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By Jonathan Crouch

Maxus gives us its first mid-sized model, the eDeliver 7. Jonathan Crouch checks out what's on offer.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 59

Maxus completes its LCV range with this mid-sized eDeliver 7 model, which fits into the Chinese maker's line-up between the compact eDeliver 3 and the large eDeliver 9. Unlike some other electric rivals, it's not compromised in payload and offers cutting-edge connectivity and camera safety features. Yet it still aims to undercut the established players with its value proposition.

Backgroundword count: 119

Maxus is rapidly becoming an important player in the LCV market. The brand needs a complete range of models in order to take on the established players in the segment. The mid-sized sector where Ford's Transit Custom dominates is the most important of these van classes, a part of the market in which before Spring 2024 and the launch of this eDeliver 7 model Maxus had nothing to offer, except the lengthier versions of its compact eDeliver 3. So the eDeliver 7 could hardly be more important. It's one-tonne payload and high roof option are unusual in the class, as is this LCV's 5 year warranty. Maxus calls this van 'a game changer'. Is it? Let's take a look.

Driving Experienceword count: 160

Unlike the larger eDeliver 9, Maxus isn't offering this eDeliver 7 with a conventional diesel option. But given that this battery model has a longer range than an eDeliver 9, there's less need to. The combined range in question when fitted with the largest 88kWh battery is 230 miles. If that's not as vital to you, a smaller 77kWh battery version is also offered. These units energise a 201bhp electric motor with 330Nm of torque that drives the front wheels. Rest to 62mph takes 11s, but replicate that, you'll need to select the most urgent of the three available drive modes - 'Power'; the other two are 'Eco' and 'Normal'. Mindful that the eDeliver 7 will be used on the highway as well as the town, Maxus has been ramping up its camera drive assist tech. Features available here include a lane change assist system, rear cross-traffic alert, an emergency lane keeping assist system and adaptive cruise control with stop&go.

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