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With the eTerron 9, Chinese maker Maxus brings us the kind of properly capable AWD all-electric pick-up we should have had from the start. You might still not be ready for an all-electric pick-up, but this one shows they're getting better.
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Driving experience
This is an altogether gutsier contender than its rather feeble 2WD T90 predecessor. The eTerron 9 comes only with 4WD and offers over double the power output of the previous model, with 435bhp (more than a Ford Ranger Raptor). That's courtesy of a 167bhp motor on the front axle and a 268bhp motor at the rear. Expect rapid acceleration (0-62mph takes 5s) and the top speed is 118mph. You'd imagine a huge battery would be required to drive an output like that and you'd be right. It's 102kWh in size but the eTerron 9's extra weight means it only takes this pick-up 47 miles further than the T90 could go - the range is 267 miles. Still, that's further than the trend-setting Tesla Cybertruck can manage.
There's an all-terrain driving mode system with a choice of six settings, including off-road ones for sand and mud. In total, Maxus says that its all-terrain system's customisable mode has 400 possible combinations. Unusually for a pick-up, air suspension is fitted, which means ride height can be adjusted. And the eTerron 9 can tow vastly more than the old T90, up to 3,500kg (just like a combustion Ranger).
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Design and build
The eTerron 9 certainly makes more of a visual statement than its T90 predecessor and the bluff aggressive looks may appeal to certain sections of the pick-up crowd. Measuring 5.5-metres in length (13cm longer than a Ranger), it's certainly big and sits on big 20-inch wheels. Like global electric pick-ups such as the Ford F150 Lightning or the Rivian R1T, the huge bonnet conceals a weather-proof 'frunk' which can take more than just a set of charging leads; there's an extra 236-litres of storage, plus a 2.2kW power socket too - ideal for work tools or perhaps a kettle.
The cab's a lot nicer than the thrift store interior served up by the T90, with more luxurious soft leather furnishings and front seat power adjustment. You get a long fascia-top panel for the instrument and infotainment screens. A jutting high centre console divides the front section, there's a two-tone cabin colouring theme and there are chunky grab handles on the A-pillars, plus plenty of storage space. The rear bench is as comfortable as it ever is in a double cab pick-up, with a fairly upright backrest. But the fairly lengthy 3,300mm wheelbase length means there's a reasonable amount of leg room.
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Market and model
Prices start at £53,000 ex-VAT before grant deduction. There's a choice of two trim levels, base 'Luxury' and plusher 'Premium'. The brand is currently expanding its UK dealer network to a target figure of 65 outlets.
Expect higher standards of specification than the previous model, including air suspension, powered front seat adjustment, better quality faux leather trim, rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, a reversing camera, smartphone-mirroring and front seat heating. You won't really be buying this Maxus for its equipment levels though. Ultimately, you'll either think this is a crazy proposition to take up. Or a crazy one to pass up, given the huge potential tax benefits. There'll be no in-betweens. As for safety, Maxus says a 5 star NCAP rating is being targeted here.
Safety features include an autonomous emergency braking system, Lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, emergent lane keeping, rear collision avoidance assist, Blind Spot Assist, intelligent High Beam Control and Lane Change Assist. Plus there are the usual twin front and side airbags, along with a curtain airbag, plus a far side airbag, all linked to an e-call system.
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Summary
It's a pity that Maxus didn't launch its EV pick-up offensive with this eTerron 9 because it would have made far more impact than did the rather limited T90. The main disappointment remains the restricted payload figure; if you can't carry much with a pick-up, you might wonder what the point of it is.
But for some customers - businesses who only carry light loads or maybe rural vets - that might not matter. These people will still find the eTerron 9 a pricier option, but the charging savings over fuel and the EV tax advantages could add up to compensate. And if they do, a potential buyer would be impressed by the air suspension and clever vehicle-to-load appliance charging functionality. So electric pick-ups are getting better. Just as we told you they would.
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