M-Hero 1: 800kW/1400Nm LandCruiser killer targets Australia

Australian car importer AGA Group could introduce a monstrous all-electric off-roader alongside its first Aion models next year, with the manic Dongfeng M-Hero on the table for local launch.

Set to become a performance sub-brand of the Chinese state-owned Dongfeng Motor Corporation Mengshi 4x4 family, M-Hero launched with the mighty M-Hero 917 in 2022 – though it's the even more potent M-Hero 1 successor that could be coming Down Under.

While still not yet confirmed, an insider at AGA told Wheels the company had recently returned from extensive evaluation of the model in China and was seriously considering adding an M-Hero to its fledgling Australian catalogue.

If given the green light, Australia would be in line for an 800kW/1400Nm Landcruiser crusher and, in the absence of the Hummer EV and Rivian R1 in local showrooms, most potent off-road model of any kind.

5

Following tests of the model in China, the AGA source compared the M-Hero 1 to GWM’s muscular Tank 700 – which comes with a 385kW/850Nm V6 turbo hybrid powertrain.

“[M-Hero 1 is a] GWM Tank 700 times two,” they said.

One sticking point for now remains the usual right-hand drive question but a couple of solutions are in the boiler. Firstly, DMC already produces models for RHD markets including Thailand and tooling up for Australia wouldn’t be as complex a process as an initial project.

Secondly, WhichCar understands Australian vehicle re-engineering specialist Walkinshaw is in talks with the importer about the possibility for conversion on local turf – a project made easier for electric vehicles rolling on modular ‘skateboard’ platforms.

5

As reported exclusively by Wheels last week, Aion will launch in Australia in 2025, but as it’s unlikely the company will launch with just one model - the Aion V - the brand’s importer is looking to bolster its local offering with other models.

This could also include more machinery under the M-Hero banner as well as a small hatchback touted to be arriving in Aion showrooms alongside the V mid-sized SUV.

Another option could be the range-extended REV version of the M-Hero which uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine to charge a battery, which in turn feeds three electric motors.

It doesn’t quite have the punch of the all-electric version which gets one motor per wheel, but with 600kW and more than 1000Nm it still manages the zero-100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds, while offering about 155km of range from a fully charged battery. Both M-Heros have a maximum range of about 750km.

5

Regardless of the variant, both need sizeable outputs to muscle their significant masses over mountains with the REV tipping the scales at 3150kg, while the pure electric version weighs-in at a whopping 3293kg.

Battery sizing and capacity is unknown at this stage but a DC high-speed charge is said to get the EV version’s battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 37 minutes.

As for off-road credentials, the M-Hero has an approach angle of up to 36.8 degrees, departure of up to 37.5 degrees and a breakover of as much as 32.6 degrees, while up to 900mm of water can be waded.

We imagine with a length of 4987mm the M-hero’s turning circle will be wide but made a little more manageable with rear wheel steering that can turn the rear wheels as much as 10.6 degrees.