Ram 3500 arrives as utilitarian hero

RAM Trucks Australia has wrapped up its product onslaught with the release of its flagship 3500 super duty pick-up, of which just the single Laramie variant is being offered from $162,950 plus on-road costs.

 

Sharing almost all of its DNA with the same-sized but slightly more affordable 2500 Laramie ($157,950), the new 3500 is the utilitarian hero of Ram’s local line-up, boasting the same 8000kg braked towing capacity as its sibling but upping the payload capacity to 1724kg (from the 2500’s 835kg rating) thanks to its even heavier-duty rear axle.

 

Other than that, pretty much all the specifications are the same in terms of the powertrain, dimensions, underpinnings and even standard equipment.

 

Under the enormous bonnet resides an equally massive 6.7-litre Cummins straight-six turbo-diesel engine churning out 276kW of power and 1152Nm of torque, with the latter figure available from just 1700rpm.

 

Drive is typically sent to the rear wheels, however the standard BorgWarner electronic transfer case does offer up high- or low-range four-wheel-drive.

 

Suspension duties are taken care of by adaptive dampers in all four corners, complemented by standard adaptive cruise control which Ram says allows for a “seriously luxurious” driving and towing experience.

 

Inside the cabin is a configurable 7.0-inch digital display within the instrument cluster, digital rearview mirror, 12-inch Uconnect infotainment system, leather upholstery, active noise cancellation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, premium 10-speaker Alpine sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

A 360-degree camera system is also included as standard, as are trailer sway control, trailer reverse guidance and camera-based payload monitor.

 

Headline safety features include forward collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path and trailer detection.

 

Ram Trucks Australia national manager Jeff Barber said the arrival of the 3500 marked the completion of 2021’s primary task; “to deliver a full range of fit-for-purpose vehicles for the Australian consumer”. 

 

“The 3500 is a remarkable vehicle that cements our product offering in 2021,” he said.

 

“Only RAM Trucks Australia can deliver such a vehicle thanks to our robust and detailed planning, development, remanufacturing, and testing programme in conjunction with our local and global partners including Stellantis.”

 

Ram Trucks Australia has sold 2865 vehicles so far this year ending September 31; the vast majority (2820) of which have been 1500s.