China’s electric Hummer is taking on the world

The Dongfeng MHero 1, China’s answer to the GMC Hummer EV, has touched down in Switzerland ahead of a wider European release.

First revealed two years ago, the angular looking electric SUV is now on sale in Switzerland for the equivalent of A$250,000, with deliveries to start in Germany over the coming months according to American outlet Carscoops.

Two powertrains are available in China: a pure-electric variant with four electric motors, and a tri-motor hybrid.

However, Europe will only receive the quad-motor fully electric version of the MHero 1, which produces 800kW of power and 1400Nm of torque courtesy of a 142.7kWh ternary lithium battery.

China’s electric Hummer is taking on the world

Range is quoted at 450km on the WLTP cycle, and the battery can charge from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in 47 minutes using DC power.

Despite weighing nearly 3300kg, Dongfeng claims the MHero 1 will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds.

That’s not quite a match for the GMC Hummer EV, which reaches the same speed around 1s quicker, although the American machine is not sold in Europe.

With ‘never back down’ inscribed on the dashboard, the MHero 1 is pitched as an all-conquering off-roader, and boasts aggressively angular styling in the same vein as GWM’s Tank 400 and Tank 700.

The numbers behind Dongfeng’s new go-everywhere creation include ground clearance of up to 335mm and approach, departure and breakover angles of 37, 38 and 28 degrees, respectively.

The MHero 1 can also wade to a depth of 900mm.

It measures 4987mm long, 2080mm wide and 1935mm tall on a 2950mm wheelbase, making it slightly shorter but wider than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series or Nissan Patrol.

Features on the Dongfeng MHero 1 include front and rear electrically adjustable Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, a 16-speaker sound system, in-vehicle Wi-Fi, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.

A suite of active safety technology also comes standard, and includes autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit warning.

MHero represents the high performance off-road SUV arm of Dongfeng with the M standing for Mengshi, the name of Dongfeng’s line of military vehicles.