New Car Launch] On August 17, the Mengshi M817 was officially launched, offering two configurations priced at $47,044 and $51,456 respectively. The new model is a rugged off-road vehicle jointly developed by Mengshi Technology and Huawei, featuring a body-on-frame construction and equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS 4 intelligent driving and HarmonyOS cockpit 5, promising impressive intelligent performance.
Mengshi M817 MSRP
| Variant | MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pro | $47,044 |
| Max | $51,456 |
● New Car Features:
In terms of exterior, the Mengshi M817 adopts the Xionghun Aesthetics 2.0 design language. The narrow trapezoidal front grille, flanked by polygonal Zhige Weiwu 2.0 headlight clusters and the illuminated Mengshi brand logo in the center, gives it a commanding presence. For exterior colors, the new car offers six options: Qinling Green, Yulong Silver, Mingsha Yellow, Chaka Blue, Gezong Black, and Kunlun White, catering to personalized preferences.
From the side, the vehicle features prominent front and rear wheel arch lines and anti-scratch wheel arch protectors, paired with multi-spoke wheels, giving it a muscular look. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5100/1998/1899 mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 3005 mm.
Additionally, it boasts a 31° approach angle, 31° departure angle, 20° ramp breakover angle, and 237 mm minimum ground clearance, with a maximum wading depth of 820 mm, delivering outstanding off-road capability.
At the rear, it features what the manufacturer calls a cross-shaped 'Sword Pointing to the Sky' taillight cluster and an external storage 'backpack' for added cargo space. The lower bumper is body-colored and includes a provision for a tow hook.
Inside, the new car offers three interior color options: Yingsong Ink, Qingshan Dai, and Danxia Brown. The overall design is clean and minimalist, with a nearly flat dashboard line, a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a large floating central touchscreen, aligning with current consumer preferences for functionality and aesthetics.
Below the central screen, there are piano-style physical buttons for controlling the air conditioning and other functions. The center console also features a wireless charging pad, an analog clock, and grab handles, enhancing the driving and riding experience.
The leather seats come with heating, massage, ventilation, memory, and other common functions. The trunk opening is large, with a side-hinged single-door design, and the inner tailgate panel is lined with flocking material, adding a premium feel.
In terms of safety, the vehicle features a 1920 mm one-piece hydroformed longitudinal beam and a 63% high-strength material ratio. It is also equipped with full-scenario active seat belts that support intelligent delivery and pre-tensioning. The new car will also be equipped with 11 high-definition cameras, 3 4D millimeter-wave radars, 1 192-line lidar, and 12 ultrasonic radars, providing a substantial array of intelligent hardware. It supports features such as road-adaptive AEB, GAEB for irregular obstacles, and acceleration pedal misapplication prevention.
For power, the new car is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5T engine and electric motors, delivering a combined output of 505 kW and 848 N·m of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It is equipped with a 31.7 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC combined range of 1300 km. The vehicle adopts a two-speed longitudinal 11-mode PHEV architecture and a distributed decoupling four-wheel-drive system, capable of running on fuel, pure electric, range-extender, and plug-in hybrid modes, with 9 driving modes.
● Competitors:
In terms of product size and positioning, the new car will compete with the Fangchengbao Bao 8 and the Tank 700 Hi4-T. All three feature body-on-frame construction and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Fangchengbao Bao 8's pricing overlaps significantly with the Mengshi M817, and both are equipped with Huawei Qiankun ADS intelligent driving, making them seem evenly matched at first glance. However, the Bao 8 offers an optional 7-seat version and an optional roof-mounted drone, giving it clear competitive advantages.
On the other hand, the Tank 700 Hi4-T with its retro appearance is powered by a 3.0T V6 turbocharged engine, which is more powerful than the Bao 8's 2.0T and the Mengshi M817's 1.5T. Of course, its starting price is also higher, at $62,941. However, this year the Tank 700 will also launch a Hi4-Z variant, which will swap in a 2.0T engine. Each of the three vehicles has its own strengths, and users can decide based on their own preferences.
● Editor's Comment:
The Mengshi M817 features a body-on-frame construction and Huawei's intelligent technology endorsement, along with a retro-style exterior. It is expected to attract young players who want to experience cutting-edge driver assistance technology while also pursuing hardcore off-road capabilities. Previously, the Mengshi family launched models like the M917 and M800, which were positioned at a higher end. This time, the M817 is expected to open up a broader market with a more affordable price. Are you tempted? Let me know in the comments!
