The MGU9 EV Ute is top-class engineering with a price to match, but long term, it could save Australian drivers thousands of dollars a year they would normally spend on diesel. The U9 is now on sale in Australia for $78,990 plus on-road costs, so that’s a lot to pay up front before you start saving on fuel costs. So you need to crunch the numbers to see when the value clicks in, but there is much more than fuel savings to get excited about when it comes to MG’s colossal electric ute.
Check out the product overview below:
| Key Function | Specifications & Feature Highlights |
|---|---|
| ◆ Powertrain & Performance | Features a Dual-motor AWD system delivering 325kW of power and 700Nm of torque. Achieves 0–100km/h acceleration in just 5.8 seconds. |
| ◆ Battery & Charging | Equipped with a 102.2kWh LFP battery providing up to 430km WLTP range. Supports 11kW AC charging and 115kW DC fast charging (20–80% in approximately 42 minutes). |
| ◆ Towing & Utility | Built for active lifestyles with 3,500kg braked towing capacity (750kg unbraked) and a 685kg payload. Includes a massive 236L frunk and 6.6kW external V2L (2.2kW internal) to power equipment off-grid. |
| ◆ Chassis & Safety | Rides on full-function Four-wheel Electronic Air Suspension for optimal comfort and capability, backed by a maximum 5-Star ANCAP safety rating. |
| ◆ Interior & Technology | Combines ute practicality with SUV refinement. Features leather front seats (with heating, ventilation, and massage for the driver), dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 15W wireless charging, and an 8-speaker JBL sound system. |
| ◆ Pricing & Availability | Available in Australia now. Priced at MSRP $78,990 + on-road costs. Includes MG’s seven-year warranty when serviced within the nationwide dealer network. |
First Impressions: Big and Powerful
The first thing you notice when you jump into the MGU9 EV is its size. Holy cow, it’s massive… weighing in at 2,815kg (tare) and 5.5 m in length. The dual cab is roomy as a result, and it’s packed with tech for driving comfort and on-road management.
The ute has an impressive 430km WLTP driving range, 3,500kg braked towing capacity, and a 0–100km/h time of 5.8 seconds. Powered by a 102.2 kWh LFP battery and dual electric motors, the MGU9 EV produces 325kW of power and 700Nm of torque. The MGU9 EV supports 11kW AC charging, while DC charging from 20–80 per cent takes approximately 42 minutes at up to 115kW. It also features all-wheel drive and full-function four-wheel Electronic Air Suspension, which is my favourite feature to demo.
The MGU EV was designed for Australia, and Image Matrix Tech is one of the first to test drive it.
“The MGU9 EV brings together the capability and utility people expect from a ute with the comfort and benefits of an electric powertrain,” said Dimitri Andreatidis, Marketing Director at MG Motor Australia.
“It’s designed to be used every day, whether that’s for work during the week, the school run, or getting away on the weekend. Being the first market globally to launch the MGU9 EV is also a significant milestone for MG and reflects the importance of Australia to our business.”
Up front, the MGU9 EV has a huge 236-litre frunk and a tub that can accommodate a standard pallet, but you’ll only get 685kg of payload on board. The 6.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability allows owners to use the vehicle to power equipment through the external CCS2 outlet, with three additional 2.2kW outlets inside the cabin.
Cabin Tech
The cabin still feels like a ute, but it’s a smooth ride. It features dual 12.3-inch screens, leather front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15W wireless charging, and an eight-speaker JBL sound system. The driver’s seat is heated, ventilated, and offers massage functionality, while the front passenger seat and steering wheel are also heated. The vehicle also features a hands-free automatic tailgate and a 360-degree camera.
“With 430km of range, 3.5-tonne towing, 325kW of power, and V2L capability, the MGU9 EV is designed to handle everyday driving as well as weekends away,” said Meng Chen, Head of Product at MG Motor Australia.
“It gives customers the option to move to an electric ute without giving up the utility and flexibility they expect.”
Crunching the Numbers
At around $80,000, the MGU9 EV is more expensive than PHEV/petrol or pure diesel options out there. So you need to look at the numbers like range, payload, charging options, and fuel prices.
I’ve been looking for a second-hand diesel ute since moving out of Sydney, around a two-hour drive from Sydney City. I’ve decided against it due to the rising diesel prices and the likelihood of them going higher over the next few years. A PHEV/petrol ute was my next option, but the MGU9 EV has got me considering an all-electric option for the first time.
If the range is usable for me but not quite there yet. And that’s the decision you have to make if you’re looking at the MGU9 EV. Does it suit me and my needs? I’ll have a week in the MG to give you a better idea before publishing my full review on Image Matrix Auto Tech’s video channel.
