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

Brand Yipai has launched the three-row crossover M8. The SUV is available as a hybrid or an electric car, and even the base version includes a suite of driver assistance systems from Huawei.

The first showing of the M8 crossover by Yipai (also known as eπ), a brand owned by the Dongfeng concern, took place in China in May. In June, the SUV became available for pre-order. But only now has the full presentation taken place, with all prices announced and sales launched.

Let us recall that the brand itself considers the M8 a completely new model. However, in reality, it is merely a modernized version of the Yipai 008 crossover, which debuted back in 2024. The cars have nearly identical profiles, except that the “M” model has semi-concealed door handles instead of flush ones, and this SUV has chrome window trim instead of the black trim on the 008.

But the front and rear of the Yipai M8 are indeed its own. The crossover received different bumpers. It also got two-tier headlights: a single LED strip serving as daytime running lights is located at the top, with the main headlights in L-shaped blocks below. The taillight features a finer pixel pattern. In base trims, the M8 crossover has 20-inch wheels, while more expensive versions ride on 21-inch wheels. Retro-style wheels can be ordered for an additional cost.

The Yipai M8 is 5020 mm long, 1975 mm wide, and 1733 mm tall. The dimensions of the current Yipai 008 are 5002/1972/1732 mm. The wheelbase is identical at 3025 mm.

The “M” model is available exclusively with a six-seat cabin (the 008 has a five-seat version), which is also original. Inside, there are new front panel, steering wheel, and door cards. At the same time, like the original “eight,” the M8 crossover has separate screens for the instrument cluster and the multimedia system. The base Yipai M8 gets displays of 8.8 and 15.6 inches, respectively, while other trims feature 10.25 and 16.1-inch screens. The multimedia runs on the HarmonySpace 5.2 operating system from Huawei (the IT giant is not on the supplier list for the current Yipai 008).

The arsenal of the cheapest Yipai M8 also includes: power tailgate, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, Huawei Sound audio system with 15 speakers, and a facial recognition system. In addition, the SUV comes standard with the ADS 5 Pro autopilot from the aforementioned Huawei company; the suite includes a lidar mounted above the windshield, 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 3 millimeter-wave radars.

“Mid-range” versions also include heated and ventilated seats for the first and second rows, massage function for front seats, a ceiling 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 trim additionally features a head-up display, a box with cooling and heating functions, and massage function for second-row seats.

The Yipai M8 crossover is available as a plug-in hybrid or an electric car, with both modifications being rear-wheel drive. The base hybrid SUV’s setup includes a 1.5 naturally aspirated engine (102 hp) operating as a generator, while other gasoline-electric versions have a 1.5 turbo engine (129 hp). All hybrid versions are equipped with a 292-hp electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 45.66 kWh. The electric-only range does not depend on the trim level – 300 km on the CLTC cycle. The electric Yipai M8 features an 800-volt architecture, a 313-hp motor, and a battery with a capacity of 77.38 kWh. Its range is 600 km.

The hybrid Yipai M8, excluding promotions, will cost 179,800 – 213,800 yuan (approximately 2.08 million – 2.47 million rubles at the current exchange rate), while the electric car is priced at 199,800 – 219,800 yuan (2.31 million – 2.54 million rubles).

The original Yipai 008 (from 169,900 yuan or from 1.97 million rubles) is not retiring; it also comes with hybrid or electric powertrains. But the technology is still different. The current hybrid is equipped with a 1.5 turbo gasoline engine producing 147 hp, a 272-hp electric motor, and a battery with a capacity of 34.32 kWh, giving it an electric range of 202 km. The “green” SUV is offered with the same 272-hp motor and a battery of 82.28 kWh, with a range of 610 or 620 km. Later, this crossover will be updated – in particular, it will get motors like those in the “M” model.