The MAXUS eTERRON 9 heralds a new era: As the first fully electric pick-up with standard all-wheel drive in Europe, celebrated its world premiere at this year’s IAA Transportation in Hanover, while setting new standards in the mid-size segment. The powerful and versatile model with the spacious bed offers a high payload and towing capacity as well as exceptional comfort.
The new eTERRON 9 marks the beginning of a comprehensive model offensive: over the next few years, the MAXUS brand, which is part of the SAIC Group, will launch numerous new products on the European market, which plays an important role in the company’s global growth strategy. The focus is on sustainable and locally emission-free mobility.
Powerful Dual Motor
The completely new generation of the pick-up provides a foretaste. The eTERRON 9 relies on two electric motors: the two permanent magnet synchronous motors develop 125 kW/170 hp at the front and 200 kW/272 hp at the rear axle, resulting in an impressive system output of 325 kW/442 hp. In addition to impressive, rapid acceleration, this combination also enables the characteristic all-wheel drive, which ensures great traction on the road and a strong off-road performance.
The so-called All-Terrain System (ATS) comprises six preset driving modes, ranging from “Normal” to “Mud” and “Sand”. In addition, customers can individually configure a user-defined mode to adapt the steering, engine power and the response of the stability control, as well as the energy recovery and the height of the standard air suspension, to their personal preferences. More than 400 different combinations are possible.
Long-range high-voltage battery
The energy required for the electric drive is supplied by a 102 kWh high-voltage battery, which can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in around 40 minutes with up to 115 kW at fast-charging stations. The lithium iron phosphate battery was designed according to the specially developed Tetris construction method in a nine-cell protective frame, which distributes the forces horizontally and vertically – just like in Tetris. This minimizes space requirements and increases capacity and safety. Another new feature is the 9-channel ventilation system, which contributes to optimum battery temperature and guarantees maximum performance under all conditions. Together with efficient energy recovery, thermal management improves the range in winter by 18 percent compared to conventional electric cars. The standard range of the eTERRON 9 is up to 430 kilometres per battery charge (WLTP combined).
High versatility
Thanks to the standard “Vehicle to Load” function (V2L), the vehicle can even be transformed into a rolling “power bank”: the energy stored in the battery supplies external devices with power. In addition to several 2.2 kW sockets in the front trunk and on the pickup bed, there is also an external 6.6 kW connection, which can be used, for example, to connect tools for tradesmen or e-bikes and cool boxes on camping vacations.
Functional design enables extended loading capacities
Dressed in the “New Electrified Mecha” design language, which creates robust and powerful lines through the interplay of basic geometric shapes, the eTERRON 9 is the perfect companion for commercial customers and private individuals with an active lifestyle. The 5.50 metres long vehicle offers a maximum payload of 620 kilograms. If longer objects need to be transported, the rear wall of the driver’s cab can be lowered at the touch of a button. This creates a loading area up to 2.40 meters long – ideal for a surfboard and skis as well as construction and gardening supplies. In addition, there is a 236-liter “frunk” (front trunk) under the hood where luggage can be transported weatherproof and which accommodates two-seat space for a break or BBQ when camping. If that’s not enough, another key feature of this vehicle is you can tow up to 3.5 tons – a best value for all-electric pick-ups in this class.
High-quality equipment and features
MAXUS also makes no compromises when it comes to equipment and features : Soft leather creates a high-quality ambience in the eTERRON 9, while the eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat has ventilation and a massage function. The two front seats can also be put down in a few simple steps to create an almost flat sleeping area 170 cm long. The 20 storage compartments distributed throughout the vehicle are also practical for everyday use. The hood and tailgate can be opened electrically.
High comfort, high safety
The multi-link rear suspension with air suspension, which adjusts the vehicle level depending on the speed, are also more likely to be found in a passenger car than in a pickup truck. They reduce the rolling and pitching movements of the vehicle. The vehicle height, which can be adjusted using the air suspension, also has an effect on air resistance and therefore on range. In Easy Load mode, the loading area can be lowered by 60 millimetres, which makes loading and unloading easier.
In combination with the innovative semi-monocoque body, which combines the advantages of unibody construction and ladder frame, exceptional driving stability and a high level of comfort are guaranteed. Safety is ensured by the high proportion (73 percent) of ultra-high-strength steel, which is also used in the A, B and C-pillars. In the crash test to be conducted by the independent testing organization Euro NCAP, five stars are anticipated. To prevent an accident from occurring in the first place, the standard assistance systems such as emergency braking system and a lane departure warning are on board as standard.
Visibility is improved by the Great Surround-Terrain Lighting System: the ultra high-beam headlights shine more than 400 meters ahead and make the eTERRON 9 highly recognisable even at night. Further information on the pickup, including prices and details of the market launch in Ireland, will be announced soon.
