LDV Expands Ute Range with the Terron 9 and eTerron 9: A Bold Step into the Future

2024-11-26

LDV is gearing up to shake up the Australian ute market with two exciting new additions to its lineup—the Terron 9 and the electric eTerron 9. The latest developments come on the heels of the updated T60 ute, which already competes in the competitive mid-size market. However, the Terron 9 is a much larger and more modern vehicle, with both turbo-diesel and all-electric variants. After undergoing local testing in Australia, these models are expected to offer customers more variety in the rapidly growing ute segment.

Terron 9: The Bold New Ute in LDV’s Lineup

The Terron 9 represents a leap forward in terms of both design and performance for LDV. While the T60 remains a popular choice, the Terron 9 is stepping into the market with more muscle, modern tech, and a refined look. The government approval documents have confirmed that the Terron 9 will be available with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that delivers 164kW of power. While the exact torque figure hasn’t been revealed, this engine promises to deliver strong performance for both work and leisure.

The Terron 9 will come in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) variants, offering flexibility for a variety of driving conditions. The gross vehicle mass (GVM) will range between 3320kg and 3500kg, making it a capable option for heavy-duty tasks, like towing or transporting large loads.

Dimensions:

Length: 5500mm
Width: 1997mm
Height: 1860mm
Wheelbase: 3300mm

Compared to the T60 Max Plus, the Terron 9 is notably larger—105mm longer, 97mm wider, and 41mm taller—with a 125mm longer wheelbase. These size increases mean more space for passengers and cargo, ensuring the Terron 9 is built for practicality.

Despite being a more premium offering, the Terron 9 will be sold alongside the T60 to cater to different budget ranges, ensuring that LDV can offer value at multiple price points.

eTerron 9: A More Professional Approach to Electric Utes

The LDV eTerron 9 takes the brand’s commitment to electric vehicles to the next level. Building on the success of the eT60 (Australia’s first electric ute), the eTerron 9 is a much more refined and powerful electric option. While the eT60 was a pioneer, it lacked the performance and towing capacity that many ute owners expect. The eTerron 9 addresses these concerns by offering a range of improvements across the board.

The eTerron 9 shares the same dimensions as its turbo-diesel sibling, but with a focus on more power and better towing capabilities. It boasts a 3500kg braked towing capacity, a significant improvement over the eT60’s 1000kg limit. There are two drivetrain options available:

Single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) with 200kW of power
Dual-motor four-wheel drive (4WD) with 325kW of power

Both configurations offer a significant power boost compared to the eT60’s 130kW rear-drive motor. The eTerron 9 is powered by a 102kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering up to 430km of driving range based on the WLTP test cycle (for the dual-motor version).

Key Features of the eTerron 9

Along with impressive performance figures, the eTerron 9 also boasts a range of convenient and modern features:

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability: Power external appliances and tools using the ute’s battery
Multiple 2.2kW sockets and external 6.6kW connection for even more utility
Faster charging with improved battery management
Mid-2025 Arrival: The eTerron 9 is expected to launch in Australia around mid-2025, coinciding with a growing wave of electric and plug-in hybrid utes entering the market.

Local Testing and Final Validation

Currently, the Terron 9 and eTerron 9 are undergoing final testing in Australia. LDV engineers have been conducting tests on various aspects of the vehicles, including traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, and other electronic systems, ensuring these vehicles are fine-tuned for local driving conditions. Testing has been taking place on both main roads and backroads across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, ensuring that the vehicles meet the needs of Aussie drivers.

Competition in the Electric Ute Market

The eTerron 9 isn’t just the latest electric ute from LDV—it’s part of a larger trend in the Australian market, where more automakers are gearing up to release electric and plug-in hybrid utes. Some of the key competitors include:

BYD Shark 6 PHEV
Ford Ranger PHEV (launching early 2025)
GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV (expected March-April 2025)
Isuzu D-Max EV (expected debut in Australia soon after Norway release)
Geely’s Radar Auto RD6 (expected in Australia)

With the influx of electric and hybrid utes, the competition is sure to heat up, but the eTerron 9’s powerful performance and practicality position it as a strong contender.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Terron 9 and eTerron 9 will be revealed closer to their respective Australian launches. However, with the Terron 9 set to cater to a broader audience with its turbo-diesel engine options and the eTerron 9 offering a more powerful electric alternative, LDV looks poised to cater to a diverse range of ute buyers.

Conclusion

LDV’s move to expand its ute range with the Terron 9 and eTerron 9 is a strategic and exciting development in the Australian automotive market. The Terron 9 offers a modern, larger alternative to the T60, while the eTerron 9 brings much-needed advancements to the electric ute segment. Whether you’re looking for a powerful turbo-diesel or an all-electric workhorse, LDV’s expanded ute lineup promises to offer something for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach their official arrival in Australia in mid-2025!