Words: Autocar
Published 27 March 2026
The electric version of the MG’s U9 ute is a step closer to becoming a reality in Australasia, but MG New Zealand says there is nothing to confirm yet.
Asked about the prospect of a battery-electric U9 coming to New Zealand, MG New Zealand tells AutoTrader: “The new U9 EV Ute is under consideration for our market, but we don’t have anything to announce at the moment.”
This line of questioning follows some interesting activity regarding the ute in Australia.
The MG U9 EV recently appeared on Australia’s ROVER compliance database this week, confirming it has received Australian Design Rules approval — a necessary regulatory step before any vehicle can be sold in Australia or New Zealand.
The filing, first spotted by EV enthusiast Will Knott on the Electric Vehicles for Australia Facebook group, confirms regional specifications.
The U9 EV heading to Australia will be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive ute producing a combined 325kW from a 200kW rear motor and 125kW front unit.
Key specifications from the approval documents include 3500kg braked towing capacity (matching the diesel U9), a tare weight of 2815kg, and dimensions identical to the existing diesel model at 5500mm long, 1997mm wide and 1860mm tall. Wheel options of 18, 19 or 20 inches are listed, with payload rated at 685kg.
Battery capacity and range are not included in the filing, but the U9 EV is understood to share its platform with the LDV eTerron 9, which uses a 102kWh lithium iron phosphate pack and offers 430km of WLTP range in other markets.
Two SAIC brands, one electric ute
The U9 EV adds another layer to an already complicated picture within parent company SAIC Motor. The LDV eTerron 9 is essentially the same vehicle under different branding, and LDV distributor Ateco Automotive has been promising the eTerron 9 for the Australian market since late 2024, with timing repeatedly slipping. There is currently no confirmed launch date.
MG, which handles its own distribution in Australasia, could potentially beat its SAIC sibling to market — an unusual bit of internal brand competition.
AutoTrader understands the LDV eTerron 9 has already landed unofficially in New Zealand, meaning both SAIC electric ute platforms now have a physical presence in the region even though neither is officially on sale.
New Zealand does not yet have the diesel MG U9 either. It launched in Australia late last year priced from A$52,990 to A$60,990 drive-away and has been well received there.
What it would be up against
New Zealand’s electric ute options remain extremely limited. The BYD Shark is available as a plug-in hybrid but is not a full BEV. Globally, the KGM (SsangYong) Musso EV offers only 1800kg of braked towing, while the Toyota HiLux BEV is expected to arrive with a modest 240km range.
On paper, the MG U9 EV’s combination of 325kW, 3500kg towing, all-wheel drive and an expected range around 430km would make it the most capable electric ute available in this market, though pricing and timing remain unknown.
The vehicle has already achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, tested under the Maxus (LDV) eTerron 9 badge. In Europe, MG is expected to sell the same vehicle as the P9 EV.
