Off-road SUV model M817 by Dongfeng M-Hero initiates pre-sales, incorporating Huawei technology.
In July 2025, the M-Hero M817, an electric plug-in hybrid off-road SUV, made its debut in China's market following a strategic partnership between Huawei and M-Hero, a sub-brand of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, that began in February 2024 [1][2].
This partnership, aimed at advancing the commercialization of Huawei's smart vehicle technologies, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and intelligent off-road vehicles, has resulted in the integration of Huawei's advanced tech, such as the ADS 4 assisted driving system and HarmonyOS cockpit, into M-Hero's electric off-road SUVs [2].
The M817, with its military-inspired design and robust off-road capabilities, marks a new presence in China’s luxury electric off-road segment [4]. It boasts a hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering up to 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm torque for commanding performance [4]. The vehicle also offers an electric-only driving range of up to 200 km [4].
The M817 has been met with strong market interest, securing over 9,700 reservations within 24 hours of opening pre-orders [4]. Starting prices range from approximately RMB 329,900 (about $45,950) for the Pro version to RMB 359,900 for the Max variant [2][5].
The partnership signifies a strategic expansion of Huawei’s footprint into the smart electric vehicle market and positions M-Hero as a serious contender in the premium off-road EV segment [4]. The integration of cutting-edge technology with luxury and off-road ruggedness is shaping a new category that blends smart connectivity, performance, and luxury aesthetics. This caters to a growing and affluent Chinese consumer base interested in innovative, high-performance electric SUVs designed for both urban use and adventurous lifestyles.
Prior to the M817, M-Hero launched its first production model, the M-917, in August 2023. The M-917 offers an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version and a battery electric vehicle (BEV) version [3]. M-Hero, a brand launched by Dongfeng on August 27, 2022, aims to become a leader in shaping China's luxury electric off-road vehicle culture, as stated by Huawei [2].
References:
[1] M-Hero. (2025). M-Hero M817 pre-sales begin: A new era of luxury electric off-road vehicles. Retrieved from https://m-hero.com/news/m-hero-m817-presales-begin-a-new-era-of-luxury-electric-off-road-vehicles
[2] Huawei. (2024). Huawei and M-Hero enter strategic partnership to advance smart vehicle technologies. Retrieved from https://www.huawei.com/minisite/auto/en-us/news/2024/02/news_huawei_mhero_partnership
[3] Dongfeng Motor Corporation. (2023). M-Hero M-917: A new standard in luxury electric off-road vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.dongfeng.com/en/news/2023/08/m-hero-m-917-a-new-standard-in-luxury-electric-off-road-vehicles
[4] Auto Evolution. (2025). M-Hero M817: The first smart electric off-road SUV from Huawei and M-Hero. Retrieved from https://www.autoevolution.com/news/m-hero-m817-the-first-smart-electric-off-road-suv-from-huawei-and-m-hero-160236.html
[5] Xinhua Net. (2025). M-Hero M817 prices announced: Pro and Max variants to cost RMB 329,900 and RMB 359,900, respectively. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-07/01/c_138150915.htm
- The strategic partnership between Huawei and M-Hero, established in February 2024, focuses on the commercialization of Huawei's smart vehicle technologies, notably in electric vehicles (EVs) and intelligent off-road vehicles.
- The partnership, which began in 2024, has led to the incorporation of Huawei's advanced technologies such as the ADS 4 assisted driving system and HarmonyOS cockpit into M-Hero's electric off-road SUVs.
- In July 2025, the M-Hero M817, an electric plug-in hybrid off-road SUV, entered China's market after this partnership.
- The M817 is a luxury electric off-road vehicle with a military-inspired design, robust off-road capabilities, and a hybrid powertrain, offering an electric-only driving range of up to 200 km.
- The M817 has attracted significant market interest, securing over 9,700 reservations within 24 hours of opening pre-orders, and comes with a price range from approximately RMB 329,900 to RMB 359,900.
- The collaboration between Huawei and M-Hero signals a strategic expansion of Huawei's footprint into the smart electric vehicle market, positioning M-Hero as a serious contender in the premium off-road EV segment.
