[bsa_pro_ad_space id=14]
A new electric luxury SUV has been unveiled in China, with sci-fi movie-like rugged looks, big performance and a range of up to 800km.
0
China’s second-largest car manufacturer has launched a new electric vehicle brand, intended to offer a range of military-inspired luxury SUVs.
The state-owned carmaker Dongfeng has announced the launch of Mengshi – which translates to ‘warrior’, according to Car News China – along with its first electric civilian model, the M-Terrain.
The Mengshi M-Terrain production car will reportedly differ little from the concept car shown, which puts out 800kW and 1000Nm from four electric motors, helping to propel the vehicle to 100km/h from a standstill in a claimed 4.2 seconds.
Buyers will be able to option a long-wheelbase four-door SUV body or a short-wheelbase two-door version with a semi-enclosed ute tub.
The all-electric M-Terrain uses a 140kWh battery pack to deliver a claimed driving range of 500km, while an optional range-extender powertrain uses a petrol engine and a 66kWh battery – dropping total power to 600kW – for a claimed overall range of 800km.
Like the GMC Hummer EV, the Mengshi M-Terrain features a ‘crab walking’ mode, allowing the vehicle to move diagonally by turning its front and rear wheels in the same direction.
Air suspension can raise the height of the car’s body – automatically in some situations, such as wading through water – while a simulated differential lock system can improve traction in off-road environments.
The electric SUV is also expected to offer ‘Level 3’ semi-autonomous driver assistance technology.
Mengshi has previously manufactured military vehicles inspired by the Humvee – powered by 4.0-litre turbo-diesel engines – but the latest event marks a new direction for the company, with its new battery-powered luxury four-wheel-drives expected to be launched in markets such as Russia.
The 2024 Mengshi M-Terrain is slated to enter production in China between July and September 2023.
Read more about Ben Zachariah 
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=15]