Dongfeng M Hero-1 interior, design and features review

Introduction

The M Hero-1 is Dongfeng's answer to the electric Hummer, and possibly even the Mercedes G-Class EV, but it aims to be better off the road and nicer on the inside.

If you don't know, Dongfeng is a large Chinese manufacturer that also supplies vehicles to the Chinese military. Dongfeng is proud of this and has included some references in the M Hero-1, like the pistol-shaped door handle on the inside. It even produces a click when you close the door (similar to the way the G-Class makes a closing vault sound).

Who is it for?

The M Hero-1 is not a usual EV. Inside it's very luxurious and spacious, while the outside has a rugged look.

However, the M Hero-1 is also very powerful. It has four electric motors on each wheel, combining for 800 kW (1088 hp) output and 1400 Nm of torque. It will make the 0-62 mph dash in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph.

This car is for the off-road enthusiast who also likes to be fast off the line and wants to travel in style.

Give me the technical stuff

Dongfeng M Hero-1 at a glance:

• Dimensions: 196.3 inches x 81.9 inches x 76.2 inches, 116.1 inches wheelbase.
• Drivetrains available: 142.7 kWh - AWD 800 kW (1,088 hp), 1,033 lb-ft.
• Charging: 100 kW CCS, 30-80% in 47 min.
• Range: 280 miles WLTP.
• Weight: up to 7,260 lb
• Trunk: EU: 452 l

What's great about it?

The Dongfeng M Hero-1's off-road abilities are truly impressive. The car rides on air suspension that can increase the base 24 cm ground clearance up to 33 cm. The car has a wading depth of 90 cm, as well as five off-road driving modes for different terrains - sand, rock, mud, water.

The power figures are another impressive aspect of the M Hero-1. With four motors and a combined 800 kW of power (1400 Nm), this is one powerful thing. Imagine jumping to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds in this 3.5 ton machine!

Inside, the Dongfeng M Hero-1 is nice and feature-rich. There's a big center touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.

The three-level control in the center of the cockpit is inspired by airplanes. The left lever controls the drive (forward, park, reverse), the center lever is for the air suspension, and the right one sets up the off-road behavior.

We mentioned the gun-styled door handle on the inside. It's unique to the M Hero-1.

The capable air suspension, beefy tires and general off-road aesthetic are impressive.

What's not that good?

The Dongfeng M Hero-1 is huge. Once you load it up with people and luggage, it tips the scales at 3.5 tonnes, which is the legal limit for the general driver's license in many countries.

With 11 kW AC charging and 100 kW DC charging, the M Hero-1 is among the slower-charging EVs around. The G-Class does 200 kW, while the Hummer goes up to 300 kW.

You can't buy the Dongfeng M Hero-1 in most places but even if it's available in your country, it can cost quite a bit. In Switzerland, it's around CHF 150,000, and it will potentially reach €170,000.

Which version to get?

There really is only one version of the M Hero-1 in electric form (there's a range extender model as well). It costs CHF 150,000 outside of China.