When you first come face to face with the MHERO 817, the feeling is like meeting a technological predator, coming out of a futuristic action movie. The Bulgarian premiere of this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from the Dongfeng Motor group, organized by the importer of the brand China Motor, was not just another ribbon cutting, but a real baptism of fire in the mud. And after the test we did, we can say that this “hero“ does not come to be just an alternative, but to rearrange the cards in the segment of luxury off-roaders with brutal power and intelligence, which, by the way, is provided by Huawei.
The car has already caused a real sensation in China, generating 10 thousand orders in negative time, and now it is ready to conquer the native roads (and off-roads). This is one of the most impressive debuts on our market this year, because the car is very different from anything known on the market, combining environmental standards with cross-country ability that will most likely make established names in the industry think twice. During tests on steep sections and deep muddy ruts, the car demonstrated frightening lightness, turning any obstacle into child's play for the driver. But let's start first with the appearance.
Exterior
The exterior of the MHERO 817 can be compared to a real visual thrash - angular, aggressive and massive, it exudes unwaveringness from every detail. The design is subject to the concept of off-road dominance, and the dimensions of 5,100 mm in length and almost two meters in width give it a presence that is respected from afar. It is available in two versions - one for off-road and a more luxurious urban and suburban predator. Their main difference is in the front grille, as well as in the equipment. The off-road version E0 has rims with a Beadlock system and protective elements that suggest that scratches from branches are the last thing you need to think about.
The gaze stops at the high ground clearance, which, thanks to the adaptive air suspension in the more expensive version, can reach a staggering 333 mm. The short overhangs allow for an attack angle of 30 degrees, which practically means that the front will pass where a standard SUV would have given up long ago. The massive front grille and specific LED lights give the model the appearance of a robotic guardian, ready for any challenge.
The “urban“ version E1+ is also particularly impressive, which is a bit more refined, but retains the same fighting spirit with an added panoramic roof for more air in the cabin. The rear steering wheels are the hidden trump card in the design, allowing this giant to maneuver with the ease of a small hatchback. The overall look is a perfect balance between military rigor and premium aesthetics, which guarantees that you will be the center of attention both in front of the opera and at the foot of Rila.
Interior
Entering the cabin, the initial shock of the raw exterior is quickly replaced by refined aviation luxury. The interior is inspired by the cockpit of a modern fighter jet – from the specific switches to the gear lever, which resembles an airplane throttle. The materials used are of high quality: genuine leather, fine suede and massive details that create a feeling of strength and precision.
The technological heart of the cabin, as we already mentioned at the beginning, is the work of Huawei, with the HarmonySpace 5 system controlling the 15.6-inch central display with an ease that many European brands can envy. In addition, passengers are pampered with seats offering 12-way adjustment, ventilation and massage, while the Dynaudio audio system with 18 speakers turns the off-road experience into a concert hall. Even small details like the 5-liter refrigerator in the console emphasize that nothing has been spared here.
Space is plentiful, with the 828-litre boot able to accommodate an entire expedition's worth of gear. The intelligent Head-Up Display and digital rear-view mirror help the driver keep everything under control without taking their eyes off the road. The atmosphere inside is insulated from the outside world, with the only reminder of the challenging terrain being the gentle sway of the air suspension, which soaks up bumps with silky smoothness. The disadvantages we found here are related to the central mirror, which is only digitized and does not give a very clear idea of the situation behind, but this drawback is compensated by the huge side rear-view mirrors.
Engine and driving characteristics
Under the hood of the MHERO 817 operates a complex but effective PHEV system, combining a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and powerful electric motors. The result is a system power of 677 hp and torque of 848 Nm – figures that sound more like a supercar than a 4x4 SUV. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds, which is, to put it mildly, shocking for a car of similar weight and dimensions.
And while on asphalt roads you may feel a slight discomfort from the greater tilt of the car in turns, the real magic happens when you leave the asphalt. Thanks to the Crab Walk system, the rear wheels turn so that the car can move diagonally – invaluable when maneuvering between rocks or in tight urban spaces. With nine driving modes, including snow, sand and water, the intelligent AWD all-wheel drive distributes traction so precisely that you literally feel each tire fighting for traction.
Passability is also guaranteed by the ability to wade up to 900 mm deep, which makes river crossing a routine task. The CATL battery provides not only serious electric range, but also the V2L function, which allows you to power external devices with a power of up to 6kW - ideal for camping in the wild. And the total range of over 1100 km eliminates any “charge anxiety“, typical of pure electric vehicles.
Safety is ensured by the Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.0 system, relying on 27 sensors, including lidar and 4D radars. It allows the “hero“ not only to see obstacles, but also to react quickly with automatic braking at speeds up to 130 km/h. At the test site, we were convinced that the software and hardware work in full sync, ensuring stability even on extreme slopes and slippery surfaces. The locking differentials also play a key role in the cross-country ability, and the main drawback here is the small (for this huge car) internal combustion engine, which chokes when the electric motors are not powered by the battery.
Prices
In Bulgaria, the new MHERO 817 starts at an extremely competitive price of 63,000 euros including VAT for the base level E0. Considering the technologies used in it and the 7-year or 150,000 km warranty, this is an offer that will seriously worry premium competitors from Germany and Japan. The importer is already accepting orders in its dealer network, with the first units ready for delivery, and the more luxurious version starts at prices of 74,000 euros including VAT.
Pros:
Incredible cross-country ability and innovative “Crab Walking” mode;
Luxurious and high-tech interior with Huawei components;
Impressive system power of 677 hp and high combined mileage;
Excellent price-quality ratio for the premium segment.
Cons:
The massive dimensions can be a challenge in narrow city streets;
The complexity of the hybrid system requires the presence of electricity, because only a 1.5-liter ICE is not enough for the heavy coupe;
High weight, which is felt during very dynamic driving on sharp turns on asphalt.