Dongfeng launched the M-Hero II in China in August 2025, where it is sold as the M817. The SUV combines heavy-duty looks with a performance-spec hybrid powertrain and advanced driver assistance tech.
The model recently made its Middle East debut as part of the global launch cadence. Dongfeng has not officially confirmed the M-Hero II for the UK or wider European markets, but we spent some time with the model to assess its suitability for the UK.
Design
The M-Hero II, which traces its roots to Dongfeng’s military vehicle division, features a boxy SUV design with upright proportions, flared wheel arches and high ground clearance. Compared to the more radically-styled M-Hero I, the M-Hero II adopts a more restrained exterior design while retaining aggressive styling cues.
Dongfeng offers multiple exterior configurations. The base version gets an open front grille with M-Hero badging, while higher-spec variants feature a gloss black grille. Other exterior features include side skirts, dual roof rack configurations and LED tail lamps.
In China, buyers can choose between a tailgate-mounted spare wheel carrier and a large external storage box.
Interior
The M-Hero II is available with a long list of features, including electrically adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charging and a premium audio system. It also gets heated, ventilated and massaging seats along with a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment display.
Additionally, there is dual-zone automatic climate control and an air purification system. The seats feature Nappa leather upholstery and multi-mode massage seats.
Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, parking assistance systems and a 360-degree camera setup.
China-market versions of the SUV also incorporate Huawei ADS 4 advanced driving assistance technology and the HarmonySpace cockpit system.
Experience in the Dongfeng M-Hero II
I spent time in the Dongfeng M-Hero II/M817, and it feels like a serious SUV that does not merely pretend to be an off-roader. Getting in is made easier by the electrically deployable side steps, and once inside, I was able to find my preferred driving position without much trouble.
The front seats are one of the highlights. Back support is pretty good, shoulder support is fine, and under-thigh support is very good. The cushioning has a good balance of firmness and softness, and the seats feel supple. Despite my six-foot frame, I had about 10 cm of headroom in the front, and the adjustable headrest also worked well for my height.
The cabin has a distinctive outdoorsy feel, helped by the green and bluish-grey dual-tone finish. Material quality is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces used across much of the dashboard and door cards.
I also liked the head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, refrigerator under the centre console, cupholders, storage spaces, two wireless phone chargers and the clever terrain selector with a small digital display.
Visibility is good for such a large SUV. The small glass panels on the doors, generous windows and usable windscreen help give a clear view out.
The rear seat is also comfortable. With the front seat set to my driving position, I had almost 10 cm of knee room and about 10 cm of headroom. My size 11.5 shoes slid under the front seat, and the flat floor helps usability.
Rear passengers also get AC vents, a screen, map pockets, thick door grab handles, adjustable headrests, a deployable armrest with cupholders and a large rear glass roof. The knees sit slightly high, as expected in a frame SUV, and three adults would be tight, but two adults and a child should be manageable.
Specifications
In the global market, the M-Hero II uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain built around a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors.
Combined system output stands at 505 kW (678 hp) and 848 Nm of torque. Dongfeng claims a combined driving range of up to 1,300 km, while fuel consumption is rated at 7.24 L/100 km.
The SUV measures 5,100 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width and 1,899 mm in height. Variants equipped with air suspension measure 1,919 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 3,005 mm, while the approach angle is rated at 30 degrees.
Riding on a ladder-frame construction, the M-Hero II gets a four-wheel-drive system, an intelligent off-road chassis, adjustable air suspension and nine driving modes.
Price & Release Date
In China, the M817 starts from RMB 319,900 (around GBP 35,455) for the base variant.
Dongfeng has not yet announced UK or European pricing for the SUV, but even with the inevitable import duties, shipping costs, and VAT pushing a UK price closer to the £55,000 mark, buyers should still be queuing up for a properly rugged off-roader with so much performance and kit to boot.
Jeep angle
Stellantis and Dongfeng have confirmed plans to build two Jeep-branded off-road new energy vehicles in China from 2027, and Jeep has since confirmed that a China-built D-segment SUV is planned for Europe.
The teaser shown in Stellantis’ strategy presentation appears to share clear visual links with the M817/M-Hero II, and global media outlets have also suggested that Dongfeng’s rugged SUV could provide the platform for the future Jeep.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
