Reliable pickup truck shopping usually means accepting a trade-off: you pick power and pay at the pump, or you save fuel and pull less. The latest Z9 diesel model breaks that rule. It pairs a new-generation M9T 2.3 L engine with smart driveline tech to give drivers real muscle - 500 N·m of torque - while sipping just 7.7 L/100 km. Below, we explore how this truck rewrites the rulebook for power, efficiency, and day-to-day reliability.

Power Redefined With the M9T Engine
Every great pickup starts with its engine, and the M9T sets a fresh benchmark in the mid- to large-size class.
• How the M9T Delivers 500 N·m
The heart of the power surge is a larger Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that changes vane angles on the fly. That means instant boost at low revs and strong breathing at high rpm - no lag, no flat spots.
✅ 400 % faster boost response at 1 500 rpm
✅ 140 kW peak output keeps trailers rolling on steep grades
✅ High-flow 8-hole injectors lift fuel delivery from 860 ml/min to 1 050 ml/min
✅ Delphi dual-plunger common-rail pump holds rail pressure even under heavy load
Beyond the hard numbers, the truck feels alive under your right foot. Zero-to-40 km/h takes just 3.4 s when fully loaded, a figure usually claimed by lighter lifestyle pickups.
• Smooth Control Through a Luxury-Grade 8-Speed AT
The same ZF 8-speed automatic used by premium European SUVs manages the torque wave. Short first gears launch the payload, while tall top gears keep revs low on highways. Paddle shifters allow manual control when you need it, but most drivers will let the transmission do the thinking.
Fuel Efficiency Without Compromise
A big engine does not have to drink big. The Z9's engineering team focused on squeezing every drop of energy from each drop of diesel.
• Smart Combustion Meets Lightweight Design
While the turbo handles airflow, precise fuel metering finishes the job. Electromagnetic valve injectors trim timing to the millisecond, ensuring full burn and fewer particulates. A two-stage oil pump adapts flow to engine load, cutting parasitic drag.
The payoff shows at the pump:
✅ 7.7 L/100 km combined cycle - best-in-class for a 500 N·m truck
✅ Regeneration-ready exhaust filter runs 400 km between self-cleans
✅ One-touch or automatic cleaning; takes under 30 min, even with the truck locked
✅ App-based status check eliminates surprises on the worksite
Day-to-day, that means lower operating costs and less downtime. Fleet managers see fuel bills drop; weekend adventurers travel farther between fills.
Real-World Reliability, From Urban Heat to Alpine Highs
Specs are one thing, but trucks earn reputations on tough roads. The Z9 has already logged thousands of test kilometres in punishing conditions.

- Tested in Heat, Cold, and Thin Air
Turpan's 45 ℃ deserts pushed the cooling system through 50 full-throttle runs without limp mode. At 4 000 m in Chamdo, the pickup held 420 N·m of torque - enough to out-accelerate rivals by up to three seconds in 0-100 km/h tests. Fans move 6 685 m³/h of air across a high-capacity radiator so the engine stays in its sweet spot, even while towing uphill.
- Multi-Scenario Drive Modes for Every Surface
Drivers can choose from ten distinct modes - Eco, Sport, Snow, Desert, Mud, Rock, Expert, Crawl, Tank Turn, and Standard. Steering weight, throttle mapping, and ESC thresholds adjust instantly. In Expert Mode, you create your own mix for special jobs, saving it like a phone profile.
• Eco trims throttle and shifts early to maximise range
• Sport sharpens response for quick overtakes
• Crawl applies hill-descent logic for slow, steady climbs
• Built to Last, Easy to Own
✅ Self-cleaning exhaust parts withstand high-sulphur fuel and rough roads
✅ Double-stage air filtration shields the engine on dusty construction sites
✅ 120 kg lighter than many peers, cutting brake and tyre wear
✅ 5-year / 150 000 km factory warranty covers powertrain and electronics
Owners report smooth starts in winter, no overheating in summer traffic, and quiet cabin manners thanks to triple door seals. In short, the reliable pickup truck delivers heavy-duty performance with compact-car running costs.
Bottom line: if you're searching for a reliable pickup truck that hauls like a workhorse yet runs like a hybrid, the M9T-powered Z9 deserves a test-drive. It proves you can have high torque, quick acceleration, and low fuel bills in one well-rounded package - no compromises required.