MG to launch U9 ute this year

MG MOTOR Australia has confirmed the arrival of its ‘U9’ dual-cab ute for the local market.

Arriving in the fourth quarter of this year, the U9 – which is badged as the ‘P9’ in its home market – is based upon the LDV Terron 9, both vehicles from state-owned parent SAIC – and both powered by a 164kW/520Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Making its local debut at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show, the MG U9 will be sold only in dual-cab pick-up format, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard.

Based on the measurements of its LDV sibling, the MG U9 is expected to measure 5500mm in length, 1997mm in width, 1860mm in height, and 3300mm in wheelbase, with 220mm on ground clearance at kerb weight.

Other specification, equipment details, and pricing will be reserved until closer to the vehicle’s Australian launch, MG Motor Australia chief executive officer Peter Ciao assuring GoAuto the vehicle will “answer the call with capability, comfort, and uncompromising value”, suggesting a class-competitive payload of 1000kg and braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

“You can’t be a successful importer in the Australian market without a ute,” he said candidly.

“The U9 isn’t just a new model, it’s a turning point for us. We’ve built our reputation on delivering unmatched value, and now we’re bringing that same promise to one of Australia’s most competitive segments.”

Speaking of the aspirations of MG Motor as a volume seller, Mr Ciao said the U9 would help the importer to become a top-three brand Down Under, telling GoAuto it aims to be in fifth position locally by the end of 2027.

“If we want to be a top-three brand in this country, we need a ute that punches above its weight, and the U9 does exactly that,” he added.

“It is tough, capable, and built for the way Australians drive. We know the demand is there, and we’re ready for it.”

While Mr Ciao would not comment on expected volume aspirations for the U9, the vehicle’s expected price position is certain to see it compete on even footing with the likes of the GWM Cannon Alpha, LDV Terron 9, and others – including models from stalwart brands like Toyota and Ford.

In bringing the fight directly to Ford Motor Company, Mr Ciao said the MG U9 will arrive “later” with a plug-in hybrid driveline option, without committing to a date, but ruled out an all-electric alternative, saying that duty will remain with LDV and its eTerron 9 due in the second quarter of this year.

Wishing to distinguish its model more clearly from the LDV Terron 9, MG Motor Australia chief commercial officer Giles Belcher said the U9 will present clearly as an MG product, hinting at an individual chassis tune and interior content.

“While it is a shared platform with LDV, the U9 has been ‘MG-ified’, if you like. It’s not exactly the same. It’s tuned differently, it looks slightly different, and we will have our own cosmetic touches,” he said.

“We’ll back it with our 10-year warranty, and we will back it with our dealer network.”

Mr Belcher said the U9 will be available from MG Motors’ “extensive” national dealer network and supported by its 10-year/250,000km warranty when Australian deliveries commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

Pre-orders are set to open in the second half of 2025.