A raft of compelling new vehicles are bound for next week’s Beijing Auto Show (also known as Auto China) and among the most intriguing will be this; the M-Hunter from Dongfeng’s Mengshi Technology brand. The M-Hunter will serve as the brand’s second off-roader after the M-Hero 1 that was unveiled last year. While the name is a little strange, the M-Hunter looks the business and will be one of the most focused and capable off-roaders on sale.
It is also anticipated to be one of the
priciest vehicles in China, with local media reporting an expected starting
price well over 1 million yuan (US$ 140,000) likely surpassing the cost of the
far more luxurious BYD YangWang U8. With this new model, it appears as though
Dongfeng has set out to create the most extreme off-roader possible and has
disregarded any of the creature comforts you would expect for a road-legal 4×4.
It reminds us a little of the Ford Bronco DR and lacks doors and a windshield.
Instead, it is rocking a red roll cage and has horizontal bars where the doors
would usually be found.
Images of the M-Hunter also reveal a hood
crafted from lightweight carbon fiber and squared-off wheel arches.
Additionally, sharp LED headlights, red recovery hooks upfront, and a sizable
winch adorn its exterior. The vehicle boasts intriguing wheels fitted with
mud-terrain tires, enhancing its capability to tackle even the most challenging
terrain. Other features visible include LEDs on the roof and a large roof rack.
The rear also houses two spare wheels and tires, much like a Dakar rally racer.
Little is known about the vehicle’s
powertrain at this stage. There’s a good chance it could be sold as either a
BEV or an extended-range EV like the M-Hero 1. The BEV version of the M-Hero
917 delivers an extraordinary 1,072 hp while the EREV
produces 805 hp.
Full details are expected to be announced
next week.
