What if an electric vehicle came with a petrol engine? What if your SUV looked like it rolled straight off a military base — but felt like a luxury lounge inside? That’s exactly what the Mengshi 917 offers, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before.
This isn’t your average EV review. The Mengshi 917 is a bold, quirky, and seriously capable machine that challenges every convention in the automobile world. From gun-shaped door handles to eye-tracking drowsiness sensors, this car is loaded with surprises at every turn — quite literally.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this car one of the most fascinating vehicles on the road today.
What Is the Mangshi 917?
The Mengshi 917 is a flagship electric SUV from the brand Mengshi, designed with strong military-vehicle inspiration. It’s built for drivers who want raw power, cutting-edge technology, and a presence that commands attention on any terrain.
Priced at approximately ₹85 lakhs, it’s a premium offering — but one that arguably justifies every rupee with its feature-packed cabin, advanced sensor suite, and unique hybrid-electric powertrain.
Powertrain: An Electric Car With a Petrol Engine Here’s Why
This is where things get genuinely interesting. The Manshy 917 is an electric vehicle, but it doesn’t work quite like most EVs you know.
Here’s how the powertrain breaks down:
- Primary power source: Electric motor producing 108 horsepower
- Battery capacity: 148 kWh unit
- Range extender: A 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine — not for driving the wheels, but solely to charge the battery on the go
- Combined horsepower: A staggering 1,996 hp when both systems work together
- Total range: Approximately 500+ km, extending to around 880 km with the petrol engine active
Think of the petrol engine as a generator that keeps your battery alive on long journeys. It’s a brilliant solution for drivers who fear range anxiety but still want the benefits of electric driving. This makes the Manshy 917 a range-extender EV (REEV) — a relatively rare but clever category of vehicle.
Exterior Design: Bold, Military, and Unapologetically Aggressive
The Manshy 917 doesn’t blend into traffic — it dominates it. The design language is sharp, angular, and deliberately intimidating.
Front Profile
- Sharp cuts, deep curves, and aggressive bodywork give the front a tank-like presence
- Illusion vents add a visual depth to the fascia
- LED headlamps paired with LED fog lamps on the lower bumper
- A functional grille (yes, because of the petrol engine underneath)
- Camera and parking sensors integrated neatly into the lower bumper
Side Profile
- All-terrain tires sized at 275/65 R20 — chunky, rugged, and road-ready
- Massive ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) with a 360° camera embedded underneath
- Exposed wheel nuts for a raw, mechanical aesthetic
- Military-inspired dual-tone finish — a deep military-adjacent colour paired with piano black trim
- A step pedal for easier entry, given the car’s considerable ride height
Rear Profile
- Bold, angular LED tail lamps
- Integrated rear camera at the top
- A lower bumper that looks aggressive and road-ready
- Instead of a spare tyre, the rear houses a storage tank — useful for petrol, water, or luggage
Key Dimensions at a Glance
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | ~5.1 metres |
| Width | ~2.1 metres |
| Height | ~2 metres |
| Wheelbase | ~3 metres |
| Ground Clearance | 235 mm |
Interior: A Luxury Cockpit With Military-Grade Tech
Step inside the Manshy 917 and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels part military command centre, part five-star lounge.
Materials and Finish
- Napa leather seating throughout
- Soft-touch surfaces almost everywhere — minimal hard plastic
- Wooden accents on the dashboard and center console
- Piano black detailing for contrast and elegance
Infotainment and Instrument Cluster
The digital cockpit is one of the highlights of this vehicle. The instrument cluster and infotainment screen are both large, crisp, and highly responsive, displaying:
- Battery charge level and remaining range
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Engine status
- Drive mode settings
- Ambient lighting controls (with 64 colour combinations)
The infotainment system supports:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Phone mirroring
- Full internet browsing
- A dedicated passenger-side multimedia screen
Sound System
With 18 speakers onboard, the audio experience inside this cabin is nothing short of cinematic. Whether you’re crawling through mud or cruising on a highway, the soundstage is immersive and powerful.
