If you've seen this vehicle before, it has probably stolen your attention; its massive size and powerful appearance turn heads. It has sharp, aggressive lines that express its power and identity. The MHERO 1 is an off-road SUV, a Chinese vehicle powered by an extraordinary and new hybrid technology, a unique one that differentiates itself from the traditional hybrid vehicles we know. It produces 805 horsepower and 1,050 Nm of torque, but has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine—how is that possible?
REV Technology: A New technology Like No Other
The MHERO 1 is one of the vehicles produced by the Chinese company Dongfeng, founded in 1969, a long-standing company with a rich history. The MHERO 1 is a fierce competitor to large off-road vehicles, equipped with the latest technology for off-roading enthusiasts. This vehicle uses REV technology, or Range-Extended Vehicle technology. Just like any car, it has a 1.5-liter turbo engine, but it runs entirely on its electric motors. Its engine acts as a generator to charge its battery, power its three electric motors, and extend the car's electric range. With a range of approximately 834 km, it eliminates the range anxiety associated with electric cars and the long charging times they require at charging stations or at home. All you have to do is feed the engine some fuel, and you can forget about refueling for days. Its battery has a capacity of approximately 65 kWh.
Mr. Krabs' Walk
Yes, you read that right, Mr. Krabs' walk, or CrabWalk. We've heard of this famous feature in electric Hummer EVs. But the MHERO 1 has this feature too. The rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. But this feature isn't just for show; it serves a purpose. A car this size can be confusing when it comes to parking and navigating busy streets. The company decided to include this feature in the car to make parking easier, and it's also useful for navigating paved roads at low speeds. Therefore, the car also comes with a rear-wheel steering feature.
Outstanding Off-Road Capabilities
This car has been equipped with several special features for navigating the wilderness, including three differential locks to ensure traction for all four wheels. And don't worry about water if it's electric; even with its hybrid system, it can wade through water up to a maximum height of 90 cm.
With its advanced systems, the car can withstand a 40% roll rate, equivalent to 21.8 degrees. With its all-wheel drive system, it features multiple driving modes: snow, mud, rocks, sand, water, rocks, and automatic mode.
It has a towing capacity of approximately 2,500 kg and a load capacity of 585 kg, while its roof can carry a maximum load of 100 kg. It also comes with a side ladder, additional fuel storage, off-road tires, an electric winch, and much more.
Luxurious Interior
Looking inside, you'll find three screens: one for the digital gauges, one for the infotainment system, and a third for the front passenger. There’s also a screen for the rear passengers to control the rear climate. The shifter handle looks unique, resembling the one you'd find in an airplane. This is in addition to the electrically adjustable rear seats and waist support for a more stable seating position.
It has numerous driving assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, traffic jam and highway assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
It's a car that offers the features you'd crave in a luxury SUV for comfortable daily driving, with extraordinary capabilities that you can activate at the touch of a button, waking a monstrous beast that sand and mud fear, with hybrid technology unlike any other on the market.
Abdul Rahman is an avid car enthusiast with over a decade of self-driving travel experience. He loves hitting the road in various vehicles, exploring different landscapes. Besides, he enjoys sharing practical knowledge about car usage, helping fellow drivers solve problems and make the most of their rides.
