The new Warrior M817 borrows design elements from the 1,073-hp M-Hero 917, though its overall look is more subdued
China’s rapidly expanding SUV and off-roader segment has a new heavyweight contender. The Dongfeng Warrior M817 is a plug-in hybrid 4×4 that packs more than 700 horsepower, giving it a clear edge over many of its competitors. While there’s no official word yet on international availability, reports suggest both left- and right-hand drive variants may be in the works.
First previewed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, these are the first official images of the production-ready Warrior M817. It joins Dongfeng’s M-Hero lineup, which launched last year with the more extreme M-Hero 917.
Shown here in silver (base trim) and black (flagship spec), the Warrior M817 shares bold design cues with the 1,073-hp M-Hero 917 but adopts a slightly more refined look. The base version sports an open grille with M-Hero badging, while the higher-end model features a gloss-black faux grille. Angular surfaces define the bumper, hood, and LED taillights, giving the SUV a commanding presence.
Other key styling elements include flared wheel arches, impressive ground clearance (official figures pending), side steps, and two roof rail designs. At the rear, both models feature sharp LED taillights similar to those on the 917. The base trim comes with a spare wheel carrier, while the flagship version gets a large rear-mounted storage box.
According to Car News China, the Warrior M817 measures 5,100 mm (200.7 in) in length, 1,998 mm (78.6 in) in width, and stands 1,899 mm (74.7 in) tall in standard form—or 1,919 mm (75.7 in) with the available air suspension. It rides on a 3,005 mm (118.3 in) wheelbase and offers approach and departure angles of 30 degrees.
Under the hood, the plug-in hybrid system combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a total of 700 hp. While that falls short of the all-electric M-Hero 917’s 1,073 hp, it’s still an impressive figure for a vehicle of this size and capability.
The Warrior M817 will make its full debut at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Auto Show this weekend.