Read Also – The Mercedes G63 AMG: A Beast That Knows It’s Beautiful (And Charges Accordingly)
Steering Wheel Features
The leather-wrapped steering wheel is far more than a driving tool — it’s a command hub:
- Engine start/stop button
- Drive mode selector
- Adaptive cruise control
- Hands-free voice command integration
- Customisable favourites button
Smart Safety Tech: The Car That Watches Over You
The Manshy 917 takes driver safety to a whole new level with some genuinely advanced technology.
Eye-Tracking Drowsiness Detection
A side-mounted sensor continuously monitors your eyes and posture while you drive. If it detects your eyes closing for too long — a sign of drowsiness — it immediately triggers an alert. In critical situations, it can even activate emergency braking to prevent an accident. This is particularly valuable on long highway drives.
Advanced Road Scanning System
Inspired by military reconnaissance technology, the Mengshi 917 is fitted with high-tech road scanners that:
- Map the entire road ahead in real time
- Identify potholes, obstacles, and hazards
- Anticipate turns and changes in road conditions kilometers in advance
- Allow the car to respond proactively rather than reactively
360° Camera System
Cameras are mounted under the ORVMs for a full surround view — ideal for tight parking, off-road navigation, and low-visibility conditions.
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Off-Road Capability: Built for the Wild
The military DNA isn’t just cosmetic. The Mengshi 917 is a proper off-roader with the hardware to back it up.
Terrain and Drive Modes
- Terrain modes: Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, Wet
- Drive modes: Multiple settings for on-road and off-road performance
- Hill Descent Control for safe downhill navigation
- Traction Control for grip on loose surfaces
- Differential controls accessible from the centre console
- Air suspension — adjustable directly from the cabin for varying ride heights
These features make it just as comfortable descending a rocky trail as it is pulling up to a valet.
Comfort and Convenience Features
The Mengshi 917 doesn’t compromise on day-to-day livability. Here’s what you get:
- Electric seat adjustment for all four seats
- Seat ventilation for front and rear passengers
- Rear seat massage function with full recline control
- A dedicated rear passenger screen for seat and entertainment control
- Dual panoramic sunroofs — one front, one rear, both openable
- Wireless charging pad
- Type-C ports, USB ports, and a 12V socket
- Fold-out tray for tablets, laptops, or snacks
- Magazine holder in the rear
- Twin cup holders in a pop-open console compartment
- Ambient lighting with 64 colour options
It’s a five-seater — and despite the vehicle’s imposing dimensions, the cabin is thoughtfully designed to be spacious and practical.
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The Little Details That Make It Special
Sometimes it’s the small things that define a car’s personality. In the Mengshi 917’s case:
Door handles shaped like gun grips — a bold, unapologetic nod to its military inspiration
The overall design aesthetic deliberately evokes a battle-ready tank, but refined for civilian life
Smart sticker and tape details on the body that look factory-premium, not aftermarket
A storage tank at the rear that doubles as a fuel or utility compartment
These details show that Mengshi put genuine thought into building a vehicle with a distinct character, not just impressive specs.
At ₹85 lakhs, the Mengshi 917 is a premium purchase — but it’s hard to argue with the value on offer. You’re getting:
✅ A unique range-extender EV powertrain with massive combined output ✅ Military-grade road scanning and safety systems ✅ A luxurious Napa leather cabin with 18-speaker audio ✅ Serious off-road credentials ✅ Advanced driver assistance and eye-tracking safety tech ✅ A design that turns heads everywhere it goes
For automobile enthusiasts who want something truly different — not just another luxury SUV — the Mengshi 917 makes a compelling case.
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Conclusion: A Car That Dares to Be Different
The Mengshi 917 isn’t trying to be like every other electric SUV on the market. It has its own identity — fierce, functional, and surprisingly refined all at once. From its military-inspired scanners to its gun-shaped door handles, from its 18-speaker sound system to its drowsiness detection tech, this car is designed for people who don’t settle for ordinary.
Whether or not it comes to your market, knowing it exists is a reminder of how bold and creative automotive engineering can be. And for true car lovers, that knowledge alone is worth something.
What do you think of the Mengshi 917? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to know!
Sajid Ahmad is an auto enthusiast and passionate blogger who loves exploring the world of cars, bikes, and emerging automobile technologies. With a deep interest in how vehicles shape everyday life, he shares insightful reviews, tips, and updates from the auto industry. Through his blog, Sajid aims to make it easier for readers to stay informed and choose the right ride for their needs