Dongfeng Yipai M8 Large Crossover: Huawei Electronics and Multiple Powertrain Options

The Yipai brand has launched its three-row crossover, the M8. This SUV is available as either a hybrid or an electric vehicle, and even the base model comes with a suite of driver assistance systems from Huawei.

The Yipai M8 crossover (also known as eπ) was first shown in China in May by the Dongfeng-owned brand. In June, the SUV became available for pre-order. However, it is only now that the full presentation has taken place, with all prices announced and sales officially commencing.

To clarify, the brand itself considers the M8 to be an entirely new model. In reality, however, it is merely a modernised version of the Yipai 008 crossover, which debuted back in 2024. The two vehicles have nearly identical profiles, except that the 'M8' features semi-recessed door handles instead of pop-out ones, and this SUV has chrome window trim instead of the black trim found on the 008.

Nevertheless, the front and rear ends of the Yipai M8 are indeed its own. The crossover has different bumpers. It also features two-tier headlights: a single LED strip at the top serves as the daytime running light, while the main headlights are housed in L-shaped units below. The rear light bar has a finer pixel pattern. In entry-level trims, the M8 crossover rides on 20-inch wheels, while more expensive versions come with 21-inch wheels. Retro-style wheels can be ordered as an optional extra.

The Yipai M8 measures 5020 mm in length, 1975 mm in width, and 1733 mm in height. The dimensions of the current Yipai 008 are 5002/1972/1732 mm. The wheelbase is identical at 3025 mm.

The 'M8' is available exclusively with a six-seat interior (the 008 has a five-seat version), and this interior is also unique. Inside, there is a new dashboard, steering wheel, and door cards. At the same time, like the original '008', the M8 crossover has separate screens for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The base Yipai M8 gets displays with diagonals of 8.8 and 15.6 inches respectively, while other trims feature 10.25-inch and 16.1-inch screens. The infotainment system runs on Huawei's HarmonySpace 5.2 operating system (the IT giant is not among the suppliers for the current Yipai 008).

The arsenal of the cheapest Yipai M8 also includes: a powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a Huawei Sound audio system with 15 speakers, and a facial recognition system. Furthermore, the SUV comes standard with the ADS 5 Pro autonomous driving system from the aforementioned Huawei company; this package includes a lidar mounted above the windscreen, 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 3 millimetre-wave radars.

The 'mid-range' versions also feature heated and ventilated seats for the first and second rows, a massage function for the front seats, a ceiling-mounted tablet (17.3 inches) for rear passengers, and an audio system with 21 speakers (including a speaker in the driver's seat headrest). The top-of-the-range trim additionally includes a head-up display, a box with cooling and heating functions, and a massage function for the second-row seats.

The Yipai M8 crossover is available as a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle; both versions are rear-wheel drive. The base hybrid SUV is equipped with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (102 hp) that operates as a generator, while the other petrol-electric versions feature a 1.5-litre turbo engine (129 hp). All hybrid variants are fitted with a 292-hp electric motor and a 45.66 kWh battery. The electric-only range does not depend on the trim level and is 300 km according to the CLTC cycle. The electric Yipai M8 features an 800-volt architecture, a 313-hp motor, and a 77.38 kWh battery. Its range is 600 km.

Without taking promotions into account, the hybrid Yipai M8 will cost between 179,800 and 213,800 yuan (approximately 2.08 million to 2.47 million roubles at the current exchange rate), while the electric car is priced between 199,800 and 219,800 yuan (2.31 million to 2.54 million roubles).

The original Yipai 008 (from 169,900 yuan or from 1.97 million roubles) is not being retired; it is also available with hybrid or electric powertrains. However, the technology is currently different. The current hybrid is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 147 hp, a 272-hp electric motor, and a 34.32 kWh battery, giving it an electric range of 202 km. The 'green' SUV is offered with the same 272-hp motor and an 82.28 kWh battery, with a range of 610 or 620 km. This crossover will be updated later – in particular, it will feature the same motors as the 'M8'.