On December 18, SAIC brand Maxus launched its Interstellar X pickup truck in both diesel and EV forms. The range consists of four diesel versions priced between 155,800 yuan (21,400 USD) and 209,800 yuan (28,800 USD). Electric versions come in considerably more expensive, starting at 299,800 yuan (41,150 USD) and rising to 322,800 yuan (44,300 USD). The six versions are as follows:
Elite edition155,800 yuan (21,400 USD)Deluxe edition167,800 yuan (23,050 USD)Off-road version182,800 yuan (25,100 USD)Ultimate209,800 yuan (28,800 USD)
Deluxe version299,800 yuan (41,150 USD)Ultimate322,800 yuan (44,300 USD)
Apart from price and drivetrain, the electric and diesel versions differ significantly at the front. Back in September, SAIC showed the EV version as the Maxus eTerron 9, at the IAA Hanover Auto Show in Germany. eTerron 9 Is apparently the vehicle’s export name, although a version badged as an MG has also been spotted.
As seen in Germany, the EV version has a fully enclosed front with Maxus written across it. The diesel version, however, has not only an imposing grille but different light clusters as well. It is based on the GST pickup truck concept displayed at last year’s Shanghai Auto Show.
The Interstellar X Truck has dimensions of 5500, 2005,1860 mm (l/w/h), and the wheelbase is 3300 mm. Volume of the load bed is 1200 liters, and it has a size of 1561, 1600, 520 mm. R
Reportedly, it can expand to 3000 liters via what’s known as the Super Connected Space, which sees the storage connect into the second row of the cab, making a 2600 x 1600 mm space. From the pictures of this in operation, it seems that this leaves the cabin open, so it’s probably only possible in either hot weather or when the vehicle is stationary, such as when camping. EV versions also gain a very large frunk.
A dual-cab pickup truck, it has a 2+3 seating layout. Up front, there is a dual 12.3-inch instrument screen layout on the truck, and it uses the Tencent TAI 4.0 ecosystem. This can support OTA remote upgrades and has functions such as Tencent maps, iQuting, and WeChat functions. There is a streaming rearview mirror and 50W wireless mobile phone charging.
The seats, at least on higher-spec versions, gain heating, ventilation, and massage functions. It’s claimed that the Interstellar X has class-leading interior space. The depth of the front seats is 503 mm, while the width is 523 mm. For the rear bench, width is 1412 mm, and the depth is 480 mm. It’s claimed that in the second row, there is a leg room of 910 mm and a shoulder room of 1583 mm.
The all-terrain mode has front and rear axle differential locks. In addition, there is a transparent chassis mode along with off-road expert mode. At the front, the truck has double wishbone suspension, and at the rear, there is a choice between leaf spring non-independent and multilink independence suspension. The parking assistance function has the capability to deal with trailers, and the truck has level two driving assistance.
As previously reported the ICE version uses SAIC’s new πPlus 2.5T diesel engine. This supplies a maximum power of 165 kW and a peak torque of 520 Nm and is mated with a ZF 8AT gearbox, which supports all-terrain mode. Little has been revealed regarding performance other than that a 0- 60 km/h acceleration time is possible in 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is 180 km/h. Fuel consumption is reportedly 7.9 L/100km, and it is the first diesel pickup truck in China to meet Euro 7 emission regulations.
EV versions have a dual motor setup with 138 kW on the front axle and 216 kW at the back, torque is 250 Nm and 450 Nm, respectively. It comes with a 102 kWh battery pack, and the range is 560 km using CLTC.
The EV version has a longer version with a length of 5630 mm and also a height of 1874 mm. This height difference is due to the top-spec EV version having air suspension
Sources: Autohome, IT Home, Weibo
