The Maxus eTerron 9 is Europe’s first all-electric, AWD pick-up

Chinese firm Maxus has launched the eTerron 9, snatching the credit for the first all-electric, all-wheel-drive pick-up in Europe. In your face, Rivian… and, er, Ford. And Toyota. Your prize, Maxus? Eternal bragging rights.

Anyway, the eTerron 9 gets two electric motors; one on the front axle and a more powerful one on the back for a combined 435bhp. It'll take a payload up to 620 kilos and tow a respectable three-and-a-half tonnes.

The eTerron 9 has an official 267-mile range from the sizeable 102kWh battery and recharging peaks at 115kW, so re-juicing from 20 to 80 per cent takes about 40 minutes.

We’re told the Tetris construction of the LFP battery uses a nine-cell protective frame to offer greater capacity and make the component safer. That coupled with an optimised venting system to manage battery temperatures means – according to Maxus’ calculations – range in winter weather improves by as much as 18 per cent when compared to other EVs.

The eTerron will toggle across six different drive modes, including mud and sand. Plus, drivers can individually adjust the steering, engine power, suspension, energy recovery and stability control response, if they want to configure their own drive mode. Neat.

With the help of bi-directional charging tech, the eTerron 9 becomes a power bank on wheels: there are several 2.2kW sockets in the 236-litre front boot and a 6.6kW one in the 2.4m-long bed. That'll keep your phone going for... well, months probably.

Inside, the cow-clad driver seat gets ventilation and massage functionality. Plus, both front seats recline to create an “almost-flat” sleeping area. That's enough to start a fresh glamping trend.

Elsewhere, there’s an Easy Load mode which drops the suspension by 60mm to make it, er, easier to load. Lane Departure Warning is among the many driver assist functions you get as standard.

The eTerron 9 will be available to order from October, with deliveries starting January 2024. No pricing yet. More as we get it.