Munro MK_1 – Most Capable Electric 4X4 Debuts

    December 6th 2022     Suhail Ajmal

If you are not a fan of the Rivian R1S or can’t wait for the upcoming Mercedes EQG, check out the all-electric off-road SUV from Munro, a Scotland-based automaker. Called the MK_1, which is a bizarre name in our part of the world, but the company claims they have made “the world’s most capable all-electric 4×4.”

Seeing the electric off-roader in the pictures, are you feeling a similarity with another vehicle? You are not the only one; yes, it looks similar to the Bollinger B1, which is also an off-road electric vehicle.

Battery & Drive Range

Munro offers two powertrain options – the first offering 295 horsepower (220 kilowatts) and the other creating 375 hp (280 kW). Two battery units – a 61-kWh and a bigger 82-kWh pack are available, delivering up to 190 miles (306 kilometers) drive range. The automaker says the EV SUV can deliver 16 hours of driving on the beaten path between charges.

The EV offroader can support 100-kW DC charging, allowing it to recharge from 15 to 80 per cent in only 36 minutes. A 22-kW AC charger will take 3 hours to juice up from 15 to 100 per cent. The company claims the battery will keep 80 per cent of its strength after 8 years or 100,000 miles of utilization.  

The automaker says a prompt torque of 700 Newton meters (516 pound-feet) comes at up to 50 mph (80 km/h), allowing a top payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds) and a towing capability of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs).

The more robust “Performance” model can take the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds. However, the top speed is limited to just 80 mph (129 km/h) because the EV SUV is optimized for more torque delivery.

Off-road Capability

A body-on-frame chassis, central locking differential, available front, and rear locking differentials, and a two-speed transfer box make the SUV a perfect beast off the road. Besides, a ground clearance of 480 millimeters (19 inches), 84- and 51-degree approach and departure angles, and a 148-degree ramp break-over angle, add to its merits.

Munro has fixed a lightweight and more compact electric motor between the seats to deliver a 50:50 weight distribution and better stability.

Price and Availability

The automaker demands £49,995 (excluding VAT) for the Utility variant in a five-door layout with five seats and a 130-inch wheelbase. It translates to around $61,000 or €58,200 at the present conversion rates. The automaker has hand-built the EV SUV, and it will be ready for customers next year.

Source and Images: Motor1