Think the Ford Ranger can do it all? Chinese company unveils bizarre electric SUV-coupe-ute mash-up

If you can’t quite decide between the comfort of an SUV and the practicality of a ute, Chinese car maker Changan has the answer with the new Qiyuan E07 that can transform between both, due in Chinese showrooms this October.

Shown at the Beijing motor show in recent days, the E07 keeps the Cybertruck-esque retractable rear roof of the 2023 'CD701' concept on which it is based, allowing owners to switch from an open-back tray to a more secure SUV-coupe body style.

Measuring 5045mm long, 1996mm wide and 1640mm tall, the E07 is slightly shorter nose to tail than a Ford Ranger, but also wider and lower, however dimensions for the tray and boot are yet to be revealed.

Powering the E07 is a choice of single-motor or dual-motor electric drivetrains – the former sending 252kW to the rear wheels, and the latter adding 188kW to the front axle for all-wheel-drive grip and an estimated 440kW combined output.

Performance metrics such as 0-100km/h acceleration times are yet to be revealed by Changan, but the flagship dual-motor E07 is claimed to be able to hit a top speed of 210km/h, according to Chinese media reports.

Battery size, driving range, and recharge times are also yet to be detailed.

However, the production E07 sports black roof rails, side and rear cameras, pop-out door handles, a large infotainment touchscreen, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a wireless smartphone charger.

The stand-out interior feature though is a massive fold-down entertainment screen that can be used when the E07 is parked, while the front seats can fold flat with the second-row to create a lie-down area.