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New models - MG - U9MG U9 ute prices slips beneath $53K drive-awaySharp pricing for first MG ute model expected to attract strong early demand19 Sep 2025 By TOM BAKER MG MOTOR Australia has locked in driveaway pricing for its inaugural ute model, the U9, which remains scheduled to reach showrooms in November.
A three-variant U9 line-up will open at $52,990 drive-away for the entry-grade Explore trim, with a mid-tier Explore X priced at $55,990 d/a. The flagship U9 Explore Pro will cost $60,990 d/a at launch.
The U9’s arrival is expected to play a pivotal role in MG’s ambition to secure a top-five place in the Australian new car market. The brand finished seventh in 2024 but has slipped to tenth so far this year.
Pricing has been calibrated to attract demand in the crowded dual-cab pick-up segment. The U9 undercuts equivalent trim grades of mainstream rivals such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger and is priced similarly to a Mitsubishi Triton.
However, the MG carries a premium over budget-focussed entrants like the GWM Cannon ute range ($38,300-$49,990 d/a), while positioning sits higher than the closely related LDV Terron 9 range (from $49,990 d/a), distributed locally by Ateco.
Like the Terron 9, all U9 variants at launch will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 160kW/520Nm. This mill is paired to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system with BorgWarner dual-range transfer case.
MG has indicated that a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the U9 is on the cards, while a battery-electric (BEV) version that is already ready for sale overseas was declined by MG Australia on profitability grounds.
As with the Terron, 9 the MG U9 is unusual in its use of a unibody platform, rather than the body-on-frame design typical for this segment. However, a key distinction is the MG’s use of a multi-link independent rear suspension with coil springs in place of the LDV’s live axle/leaf sprung design.
Braked towing capacity remains 3500kg even with the independent rear, while payload ranges from 770kg in the high-spec Explore Pro up to 870kg in the entry-grade Explore. All models share 3320kg GVM and 6500km GCM ratings with tare mass of between 2398-2498kg.
Claimed fuel economy stands at 7.9L/100km for all three U9 variants, with an 80-litre fuel tank delivering a theoretical 1012km range. Centre and rear locking differentials are standard range-wide with the Explore Pro adding a front locker.
Base Explore grades ($52,990 d/a) are fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, chrome trim, a painted tub liner, artificial leather seat trim, a six-way powered driver’s seat, leather steering wheel, dual 12.3-inch displays, reversing camera and push-button start.
Stepping into the mid-tier Explore X ($55,990 d/a) adds 19s, better tri-beam lights, acoustic glass, heated seats, a powered passenger seat, navigation, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, LED tub lighting and a cargo rail system, and MG’s iSmart car connectivity system (with 12 months’ free access).
Finally, the Explore Pro ($60,990 d/a) introduces a black exterior pack, 20-inch wheels, panoramic opening sunroof, real leather trim, upgraded 12-way driver’s seat with cooling, heated outboard rear seats, JBL eight-speaker stereo, suede headliner, ambient lighting and an electric-opening tailgate.
Optional on the Explore Pro only is an innovative power-opening midgate (enabled by the U9’s unibody construction – meaning there is no actual separation between the body and the tray). Pricing for the midgate, which includes a power-sliding window, is not yet known.
The U9 range was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating earlier this week. However, the score is based on Euro NCAP results for the BEV eTerron 9, rather than a diesel-engine U9.
Warranty terms differ based on customer usage. Unlike other MG models that have a 10-year/250,000km service-activated warranty, private or small/medium fleet users receive standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre coverage, extendable to seven years/200,000km when a U9 is serviced only with MG’s network.
For large fleets (such as rental companies) the coverage is five years/160,000km.
Scheduled servicing totals $2395 for the first five years/70,000km, with visit pricing alternating between $399 and $499 before climbing to $599 for the fifth service.
2026 MG U9 pricing*:
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