MG U9 may usher in an electric version of the "brother" model in Australia, and may even be the first to go public before LDV. In November 2024, Ateco, an Australian LDV dealer, Automotive confirmed that eTerron 9 would be launched in early 2025. However, although the vehicle has been photographed and tested locally, the release time has been continuously delayed and there is no definite time for its launch. At the same time, MG, which is also owned by SAIC (although it has its own distribution channels), has been approved to drive the "twin" of the model on Australian roads. We have contacted MG to confirm the launch date of the U9 EV and asked LDV for an update on the progress of the eTerron 9. CarExpert can help you save thousands of Australian dollars on new car purchases, click here to get the discount.
According to the approval document, the U9 EV is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The two motors output 200 kW power and 125 kW torque respectively. The total power of the system reaches 325 kW. The brake towing capacity is 3500kg, the load is 685kg, and 18, 19 or 20 inch wheels are available. The document does not list the battery capacity, but the same platform LDV eTerron 9 is equipped with a 102 kW-hour lithium iron phosphate battery with a WLTP range of 430 kilometers. U9 EV is another MG model leaked by Euro NCAP(Euro NCAP). Last year, its website published information containing appearance photos. Previously, similar situations also appeared on the new QS large SUV plug-in hybrid version.
The five-star rating is based on testing of the Maxus(LDV)eTerron 9, and MG will use the P9 EV logo in Europe. The car has not yet been sold locally. Australian certification documents and Euro NCAP results show that the front face of the electric MG is similar to but not exactly the same as the LDV version. The headlamp unit is connected to the C- shaped daytime running lamps by a pass-through strip located above the enclosed grille area. But unlike the LDV, the sensor array appears to have openings in a diamond pattern on both sides. The overall front bumper design is different, with yellow vertical trim strips at both ends.
In the rear part, the two pickup trucks are almost identical, and both are equipped with vertical tail light groups connected by through-type light strips. The rear of the car is also the place where the two electric cars are closest to the diesel version. As for other parts of the difference is not clear. The diesel version differs in interior details such as the rear suspension layout and shift lever. MG also exclusively provides "Smart Hatch" (Smart Hatch), which can lower the partition between the cargo box and the carriage to free up space for loading long items. U9 EV pricing is not yet clear. At present, the landing price of diesel U9 series is 52,990 to 60,990 Australian dollars.
LDV is the first electric pickup truck brand to enter Australia. In 2023, it introduced eT60 with single-motor rear-drive and non-load-bearing body. However, the market segment was quiet, with few eT60 sales. The next electric pickup truck, KGM Musso EV, will not be unveiled until 2025, offering single-motor front-drive or dual-motor full-drive. In contrast, the United States has experienced an electric pickup boom, but the initial heat has cooled-Tesla Cybertruck sales plummeted by nearly half in 2025, and Ford F-150 Lightning will be replaced by extended-range electric vehicles.
Plug-in hybrid pickups are growing much faster in Australia than pure electric. BYD Shark (BYD Shark 6) was released as the first such model last year, and then quickly followed up with Ford Ranger PHEV and Great Wall Gun Alpha PHEV. Chery, Jianghuai and Nissan will also join the competition. In particular, the Shark 6 is highly sought after. Last year, it became Australia's best-selling plug-in hybrid model, even surpassing the benchmark of traditional pickup trucks such as Mazda BT-50.