The Chinese are not stopping. They have already learned how to make electric vehicles that “steal” customers from top European and American manufacturers, but now—they are seriously breaking into the world of real off-roaders, where the G-Class, Land Rover, and Toyota Land Cruiser have reigned for years. And the new M-Hero M817 is a vivid example of this aggressive strategy.

M-Hero (also known as Mengshi) is a brand under Dongfeng that specializes in luxurious electrified off-road vehicles. Their first attempt was the large and aggressive M-Hero 917, and now the younger but no less impressive M817 is entering the arena.

It has already been unveiled in China, certified, listed in online stores, and promoted on social media. Externally—it’s a full-fledged futuristic armored vehicle: over 5 meters long, nearly 2 meters wide, a wheelbase of 3005 mm, and several front-end design options—either with a massive grille or a “smooth” nose. As a bonus—plenty of body kits, additional lighting, luggage compartments, ladders, and even a “quasi-military” look, as if it just rolled off a parade ground.

The interior has finally been revealed—previously, the car was displayed at exhibitions with tinted windows. Inside—two separate screens: the instrument cluster and multimedia, a rotary dial with a display for driving mode control, and a massive handle in front of the passenger—all very military-style. The driver assistance and autopilot systems are from Huawei, the same ADS 4 already featured in the Voyah Free+.

As for the technical specs—a hybrid setup has been officially confirmed so far: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 197 hp acts as a generator. The electric motors and batteries remain undisclosed, but more details are promised at the Macau Auto Show on May 31.

And here’s where things get really interesting. The M-Hero M817 is not alone. It faces competition from the equally flamboyant BYD Yangwang U8, which has already made waves with its ability to rotate in place like a tank and even float. The Chinese aren’t just copying—they’re creating a new class: high-tech, expensive, audacious electric off-roaders that no longer look like alternatives but rather like a new standard.

What is this? Another attempt to break into the holy grail of premium off-roading? Yes. But with each new model, such attempts look increasingly convincing. And if the market was once dominated by the “German,” the “British aristocrat,” and the “Japanese tank,” now they’ll have to make room for a tech-savvy “dragon” from the East.