- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Ar
DongFeng Warrior MS600. Chinese ‘sibling’ of the Hummer
The DongFeng Warrior MS600 (Mengshi M20 in China) is a full-size body-on-frame SUV introduced on February 18, 2023. It was created thanks to the military experience of Chinese designers. At the same time, the very idea, simple design and American truck diesel engine were inherited from the American Hummer. The Chinese ‘sibling’ of the Hummer has impressive dimensions (6 meters long) and high cross-country ability. Such an all-terrain vehicle is clearly intended for special services and those who like to conquer off-road. According to DongFeng, the new Warrior MS600 will be exported.
The DongFeng Warrior MS600 is part of the Warrior model range (“warrior” means Mengshi in Chinese), created on the basis of the pickup of the same name, released in 2021, which is copied under license from the legendary Hummer.
Exterior
The SUV looks serious and impressive. You can clearly trace the appearance of a square ancestor in it, although, according to modern trends, its body has smoother features. At the start of sales, the DongFeng Warrior MS600 is offered with one- and two-row cabs. In April 2023, the manufacturer will release a luxury 7-seater version, which will be more expensive. Such vehicles have a wheelbase of 3.7 m. The SUV is 5,970 mm long, 2,160 mm wide and 2,155 mm high. The ground clearance is also impressive, reaching 340 mm. As for the curb weight, it is 3,750-3,990 kg, depending on the configuration, while the gross weight is up to 5,900 kg. The Chinese ‘sibling’ of the Hummer is capable of overcoming a ford 850 mm deep, a trench 700 mm wide, the approach/departure/ramp angles are, respectively, 33/36/25 degrees. In the future, other versions will appear that will differ in different body types and longer or shorter wheelbase options.
Interior and equipment
Despite the harsh off-road image of a military all-terrain vehicle, the interior of the Warrior MS600 looks rather civilian: the basic equipment includes electric mirrors, a digital dashboard, a media system with a 12.8-inch screen, steering wheel keys, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and even a USB socket.
A 7-seater, 3-row production SUV will have ventilated second row seats trimmed with artificial leather. Seating layout: 2+2+3. There will be a wireless charging platform and other useful functions. Moreover, there will be a winch, a roof rack, a night vision system. There will be another rear suspension, and the spare wheel will hang on the tailgate.
Powertrains
The 2023 DongFeng Warrior MS600 comes with an engine developed by Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company. The 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel unit produces 314 hp and 1,050 Nm at 1,200 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which uses a 4-speed transfer case to provide permanent all-wheel drive. The center differential is lockable.
Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company is a global manufacturer of Cummins B, C, L series engines for commercial vehicles, trucks and special equipment. The joint venture was founded by Cummins (USA) and DongFeng (China) in June 1996, each owner has 50% of the assets. This is the first Cummins engine company outside the US.
The ‘Warrior’ comes with independent spring suspensions, tires with a dimension of 295/65 R20 and important nodes hidden under the belly, all of which is necessary for successful driving on heavy off-road. Reliability tests lasted 4 years, covering 1.7 million kilometers at different temperatures, down to -41 degrees Celsius. The new Chinese vehicle deserves its name!
