The electric ute we've been waiting for? LDV and MG parent company reveals 4WD 2025 Maxus eTerron 9 beating EV versions of the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and JAC T9 to market

Chinese car giant SAIC has revealed an electric dual-cab ute with a generous 102kWh battery, a 317kW twin-motor AWD set-up and claimed 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Known as the Maxus eTerron 9 in the UK, it could be the electric ute we've been waiting for.

Likely to be branded as an LDV product when it comes to Australia to replace the existing (and expensive) eT60, the new ute could push beyond $100K by the time it arrives. 

The ute will hit UK dealers in early 2025 and LDV’s Australian importer Ateco all-but confirmed the eTerron 9’s local arrival when speaking to CarsGuide in February.

"We expect to be posting production orders for the electric version of the GST before this year is finished, whether we launch this year or next year is yet to be determined," LDV Australia General Manager Dinesh Chinnappa told CarsGuide. 

There’s no update yet from the local LDV team but a spokesperson said the brand will share information about next-gen ute plans in due course. 

If it arrives early in 2025 the eTerron 9 will comprehensively beat mooted electric variants of the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and JAC T9 to market, giving the Chinese brand a leg-up when it comes to mining fleets and private buyers alike. 

The eTerron 9 is the production version of Maxus’ GST concept shown last year and while there have been some design concessions — physical door handles, a circular steering wheel and conventional seats — it remains remarkably faithful close to the preview vehicle. 

Unfortunately, the production car’s specs don’t quite match the concept’s outlandish 745kW and 1000km electric-only driving range. Still, it’s a big step up from the rear-drive only eT60 ute with its limited 330km electric range and 1000kg braked towing capacity. 

According to earlier filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the eTerron 9 measures 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and 1860mm tall. 

That means it is sized close to a GWM Cannon Alpha, being a half-step up on the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, but not quite as big as American pick-ups like the Ford F-150.

The eTerron 9 is designed with maximum load space in mind and boasts a 2.4-metre long bed with the ability to open a portion of the rear bulkhead to easily fit longer items, like pipes and planks. There’s also a 236-litre storage space under the bonnet. 

While a 3500kg towing capacity is expected, the eTerron 9’s payload is shy of the one-tonne standard, at just 620kg for UK models. 

The large battery features lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry which should help keep prices reasonable. Range is listed at 430km and the eTerron9 is capable of charging at up to 115kW DC, for a 20-80 per cent juice up in around 40 minutes. 

Rarely for the class, the eTerron 9 is said to feature an active air suspension system that can lower its ride height up to 60mm to make the load bay more accessible. It also naturally lowers to ute at motorway speeds to aid aero efficiency. 

The eTerron 9 also sits on a platform that integrates the battery into the frame, known as cell-to-chassis or CTC. It is said to save weight and simplify assembly of the electric ute. 

There are few details on the interior however the design is sleek. A pair of screens sit proud on the dashboard for multimedia and driving information. A floating centre console looks to provide ample cabin storage. 

In China, another Maxus model with the same styling and platform is sold with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 165kW and with a much more usable 94kg payload. Tow rating in China is 3000kg.

LDV Australia is yet to confirm the eTerron 9 or its diesel counterpart's arrival and there’s no UK pricing we can look to. Given the 4x4 drivetrain, bigger battery and far slicker cabin than the eT60 ($92,990 before on-road costs), we’d expect an increase in price. Could this be a $100K LDV? Only time will tell.