Mazda won’t rule out 440kW super ute

Mazda has refused to rule out building its own version of the radical Deepal E07 Multitruck, a shape-shifting electric ute that can transform into an SUV-like vehicle at the touch of a button.

Mazda is keeping the door open on one of the most unconventional vehicles to hit Australia in decades, with a senior executive open to the idea of a Deepal E07.

Hiroshi Ozawa, General Manager of the Changan Mazda Automobile Technical Development Center, stopped short of confirming any plans, but made it clear the idea has merit.

“As I said earlier, about the future products, I cannot talk about that in this meeting,” stated Ozawa-san.

“But my personal view is that Deepal E07 that pick up, the truck [that] opens up, it's a very interesting vehicle,” stated Ozawa-san.

Developed by Mazda’s Chinese joint venture partner Changan – which owns the Deepal brand – the E07 is a five-metre-long electric vehicle that blends SUV comfort with ute practicality.

Clearly impressed, Ozawa-san added: “I like that kind of vehicle,” and suggested it could resonate locally.

“In Australia I think customers may also like the kind of vehicle.”

From the front to the B-pillar, it presents as a premium SUV, complete with air suspension capable of raising ground clearance to 223mm, a wading depth of 600mm, and an off-road mode in all-wheel-drive Performance guise.

At the push of a button or via voice command, the rear section transforms into a ute tray, complete with a retractable glass roof, waterproof load bay and full tailgate.

While Mazda currently has no standalone ute in its global passenger vehicle line-up – the BT-50 is based on the Isuzu D-MAX – an E07-based model would represent a significant expansion rather than a replacement.

Both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants share a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering a claimed driving range of between 510km and 550km.

The flagship Performance variant produces a hefty 440kW via an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds.

However, despite its performance credentials, towing capacity is limited to 1500kg – potentially a sticking point for Australian buyers.

“Mazda is not producing any commercial [pickup] trucks on its own,” said Ozawa, reinforcing the brand’s current reliance on partnerships in the ute space.

Still, he left the possibility open depending on market demand.

“So if there is a global need for such vehicle … as a part of [our] product portfolio, we may have to consider that [E07] as well,” he admitted.

The Deepal E07 is distributed locally by Inchcape and comes with a seven-year warranty and capped-price servicing over 20,000km intervals, with total servicing costs of around $3000 over seven years.

With tightening emissions regulations such as NVES pushing brands towards electrification, a vehicle like the E07 could help Mazda offset CO2 penalties while expanding its EV portfolio.

For Australian buyers considering alternatives like the BYD Shark 6 or plug-in hybrid Ford Ranger, a Mazda-branded version of the E07 could offer a compelling mix of innovation, performance and brand familiarity.

Ozawa-san clearly stated that Mazda would continue monitoring global demand, leaving the door open for one of the most unconventional ute concepts to wear its badge.

* Some images created with AI assistance

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