For the first time in nearly half a century, the automotive industry is making a return to Scotland with the announcement of the aggressively angular and electrically powered Munro MK 1 off-roader. Delivering a design that reminds of Tesla’s Cybertruck with the robust pedigree of UK-built 4×4 vehicles, this is a true off-road machine that isn’t designed for city streets.
If you’re after a (relatively) affordable G-Wagon aesthetic to roll around town in, the Munro MK 1 isn’t the car for you, despite the temptation its matte-black finished exterior offers. Instead, it’s designed for the most rural and remote areas, specifically targeting folks in agricultural and land management, as well as infrastructure and even wilderness emergency response.
This function-forward design sees distinct high wheel arches, side saddle storage on either side of the bonnet, super bright headlights and proprietary Upol Raptor Paint that is guaranteed to protect against most scratches and dings. Inside, the philosophy of utility remains ever-present with ample space for storage and comfortable movement in the cabin, which can also be fully washed and comes complete with drainage holes in the floor.
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As you’d expect, the Munro MK 1 packs a powerful electric punch thanks to the 220kW electric motor paired with a 61.2kWh battery, which delivers a driving range of between 245kms and 306km depending on the driving conditions (137.5km of towing range). You can expect 15-80% charging in just 36 minutes, while the Munro MK 1 0-100 km/h time is 7.6s (4.9s if you spec up to the Performance model) and has a top speed of 129km/h.
While Munro expects to roll around 50 units of the MK 1 out of the factory in 2023 at its East Kilbride production site, the fledgling automaker anticipates its upcoming central Scotland factory will be producing up to 2,500 vehicles per year. With options starting from £59,994 (AU$106,462) for the Utility model and going up to £83,994 (AU$148,916) for the Performance model, it’s not a cheap 4×4 but it could be one of the best new EV off-roaders to come out in recent years.
