Specialist off-road startup Munro is bringing automotive manufacturing back to Scotland after more than four decades with an all-electric 4×4.
As a new player in the automotive industry, Munro focuses on off-roaders, with a number of body types yet to be released including a pickup, single cab and six-wheel versions.
Fancy the idea of a utilitarian off-roader? Read on to find out how Munro is planning to shake up the industry and supply vehicles around the world.
I can assure you, Munro’s MK_1 prototype is much bigger than it looks in the pictures. Stood upon an empty stage at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Munro’s second prototype looks out of sorts against a domestic background. In all black it’s an imposing utilitarian machine with stark edges and chunky off-road tyres.
In principle the idea is simple: create an all-electric off-road vehicle. Think of an off-road vehicle and what’s the first car that springs to mind? The Land Rover Defender, a Jeep Wrangler, or maybe even a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon?
Inevitably any new player in the off-road market joins a number of SUVs and pickups designed to be workhorses. As of yet, no mainstream manufacturer has brought an all-electric off-road focused SUV to the market. Whilst most established manufacturers release new vehicles with on-road driving in mind, Munro’s utility vehicle was created to spend over 90% of its life off-road.
This philosophy is demonstrated with a hugely stripped back vehicle, offering very little in the way of creature comforts. Perfectly suited to rugged off-roading, the interior is a minimalistic, wipeable space that’s got more than enough room for five people.
In the loading bay there’s space for a euro size pallet and the production vehicle is predicted to have a payload of 1,000kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg. The current MK_1 prototype is significantly larger than the original proof of concept vehicle and might be better suited as a two seat van-like off-road vehicle to increase the load space.
It feels like the firm hasn’t settled on its demographic yet. The MK_1 doesn’t know whether it’s a people carrier, a load carrier or a military vehicle posing as a passenger car. There’s a certain amount of personality missing and unlike a van or pickup, it feels quite distinct from a normal car.
I’m sure the production vehicle will look a lot more homely with built-in Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and standard switches but right now there’s a long way to go. The MK_1 has a unique opportunity to break into the market as a utility option but at the projected price points, customers will expect a certain level of safety and interior comfort.
Right now the two prototypes have been qualified for on-road use by an Individual Vehicle Approval. Once production starts the firm is aiming to keep numbers under 2,500 units a year to stay within the limits of small series production. This means the vehicles will have to comply with less stringent safety standards, but Munro still plans to add airbags when production starts in 2023.
Entering the market as a startup with a new vehicle will always be a huge challenge. Given the strong history in this sector with the Defender and G-Wagon there’s some legendary reputations to go up against. But these familiar vehicles have moved beyond the off-road market to be luxury SUVs that can also go off-road, rather than off-roading being their sole purpose. Munro hopes to fill a gap in the market for an all-electric off-road focused machine.
Munro MK_1 Utility
From CAD$99,500
Transmission: Two-speed central transfer case with locking differential, mechanical four-wheel drive
Battery: 61.2 kWh
Range: 130 miles (combined)
Torque: 443 lb-ft
Power: 220 kW (295 hp)
Munro MK_1 Range
From CAD$120,000
Transmission: Two-speed central transfer case with locking differential, mechanical four-wheel drive
Battery: 82.4 kWh
Range: 170 miles (combined)
Torque: 443 lb-ft
Power: 220 kW (295 hp)
Munro MK_1 Performance
From CAD$140,000
Transmission: Two-speed central transfer case with locking differential, mechanical four-wheel drive
Battery: 82.4 kWh
Range: 170 miles (combined)
Torque: 516 lb-ft
Power: 280 kW (375 hp)
