MG Opens Orders for the U9 Electric Ute in Australia From $78,990

MG Motor Australia has opened order books for the U9 EV with a starting price of $78,990 before on-road costs. Company specifications list dual electric motors producing up to 325 kW and 700 Nm, a 0–100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds, a 102.2 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a WLTP range of 430 km, and up to 115 kW DC charging that raises state of charge from 20 to 80 percent in about 42 minutes.

The capability numbers are the selling point. MG states the U9 EV has a braked towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a payload of 685 kg, matching its turbo-diesel sibling and exceeding the Toyota HiLux BEV’s published towing figure. Australia will receive the U9 only in an all-wheel-drive, body-on-frame form with features such as 236 litres of under-bonnet storage and standard air suspension, and MG reports strong early customer interest.

The honest caveat is that towing and range are enemies: a 430 km WLTP figure is measured unladen, and real-world range while towing 3,500 kg will be far lower, as it is for every electric ute. The U9 joins a very small local electric-ute market that includes the KGM Musso EV and HiLux BEV, so its real test will be charging access and towing conditions in everyday use — not the spec sheet. For buyers who want diesel capability without diesel running costs, it is now the most capable-sounding option on order in Australia.