MG U9 EV ute is coming to Australia first, and it's ready to tow like a diesel 

Key highlights

• MG U9 EV confirmed for Australia with 430km WLTP range
• Dual motors produce 325kW and 700Nm, with 3500kg braked towing
• Pricing and customer delivery timing are yet to be announced

Australians love a dual-cab ute, and now there’s a new electric contender lining up to join the fight. MG U9 EV specifications have been detailed locally, and the numbers stack up well against some genuinely tough diesel competition.

Here’s the headline stat that’ll get tradies and tow-rig owners paying attention; 3500kg braked towing capacity. That’s the same figure you’ll find on Australia’s best-selling utes, the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, vehicles that have built their reputations on lugging boats, caravans and horse floats without breaking a sweat.

Read more: MG4 Urban EV now starts at $29,990 drive-away with cashback

325kW and 3500kg towing

The MG U9 EV uses two electric motors producing a combined 325kW and 700Nm. MG claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds. More importantly for ute buyers, it has a 3500kg braked towing capacity, putting it on par with established diesel utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. Maximum unbraked towing capacity is 750kg, while payload is rated at 685kg.

The MG U9 EV also gets vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. It can supply up to 6.6kW through its external outlet, while three internal outlets can provide up to 2.2kW, allowing owners to run electrical equipment away from a conventional power source. The tub can accommodate a standard pallet, while a 236-litre storage compartment sits under the bonnet.

Unlike the diesel U9, the electric version gets four-wheel electronic air suspension, which is designed to provide adjustable ride height and a more comfortable ride.

What equipment does the MG U9 EV get?

The MG U9 EV will arrive with a substantial list of standard equipment, including a hands-free power tailgate, surround-view camera and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It also gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 15W wireless smartphone charger.

The front seats are leather-trimmed, with the driver’s seat offering heating, ventilation and massage functions. The front passenger seat and steering wheel are also heated. An eight-speaker JBL sound system is included.

Safety credentials are also promising, with MG stating the U9 has a five-star ANCAP rating. However, ANCAP has yet to publish its rating for the Australian-market vehicle. The closely related vehicle received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2024.

How does it compare with other electric utes?

The MG U9 EV will enter a market where electric utes remain relatively uncommon. Toyota’s HiLux BEV offers a claimed 245km WLTP range and 2000kg braked towing capacity, while the KGM Musso EV offers between 380km and 420km of range depending on the variant and can tow up to 1800kg.

The MG’s 430km range and 3500kg towing capacity therefore give it figures that are closer to conventional diesel utes, although real-world range while towing will inevitably be lower than the official WLTP figure. MG’s electric ute is also closely related to the LDV eTerron 9 sold in other markets, but MG is bringing the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version to Australia rather than the single-motor rear-wheel-drive model.

For buyers considering an electric ute, the biggest missing pieces are now the price and delivery date. The diesel-powered MG U9 currently starts at $59,990 drive-away, but there is no confirmed pricing for the U9 EV yet.