The premium electric SUV market is crowded with big names, but... Voyah M Hero (also known as Mengshi 917) stands out even against this background. This car doesn't just offer high power or range, it introduces technologies previously considered the preserve of military vehicles. The Chinese concern Dongfeng decided to challenge the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender by creating a car that can turn 360 degrees literally on the spot.
In this review we will examine in detail Voyah M Heroto understand whether it is a real competitor to Western giants or just a technological toy. We'll pay special attention to the steering wheel system, the hybrid powertrain, and how this monster performs in real-world driving conditions, not just on show tracks.
For many car enthusiasts, buying such a car is not just a change of vehicle, but a step into the future. However, innovation always carry risks and maintenance issues. Let's figure out what's hidden behind the futuristic design and whether it's worth overpaying for the unique engineering solutions that this brand offers.
Design and dimensions: Military aesthetics in a civilian version
Appearance Voyah M Hero leaves no doubt about its origin. The engineers do not hide the fact that they were inspired by military jeeps, in particular the legendary Hummer H1. Massive arches, a vertical grille and angular shapes create the image of an impregnable fortress. The dimensions of the car are impressive: the length is 5050 mm, the width is 2080 mm, and the height reaches 1940 mm. This is a real dominant on the road, which physically forces other road users to give way.
Despite the brutality, the design is devoid of excessive rudeness. The lighting equipment is made in the form of narrow stripes, which adds modernity. In the front part there is a huge logo, which, according to the designers, symbolizes strength and power. Aerodynamics here it is secondary in relation to cross-country ability, which dictates such body shapes. The ground clearance in the standard position is 220 mm, but the air suspension allows you to significantly change the ground clearance.
⚠️ Attention: Due to its enormous width (over 2 meters) and long overhang, be extremely careful when parking in standard European or narrow Asian garages. A standard parking space may be too tight.
Body materials are selected taking into account extreme loads. The safety frame is reinforced, and the glazing is made of laminated glass, providing excellent sound insulation. Overall, exterior fulfills its main function - it attracts attention and demonstrates the status of the owner, leaving no one indifferent on the road.
Swivel wheel technology: Crane maneuver in reality
The main “trick” for which many people are considering Voyah M Hero - This is a rear wheel steering system. Unlike conventional systems, which only slightly steer to improve maneuverability, a mode is implemented here that allows you to turn the wheels at an angle of up to 45 degrees. In combination with vector control of the traction of electric motors, the car is able to turn around its axis. This mode is called Crab Walk or “crab move”, although the functionality is broader.
How does it work technically? The system uses four independent electric motors, one for each wheel. The electronics synchronize their operation with high precision, allowing the car to move sideways or rotate in place. This is not just a gimmick for show, but a useful feature for getting out of deep ruts or turning around on a narrow mountain path where a regular Jeep would get stuck.
- 🚗 U-turn mode: The car rotates around the center, the turning radius is essentially zero.
- 🦀 Lateral movement: The car can move sideways, which is useful when parking or overcoming obstacles.
- ⚙️ Adaptability: The system automatically adjusts the steering angle depending on the speed and driving situation.
However, the use of such modes requires high concentration from the driver. On slippery surfaces or gravel, the electronics may be delayed. Electronic assistants play a key role here, but you shouldn’t completely rely on them in extreme conditions. This is a complex mechanism that requires careful handling.
Resource of the rotary wheel mechanism
Engineers claim a service life of 10 years or 300,000 km, subject to regular maintenance. However, the cost of replacing one steering unit can be up to 15% of the cost of the car, which makes CASCO insurance almost mandatory for such options.
Powerplant and dynamics: 1000+ horsepower
Under the hood (if you can say so about an electric car) hides monstrous power. The total output of the four electric motors is more than 1,000 horsepower (about 780 kW). Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just over 4 seconds, which is a phenomenal result for a five-ton SUV. Dynamics Voyah M Hero can surprise even owners of sports coupes.
It is based on a hybrid system with extended range (EREV). The 1.5-liter gasoline engine here does not spin the wheels, but works solely as a generator, charging the 65.8 kWh battery. The range on pure electricity is about 200 km according to the CLTC cycle, and taking into account the operation of the internal combustion engine, the total distance reaches 1000 km. This solves the main problem of electric trains - “range anxiety”.
The all-wheel drive system is implemented here in the most effective way - through independent motors. There are no driveshafts, transfer cases or cross-axle differentials in the classical sense. Thrust vectorization occurs instantly, in milliseconds, which allows the car to maintain directional stability even with the wheels hanging diagonally.
The EREV hybrid design in the M Hero was not chosen by chance: it helps keep the enormous weight of the batteries within reasonable limits, while providing autonomy not available in pure electric cars.
