Dongfeng prepares its own version of the Hummer EV for 2023

The presence on the Chinese market of vehicles very similar to those of Western brands seemed to be a thing of the past, now that the Chinese industry has launched very attractive proposals of its own. Even so, today you can still find vehicles that bear a very strong resemblance to Western models. The Dongfeng Warrior M50 became, in 2021, the civilian version of the military vehicle used by the Chinese army for years. A military vehicle that had a great deal in common with the American Humvee.

Thus, this Warrior M50 would be the Chinese version of the Hummer, according to several media outlets. This vehicle may have been designed through reverse engineering. Now, the large Chinese group wants to challenge GM with the development and design of an electric version of this model. Dongfeng will begin production of this model in 2023.

Electric off-roader

The model’s internal name is M18-1, although it is expected that there will also be an M18-2 and M18-3 version. All of them will be based on the company’s new MORV platform. This platform is being used for off-road vehicles and will also be the basis for these versions. It is not yet known what the bodywork of these models will look like, but according to reports gathered by specialized Chinese media, they will measure 5,200 mm in length.

In theory, they will have a cabin for six passengers and will weigh around 3,100 kg. Another open question is whether Dongfeng will opt for the boxy, angular bodywork style of the Warrior M50 or follow GM’s approach with the Hummer EV, giving it a more modern and streamlined look.

Battery and range

According to those same media outlets, Dongfeng would use a 140 kWh battery pack, which would allow a range of 500 kilometers, although, it should be noted, according to the NDEC cycle. As for the motor, this electric civilian variant would feature an 800 kW motor, equivalent to 1,088 CV. This would give it an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds.

Another piece of information reported is that this electric off-road vehicle will feature Level 2.5 autonomous driving, thanks to the company’s technological equipment. As for manufacturing, a plant is being built that will be in charge of producing this model.

Production is expected to reach 20,000 units per year, although the medium-term plan is to reach 50,000 vehicles built per year. The price would be in the range between 90,000 and 100,000 euros on the local market. This is a price very similar to that of the Hummer EV, although the American model is expected to be technologically more advanced.