New 2025 Maxus eTerron 9 EV ute revealed

Chinese car-maker SAIC has revealed its all-new 2025 Maxus eTerron 9 pick-up truck, debuting the electric ute with a 325kW dual-motor powertrain that allows it to match the best diesel load luggers for towing capacity.

Confirming it will be able to tow up to 3500kg (braked), the Maxus eTerron was unwrapped ahead of its European launch later this year when it's expected to replace the current LDV eT60, albeit with an LDV badge on the front.

Rumoured to be priced from around $100,000, the new Maxus won't touchdown in Australia until early next year, but when it does, it’s 102kWh lithium-ion battery will offer up to 430km of WLTP range – some 100km more than the eT60.

The big battery can be recharged from 20-80 per cent in a claimed 40 minutes when hooked up to a 115kW DC fast charger, however it can also function as a rolling power bank with several 2.2kW and 6.6kW outlets.

Maxus says its new electric ute can launch from 0-100km/h in an exceedingly brisk 5.8 seconds – quicker than the Ford Ranger Raptor (6.5s) – and tow up to 3500kg, however its 620kg payload is simply sub-par compared to internal combustion offerings.

Part of the reason for this is its semi-monocoque architecture; a blend of a traditional ladder-frame chassis with a car-based monocoque, much like the old Holden One Tonner.

The advantage should be more of a car-like drive and accommodation of height-adjustable air suspension, arguably making this more of a recreational ute than an out-and-out workhorse.

According to early information, the e-Terron is 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and 1860mm tall, making it 175mm longer than a Toyota HiLux which in turn yields a bigger tray and thereby more cargo volume… just not a matching payload.

Speaking the tub, it can be extended to go into the cabin via a powered tailgate and swallow items up to 2400mm long. There’s a 236-litre luggage space under the bonnet.

Inside the cabin you’ll find twin 12.3-inch freestanding displays, a floating centre console, two-tone leather, a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel and metallic finishes hinting at a far more premium feel than the current eT60.

The cabin is more practical too with up to 20 storage compartments while the driver and passenger are treated to heated, ventilated and massaging seats with eight-way power adjustment that can be folded flat into a 1700mm-long sleeping surface – presumably to rest while it charges.

More details of the eTerron will be revealed ahead of its Euro launch in the fourth quarter of 2024, however a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel (165kW) version is also being offered in China which flaunts a much better 940kg payload but can only tow 3000kg.

It’s thought LDV Australia will make an official announcement on the Maxus eTerron 9 timings and future pricing in the coming months.

One remote possibility is instead of replacing the LDV eT60, the new ute might be rebadged as an MG and be sold alongside it.

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