The highly anticipated MG U9 dual-cab ute is now open for pre-orders ahead of its launch in Australia later this year. MG Motor Australia is offering a special incentive of a $1,000 accessory bonus for customers who place early orders. The vehicle is expected to arrive in showrooms during the last quarter of 2023, between October and December.
While details on pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, it is anticipated that the U9 will be priced higher than the LDV Terron 9, which debuted in June with a starting price of $50,990 drive-away for ABN holders. The U9 is expected to offer enhanced features compared to its LDV counterpart and will include a multi-link independent rear suspension, which could improve ride quality and handling.
Specifications and Features
The MG U9 is set to feature a robust 3500kg braked towing capacity, a benchmark in its category. Currently, no dual-cab ute on the market, including popular models like the Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux, offers independent rear suspension, which is generally preferred for better comfort compared to conventional leaf-spring setups. The LDV Terron 9 also utilizes leaf-spring rear suspension, distinguishing it from the U9.
Key dimensions for the U9 have been revealed through government approval documents. It measures 5,500mm in length, making it slightly larger than the Ranger but smaller than full-size pickups such as the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. The U9 has a width of 1,997mm, a height of 1,860mm, and a wheelbase of 3,300mm, with a ground clearance of 220mm on either 18-inch or optional 20-inch alloy wheels.
Under the hood, the U9 will share a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with the Terron 9, featuring all-wheel drive capabilities. The engine is expected to deliver 160kW of power, although torque figures are yet to be confirmed. The Terron 9 produces 520Nm of torque between 1,500-2,500rpm, which may indicate similar performance metrics for the U9.
Payload capacity is also noteworthy, with approval documents showing figures of 880kg for one model variant and up to 1,102kg for another, surpassing the Terron 9’s 1,005-1,100kg range.
Interior and Safety Features
Inside, the U9 promises a spacious cabin, reminiscent of the Terron 9’s layout, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens. It will also include a console-mounted gear shifter, differentiating it from the LDV model. Although the U9 has not yet been rated by the safety authority ANCAP, it is expected to come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety and driver-assist features.
The introduction of the MG U9 is seen as a strategic move to enhance the brand’s presence in the competitive Australian market. Following a decline in sales, where MG slipped to 12th place in July 2025, this new dual-cab ute could help the brand regain traction. Competitors such as GWM, BYD, and Chery have been performing strongly, with BYD’s Shark 6 dual-cab ute emerging as a top seller. Only Chery does not currently offer a dual-cab ute in its lineup.
As the MG U9 prepares to hit the market, potential buyers may want to take advantage of the pre-order incentive to secure their place in what could be a significant addition to the dual-cab segment in Australia.
