- Dongfeng’s MHero 1 is entering the European market, starting in Switzerland in April before going on sale in Germany this summer.
- With four electric motors, it makes over 1,000 hp, 1,000 lb-ft of torque, and can go up to 280 miles on a charge.
- Prices for the large Chinese SUV start at the equivalent of around $160,000.
Another day, another Chinese automaker is muscling its way into the European car market. This time, it’s Dongfeng, and they’re bringing a real bruiser: the MHero 1 SUV. The party kicks off in Switzerland by April, with Germany and other European countries likely to follow suit soon after.
This move by Dongfeng mirrors the recent European arrivals of fellow Chinese brands Hongqi and Xpeng, both of which have launched their own SUV offerings on the continent. The MHero 1 seems determined to carve out a niche in this increasingly crowded space.
More: Mengshi M-Terrain Looks Like The Lovechild Of A Hummer And An FJ Cruiser
For the sharp-eyed readers out there, the name MHero 1 might not ring a bell, but its appearance might trigger a sense of déjà vu. And you wouldn’t be wrong. That’s because we’ve previously introduced it to you under a different nameplate, the Mengshi M-Terrain.
Nomenclature aside, the core remains the same – an angular behemoth with sharp lines and creases, resembling an unholy fusion between a GMC Hummer EV and a Toyota FJ Cruiser.
The MHero 1 will look to conquer the European market with its military-style design, and its impressive performance figures. Between the angular body panels, the external door hinges, and the invocation to “Never Back Down” on an interior trim piece, the vehicle wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood war movie. Or perhaps more appropriately, a follow up to Sacha Baron Cohen’s flick, The Dictator.
Those looks are paired with a Smart Off-road architecture that offers rear-wheel steering, and up to 35 inches (90 cm) of fording depth. The MHero 1 also offers up to 13 inches (33.5 cm) of ground clearance, an approach angle of up to 36.8 degrees, and a departure angle up to 37.5 degrees (in off-road mode).
Under the hood, its four-motor powertrain delivers 1,073 hp (800 kW / 1,088 PS) and 1,032 lb-ft (1,400 Nm) of torque. This power isn’t just for off-road adventures; it also propels the SUV from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds on the street.
That’s not quite enough to outdo the absurd 1,000HP GMC Hummer EV, which accomplishes the same feat in 3 seconds, but then again, you’re unlikely to encounter GM’s electric beast roaming the tight streets of Europe, as it isn’t officially sold in the continent.
Back to the MHero1, its electric motors are fed by a 142.7 kWh battery pack that offers up to 280 miles (450 km) of range on a single charge. It takes the MHero 1 exactly 47 minutes to go from 30 percent to 80 percent state of charge.
Dongfeng also makes a three-motor variant of the MHero 1 that is assisted by an internal combustion engine, but it is not clear if the model will be offered in Europe. Although it makes a little less power than the all-electric version, it can go up to 466 miles (750 km) on a single charge.
Read: China’s Hongqi Rolls Into Germany With Ambitious E-HS9 Electric Luxury SUV
Just the latest Chinese EV to enter the Europe, its country of origin may make it somewhat controversial on the continent. The European Union, of which Switzerland is not a member, is investigating whether subsidies given to China’s auto industry offer it an unfair advantage, and allows them to offer artificially cheap EVs.
Whatever the investigation’s outcome, the Dongfeng MHero 1 won’t come cheap. In Switzerland, the electric behemoth starts at a hefty 145,700 Swiss francs (approximately US$159,700 / €150,000 at current exchange rates). Pricing and launch timing for other European markets remain under wraps, although the company has confirmed German sales will kick off this summer.