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With over 1,000 horsepower from four motors and some impressive off-road techniques, the MHero 1 will help you conquer Switzerland before you conquer Berlin.
- Dongfeng’s MHero 1 is entering the European market, starting in Switzerland in April and launching in Germany this summer.
- Powered by four electric motors, it produces over 1,000 horsepower, over 1,000 pound-feet of torque, and can travel up to 480 miles on a single charge.
- Prices for large SUVs in China start at around the equivalent of $160,000.
Another day, another Chinese automaker rushing to enter the European car market. This time it’s Dongfeng and they’re bringing in a real thug: the MHero 1 SUV. The party is likely to start in Switzerland by April, with Germany and other European countries following soon after.
Dongfeng’s move reflects the recent expansion into Europe of fellow Chinese brands Hongqi and Xiaopeng, with both companies launching their own SUV products on the continent. MHero 1 seems to be trying to carve a niche in this increasingly crowded space.
Read more: Mengshi M-Terrain looks like the love child of a Hummer and an FJ Cruiser
For the eagle-eyed reader, the name MHero 1 may not ring a bell, but its appearance may induce a sense of déjà vu. That’s not a mistake. That’s because we previously introduced it with another nameplate called Mengshi M-Terrain.
Nomenclature aside, the core remains the same. It’s an angular behemoth with sharp lines and creases that resembles an eerie amalgamation of a GMC Hummer EV and a Toyota FJ Cruiser.
MHero 1 is set to conquer the European market with its military-style design and impressive performance figures. With its angular body panels, exterior door hinges, and “Never Back Down” text on the interior, this vehicle would look right at home in a Hollywood war movie. Or, perhaps more appropriately, the sequel to Sacha Baron Cohen’s film The Dictator.
These looks are combined with a smart off-road architecture that offers rear-wheel steering and a wading depth of up to 35 inches (90 cm). MHero 1 also features up to 13 inches (33.5 cm) of ground clearance, up to 36.8 degrees approach angle, and up to 37.5 degrees departure angle (in off-road mode).
Under the hood, a four-motor powertrain develops 1,073 horsepower (800 kW / 1,088 PS) and 1,032 lb-ft (1,400 Nm) of torque. This power isn’t just for off-road adventures. Also, the SUV goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds on public roads.
That’s not enough to beat the 1,000 horsepower GMC Hummer EV, which accomplishes the same feat in 3 seconds, but then again, since it’s not officially on sale, GM’s electric cars roaming the narrow streets of Europe Chances of encountering beasts are low. On the continent.
Returning to the MHero1, its electric motor is powered by a 142.7 kWh battery pack, giving it a range of up to 280 miles (450 km) on a single charge. It takes exactly 47 minutes for the MHero 1 to go from 30 percent to 80 percent charge.
Dongfeng also makes a three-motor version of the MHero 1 that is assisted by an internal combustion engine, but it is unclear whether this model will be offered in Europe. It has slightly less power than the all-electric version, but can travel up to 466 miles (750 km) on a single charge.
Read: China’s Hongqi enters Germany with ambitious electric luxury SUV E-HS9
The latest Chinese EV to enter Europe may cause some controversy on the continent due to its country of origin. The European Union, of which Switzerland is not a member, is investigating whether subsidies given to China’s car industry are giving it an unfair advantage and allowing it to offer artificially cheap EVs.
Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the price of Dongfeng MHero 1 is not cheap. In Switzerland, the electric giant costs a whopping 145,700 Swiss Francs (approximately 159,700 USD / 150,000 EUR at current exchange rates). Pricing and availability in other European markets remain secret, but the company has confirmed that sales in Germany will begin this summer.
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