Dongfeng M‑Hero 600 kW SUV now set to hit South African roads – launch in 2026
Dongfeng is on a mission to shake up the off‑road SUV market in South Africa, and it’s officially confirmed that the M‑Hero – a 600 kW (810 hp) plug‑in hybrid – is coming.
The company told CAR Magazine that the vehicle will arrive in 2026, offering raw power and impressive tech without the 100‑percent electric “green” label, which is only available overseas.
The M‑Hero: where power meets adventure
- Powertrain – 1.5‑litre turbo‑petrol engine + three electric motors, fed by a 65 kWh lithium‑ion pack.
- Combined output – 600 kW (810 hp) and 1 050 Nm of torque.
- Performance – 0‑100 km/h in just six seconds; WLTP range of 834 km.
- All‑wheel drive keeps the torque at the right wheels, whether you’re on gravel, mud or tarmac.
The EV‑variant only comes out of Dongfeng’s overseas markets; the South African version will be a plug‑in hybrid. The combustion unit essentially acts as a generator for the electric motors, giving drivers the flexibility of either clean electric‑only drive modes or full power.
Size, off‑road capability and interior luxury
| Dimension | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4 987 mm (5 096 mm with the tailgate box) |
| Width | 2 080 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 950 mm |
| Weight | ~3.1 tonnes |
Compared with the Land Rover Defender 110, the M‑Hero is in the same ballpark – bigger than a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 or the upcoming Denza B5.
The double‑arm AeroRide air suspension lets the M‑Hero lift its ground clearance from 221 mm to 326 mm, giving approach and departure angles of 31° and 36.8°‑37.5° in its tallest mode. It can ford water up to 900 mm deep and boasts an impressive 1050 Nm of torque—ready to shred tyres if need be.
Inside, the SUV is anything but rugged. A 12.3‑inch digital cluster sits beside a 15.6‑inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s also a front‑passenger display, a head‑up display, dual‑zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a 16‑speaker audio system, and Nappa‑leather seats with 16‑way and 14‑way electric adjustments for driver and front passenger. Both front and rear seats can be heated, cooled and ventilated.
What to expect from Dongfeng in South Africa
Dongfeng South Africa – whose flagship showroom is the Dongfeng Pretoria outlet – will roll out several new models over the next 12 months. The M‑Hero is already slated for a 2026 SA launch, joining Dongfeng’s earlier debut in the country in 2024 when the brand unveiled a compact EV.
Keep an eye on the market – this SUV could be a game‑changer for buyers who want all the muscle, off‑road prowess and high‑tech comforts without breaking the bank.
