Forget the BYD Yangwang U8 or Toyota Prado! The 2025 Dongfeng Warrior M817 might be the off-road electric SUV Australia needs

Chinese carmaker Dongfeng has revealed its "military-grade" Warrior M817 electric SUV at the Shanghai auto show.

Built under the M-Hero sub-brand, Dongfeng is yet to officially commit to Australia, although rumours have previously surfaced that it will launch here after its Kia EV3-sized Nammi 06 electric SUV was spotted testing locally.

The M817 would arguably make a far more fitting debut entry for Australia, though, with its four-wheel-drive bent and Ford Bronco-esque aesthetics.

Two guises have been shown in China, a more civilian-friendly version and a more utilitarian example.

The former carries large alloy rims, a lower ride height, and road-going tyres, while the latter adopts smaller anti-detachment black rims, thick all-terrain tyres, and nitrogen shock absorbers that altogether give it a taller, more imposing stature.

Both cars come equipped with a tailgate-mounted cargo box, which gives the impression of a spare wheel, and a “floating” ladder mounted to the D-pillar.

CarNewsChina reports the M817 will be positioned as a highly-customisable, premium off-road SUV that can be considered as a rival to the BYD Yangwang U8 or a Toyota Prado.

Powertrain and battery capacities remain under wraps for now, though it is said to be underpinned by Chinese technology giant Huawei’s AI software, giving it intelligent safety and autonomous driving capabilities.

Dongfeng is one of the fastest-growing carmakers in China, having sold some 2.48 million cars globally last year. The state-owned manufacturer builds Nissans in China under the joint-venture Dongfeng-Nissan.

More information on the M817, including a potential Australian launch, is expected to emerge following its official launch in China later this year.