Interior and multimedia: Digital Suite
Salon Voyah M Hero represents a contrast with the brutal appearance. The atmosphere of a premium lounge reigns inside. Genuine leather, Alcantara, carbon and metal inserts are used. The front panel is completely devoid of physical buttons - everything is controlled by a huge panel of three fused screens, stretching across the entire dashboard. This creates the effect of a single digital space.
The multimedia system is powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ensuring smooth operation of the interface. It supports voice control that understands natural speech and integration with smartphones. However, it is worth noting that the interface was initially tailored for the Chinese market, and global versions require high-quality localization, including menu translation and support for local navigation services.
Passenger comfort is at the highest level. The seats are equipped with massage, ventilation and heating. The back row is often designed as a VIP area with the ability to transform into a lying position. The interior noise insulation is made using active noise reduction technology, which makes driving at high speeds as quiet as possible, despite the operation of the internal combustion engine generator.
- 📺 Screens: Three high-resolution displays with a diagonal of more than 12 inches each.
- 🎵 Audio: Premium sound system with 20+ speakers and surround sound support.
- 💺 Seats: Orthopedic shape with many electrical adjustments and position memory.
Cross-country ability and off-road characteristics
Although Voyah M Hero looks like a city toy, its off-road potential is real. The approach and departure angles are 31 and 30 degrees, respectively, which allows you to overcome serious obstacles. The air suspension has several height modes, including the “Wading” mode, which allows you to overcome water obstacles up to 900 mm deep.
A key element of cross-country ability is not only ground clearance, but also traction control. The system can transfer 100% of the torque to one wheel that has a grip. This is more effective than any mechanical locking differential. In addition, the arsenal has a “Tank U-turn” mode, which helps you turn around on the spot, although it wears out the rubber coating.
⚠️ Attention: When overcoming fords with a depth of more than 500 mm, it is strongly recommended to check the condition of the seals and the tightness of the high-voltage connectors after each such trip. Sandy water can damage the insulation.
For expedition lovers, an important parameter is the possibility of external charging. Voyah M Hero supports the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, allowing you to connect household appliances with a power of up to 3.3 kW directly from the vehicle’s on-board network. This turns the SUV into a mobile camp powerhouse.
☑️ Check before a serious off-road
Comparison with competitors
On the market Voyah M Hero There are few direct competitors that combine electric propulsion and such dimensions. The main competitor is the Hummer EV, which also offers a crab ride and incredible power. However, the Chinese equivalent benefits from a hybrid setup that does not rely on charging stations in the middle of nowhere. The Mercedes-Benz G 580 EQ also offers similar functionality, but costs significantly more.
Below is a comparison table of key characteristics:
| Characteristics | Voyah M Hero | Hummer EV | Mercedes G 580 EQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 1088 | 1000 | 579 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.2 sec | 3.0 sec | 4.7 sec |
| Cruising range (km) | 1000 (hybrid) | 500 (electric) | 400 (electric) |
| Swivel wheels | Yes (45°) | Yes (10°) | Yes (20°) |
As can be seen from the table, Voyah M Hero offers a unique balance of characteristics. It is more powerful than its German competitor and more autonomous than its American counterpart. This makes it attractive to markets with poor charging infrastructure, where pure electric cars could be a challenge.
Cost of ownership and prospects in the Russian Federation
Purchase Voyah M Hero is an investment not only in a car, but also in technology. The cost of such machines is high, but it is justified by the complexity of engineering solutions. In Russia, interest in the Voyah (Dongfeng) brand is growing, and the official dealer network is gradually expanding. However, servicing unique components such as wheel steering mechanisms can be a challenge for service centers.
The cost of spare parts will be high due to the logistics and complexity of the components. Body parts can also take a long time to ship. However, the reliability of Dongfeng units has shown good results in recent years. For those who are looking for something exclusive and are willing to pay for the attention of others, this car will be an excellent choice.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing via parallel import, ensure that the vehicle software is customized for your region. Chinese versions may have restrictions on the use of some media and navigation features outside of the People's Republic of China.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can Voyah M Hero be charged at regular charging stations?
Yes, the car is equipped with a standard CCS2 port (in export versions) or GB/T (in Chinese, an adapter is required). It supports DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in about 30-40 minutes.
How reliable is the caster wheel system?
The system has undergone many tests, but it is a complex mechanical-electronic unit. The resource depends on operating conditions. Off-road, the load on the mechanisms increases, so regular diagnostics of the chassis is mandatory.
What is the real fuel consumption in hybrid mode?
With a discharged battery and active driving, gasoline consumption is about 10-12 liters per 100 km. Considering the weight of the car and the aerodynamics of the brick, this is a completely acceptable indicator for this class.
Does the car have autopilot mode?
Advanced cruise control with lane keeping and traffic adaptation functions is available in top trim levels. However, the car is not equipped with a full-fledged L3/L4 level autopilot, which allows you to keep your hands off the steering wheel.
When purchasing a used Voyah M Hero, be sure to check the software update history. Lack of the latest patches may result in incorrect operation of the vector traction control system.