When DJI Enterprise released the Matrice 300 back in 2020, it felt like a giant leap forward from the M200 series, after subtle and iterative updates with the M210 and M210 RTK. Now in 2025, we’re witnessing another major evolution of their flagship enterprise platform with the DJI Matrice 400—and with it a suite of new and innovative features.
Avid users of DJI Enterprise may recognize that many smart AI and software features from the Matrice 4 or Matrice 4D series found their way to the new Matrice 400. However, its M400’s power delivery, obstacle sensing, and augmented reality upgrades are most notable.
In this article, we'll break down the most exciting features of DJI Matrice 400 and how DJI’s new large format workhorse could help you support real-world challenges across industrial inspections, surveying/geospatial, public safety, and maritime use cases.
59-Min Flight Time & 56 MPH Flight Speed
One of the more iterative improvements of the DJI Matrice 400 is its increase in advertised flight time to 59 min when compared to the M350’s 55 min. On long mission days, the added endurance can keep operations running uninterrupted.
Much more impressive, is the M400’s flight speed, achieving a top speed of approximately 56 mph (25 m/s) compared to the M350’s 35 mph (15.6m). In search and rescue or emergency response scenarios, the ability to cover more ground quickly is essential.
How does the M400 achieve all this? For one thing, it’s a slightly larger drone.
However, it’s the M400’s new TB100 Intelligent Batteries with a high capacity of 20,254 mAh and energy rating of 977 Wh that enables this. Unlike the Matrice 350’s dual TB65 (5880 mAh each) setup, the M400 requires just one battery with the ability to hot-swap (while M400 maintains power for up to 45 seconds between swaps.)
Heavy-Lift Payload Capacity and Versatility
Another significant upgrade is the Matrice 400’s increased payload capacity and mission flexibility. With a maximum payload capacity of 6 kg (13.2 lbs), the M400 is also capable of simultaneously accommodating up to seven payloads through E-Port V2 interfaces and gimbal connectors, allowing users to rapidly shift between inspection, mapping, or tactical operations without reconfiguring between missions.
Key compatible payloads include:
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Zenmuse H30/H30T: Multi-sensor gimbal for zoom, wide-angle imaging, thermal imaging, laser ranging, and night operations.
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Zenmuse L2 LiDAR: High-precision LiDAR sensor for detailed mapping and surveying.
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Zenmuse P1: High-resolution, full-frame photogrammetry camera ideal for detailed mapping and 3D modeling.
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Zenmuse S1 Spotlight: Powerful spotlight for nighttime and low-visibility missions.
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Zenmuse V1 Speaker: Loudspeaker for clear public address and communication in tactical and emergency situations.
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DJI Manifold 3: High-performance onboard computing unit supporting real-time processing and AI-driven analytics.
Power Line-Level Obstacle Avoidance and Sensing
DJI Matrice 400 features a brand new multi-layered obstacle sensing suite designed to help pilots maintain safe, confident control in tight spaces like electrical substations. The new rotating LiDAR, mmWave radar, and full-color low-light fisheye sensors detect small obstacles, such as high-voltage power lines, even in complete darkness.
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Rotating LiDAR: Enables continuous 360-degree scanning to identify thin and hard-to-see obstacles, including power lines, as small as 21.6 mm in diameter.
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mmWave Radar: Adds redundancy by detecting objects in rain, fog, or dust where optical sensors may struggle.
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Low-Light Vision Sensors: Six fisheye cameras provide obstacle detection even at night, automatically switching to black-and-white imaging below 12 lux to preserve contrast and clarity.
Robust 04 Transmission and Airborne Relay
The DJI Matrice 400 features DJI's new advanced O4 Enterprise Enhanced transmission system, delivering long-range communication with up to 24.8 mi. (FCC-compliant) of maximum transmission distance and stable 1080p/60 fps live video giving pilots consistent situational awareness even when operating BVLOS or in complex environments where dropouts and latency can compromise mission success.
Additionally, the M400 supports an airborne relay, enabling one M400 to serve as a relay drone to provide relay signals for another Matrice 400 operating at a greater distance. Functionally, this extends the operational range and coverage—particularly helpful in challenging terrain or search and rescue scenarios.
Intelligent AI Features and Autonomous Flight Modes
The DJI Matrice 400 is equipped with a suite of Smart Tools and Intelligent Flight Modes to simplify operations and enhance efficiency:
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Smart Detection: With the Zenmuse H30 series, M400 automatically identifies and tracks objects such as vehicles, vessels, and people in both RGB and thermal view.
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Augmented Reality (AR) Overlays: Real-time visual overlays like Power-Line AR, Map View AR, and Live Annotations gives you maximum situational awareness.
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Real-Time Terrain Follow: Maintain a consistent altitude above ground level, reducing the need for frequent zoom adjustments and improving overall efficiency. During mapping missions, a consistent ground sampling distance (GSD) can be maintained to obtain high-precision mapping data.
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Takeoff and Landing on Ships: For maritime and offshore operations, this mode enables reliable landing and takeoff from moving vessels, enhancing operational flexibility at sea.
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Intelligent Flight Modes:
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Cruise Mode: Facilitates stable and straight-line flight over long distances, reducing operator fatigue.
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FlyTo Mode: Enables quick and precise navigation to selected points with obstacle-aware path planning.
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SmartTrack: Automatically follows and maintains focus on moving subjects, ideal for continuous monitoring.
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Point of Interest (POI): Automates flight paths around specified targets, perfect for detailed inspections and 3D modeling.
Engineered for Excellence, Designed for Versatility
The DJI Matrice 400 sets a new standard for enterprise drone capabilities, combining extended flight times, payload versatility, advanced obstacle avoidance, and robust transmission into a single powerful platform.
Is it worth upgrading from the Matrice 350? That will all depend on your budget, use case, and mission requirements, however for new users of DJI Enterprise who need a large high-endurance drone, this is a great time to invest in reliability, capability, and innovation.
Learn more about the Matrice 400 here.
