Key Points
- The MG U9 EV has received Australian regulatory approval, signalling an imminent local launch
- It uses a dual-motor AWD setup with 325 kW of power and 3,500 kg braked towing capacity
- The electric U9 is heavier and more powerful than the diesel version, but towing capacity is the same
Originally shared by EV enthusiast Will Knott, MG has received ADR (Australian Design Rules) approval for its first electric ute - the MG U9 EV. The approval was listed on the Australian Government's ROVER database, which tracks vehicle compliance. This is a key step before a vehicle can go on sale in Australia.
MG has not yet confirmed a launch date or pricing for the electric U9. But regulatory approval means a launch could come soon.
What Is the MG U9 EV?
The MG U9 EV is the battery-electric version of the MG U9 diesel ute. It uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a combined output of 325 kW. The front motor produces 200 kW and the rear motor produces 125 kW.
It has a 5,500 mm length, 1,997 mm width, and 1,860 mm height. The wheelbase is 3,300 mm and ground clearance is 230 mm. It seats five and has four side doors.
Key Specs
Below are the MG U9 EV’s key specs as outlined in the government approval.
MG U9 EV Key Specs
Spec | MG U9 EV |
Powertrain | BEV |
Motors | Dual motor (front 200 kW + rear 125 kW) |
Total Power | 325 kW |
Drive | AWD (4WD) |
Braked Towing | 3,500 kg |
Unbraked Towing | 750 kg |
Length | 5,500 mm |
Width | 1,997 mm |
Height | 1,860 mm |
Wheelbase | 3,300 mm |
Ground Clearance | 230 mm |
Tare Mass | 2,815 kg |
GVM | 3,500 kg |
Seats | 5 |
Body Style | Utility (Ute) |
MG U9 EV vs MG U9 Diesel
The electric U9 shares the same platform and body as the diesel version. Both offer 3,500 kg braked towing. The key differences are in the powertrain and weight.
MG U9 EV vs MG U9 Diesel
Spec | MG U9 EV | MG U9 Diesel |
Powertrain | BEV (dual motor) | 2.5L turbo-diesel |
Power | 325 kW | 160 kW |
Torque | TBC | 520 Nm |
Drive | AWD | 4WD |
Braked Towing | 3,500 kg | 3,500 kg |
Tare Mass | 2,815 kg | 2,450-2,550 kg |
GVM | 3,500 kg | 3,320 kg |
Length | 5,500 mm | 5,500 mm |
Wheelbase | 3,300 mm | 3,300 mm |
Fuel/Energy | TBC | 7.9 L/100km |
CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km (tailpipe) | 208 g/km |
The EV version is about 265-365 kg heavier than the diesel. This is typical for electric utes due to the weight of the battery. The EV also produces more than double the power of the diesel.
How Does It Compare to Other Electric Utes?
The electric ute segment in Australia is still small. The KGM Musso EV is currently the main option.
The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute, not a full BEV. Here is how the MG U9 EV stacks up against the KGM Musso EV AWD.
MG U9 EV vs KGM Musso EV (AWD)
Spec | MG U9 EV | KGM Musso EV AWD |
Powertrain | BEV | BEV |
Power | 325 kW | 175 kW |
Drive | AWD | AWD |
Braked Towing | 3,500 kg | 1,800 kg |
WLTP Range | TBC | 379 km |
Battery | TBC | 81 kWh (useable) |
Tare Mass | 2,815 kg | 2,385 kg |
Length | 5,500 mm | 5,160 mm |
Price | TBC | $64,000 |
The MG U9 EV has a clear advantage in towing capacity, with 3,500 kg braked versus 1,800 kg for the Musso EV. It is also longer and more powerful. Range and battery size for the U9 EV are not yet confirmed.
What We Don't Know Yet
MG has not confirmed the battery size, WLTP range, charging speed, or pricing for the U9 EV in Australia. A launch date has also not been announced. We will update this article when more details are available.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
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