817 Max+ measures 5,100 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,899 mm in height, riding on a 3,005 mm wheelbase. Its off-road credentials are significant: the vehicle features approach and departure angles of 31°, a longitudinal passing angle of 20°, and a minimum ground clearance of 237 mm, enabling it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. In addition, the SUV can wade through water up to 820 mm deep, underlining its rugged design and capability in demanding environments.
Inside the cabin, the M817 Max+ offers three distinct color schemes—Pine Ink, Mountain Grey, and Danxia Brown—allowing for some level of personalization. Central to the interior experience is the HarmonySpace 5 smart cockpit system, which integrates infotainment, vehicle settings, and connectivity features into a cohesive and user-friendly interface.
On the technology and safety front, the M817 Max+ is equipped with Huawei’s Qiankun intelligent driving system ADS 4, which provides advanced driver-assistance features. This includes Navigation Cruise Assist (NCA) for semi-autonomous highway driving and full-scenario parking assistance for added convenience in urban environments. The vehicle is outfitted with a total of 27 sensors, including 11 high-definition cameras, three 4D millimetre-wave radars, a 192-line LiDAR unit, and 12 ultrasonic radars, delivering a comprehensive suite of detection and monitoring capabilities for both safety and driver convenience.
Powering the M817 Max+ is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors, producing a combined output of 677 hp and 848 N·m of torque. The model features a 50.4 kWh CATL Freevoy battery, which allows for a pure electric driving range of 215 km under CLTC standards. When combined with the internal combustion engine, the vehicle achieves an impressive total range of 1,365 km. The M817 Max+ utilizes a two-speed longitudinal 11-mode PHEV architecture and a distributed decoupled four-wheel-drive system, enabling a variety of driving modes. These include fuel-only, pure electric, range-extended, and plug-in hybrid modes, along with nine selectable driving modes to optimize performance across different terrains and conditions, giving drivers maximum flexibility and control.
The Dongfeng M-Hero M817 Max+ combines rugged off-road capability, advanced hybrid performance, and cutting-edge technology, positioning itself as a leading choice for drivers seeking both adventure and comfort in a premium SUV.