Diesel power has dominated the 4x4 utility market since the 1980s, however, it’s safe to say the modern hotly contested dual-cab ute market is evolving at a rate of knots.
Namely with the introduction of hybrid-powered utes such as the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha. Now, we have the 2026 MGU9 EV.
The 2027 MGU9 EV, due on sale locally Q4 2026 in Essence form from $78,990 before on-roads, is one of the first all-wheel-drive, fully electric lifestyle vehicles in existence.
It relies solely on power from two electric motors, mounted at the front and rear of its monocoque chassis, one riding on fully independent ride height adjustable air suspension.
So why is the MGU9 EV an important vehicle? Because it’s the first 4x4 full-size electric utility vehicle in Australia with a claimed range that, at 430 kilometres WLTP, appears decent enough to get the job of a ute done.
On paper, there’s plenty going for lifestyle enthusiasts and tradies too. There’s no need to install a dedicated 12-volt system to power a fridge, thanks to front-and-rear inbuilt vehicle to load (V2L) ports.
There’s also no need for an aftermarket suspension lift kit, thanks to the factory five-stage height adjustable air suspension. And there’s certainly no need for an aftermarket long-range fuel tank, for obvious reasons…
However, one look at the specs shows the MGU9 EV only offers a payload capacity of 685kg, well down on the one-tonne capacity usually expected from a bona-fide workhorse. Pack the vehicle with five adult passengers, and hitch up a caravan, you will find yourself running out of payload capacity very quickly.
For comparison, the BYD Shark 6 offers up to 790kg payload capacity in Premium variant, the Ford Ranger PHEV offers up to 973kg payload capacity, while the GWM Cannon Alpha does keep the MGU9 EV company with just 685kg of payload capacity.
After digesting those numbers and specs, we now have a very big question to answer. Is the MGU9 EV actually any good at being a ute first, and an EV second?
So what are some inclusions for the 2026 MGU9 EV:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Three colour options (Alpine White, Canyon Grey and Highland Green)
- 360 degree camera
- Towing Mode
- Off-road Mode
- 12.3-inch instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Eight-speaker JBL audio system
- Heated front seats
- Front-and-rear Vehicle To Load power points
- Five stage height adjustable air suspension
- Spray on tub liner
- Access to Thule accessories
- Tub takes a standard Aussie spec pallet
- Five-star ANCAP rating
- User preference ADAS adjustment
How does the MGU9 EV drive?
Largely, the on-road experience is a positive one from our initial first drive.
When combined, its two electric motors provide 325kW and 700Nm – 125kW is provided by the front motor, and 200kW from the rear motor – which are solid figures for a ute.
With one motor per axle, there’s no transfer case, which also means no low-range reduction gearing offered, nor differential locks.
The local launch program for the MGU9 EV offered little in the way of any genuine off-road testing, so further investigation will be required to determine how capable the electric ute actually is off-road.
As you’d expect, the power delivery on offer makes for a quite rapid ute: its 0-100km/h claim is 5.8 seconds. That’s especially impressive when you consider this is a very large and heavy vehicle weighing in at 2815kg.
There are various drive modes to work through, for both on and off-road terrain, all of which are easy to navigate and select from console mounted switchgear and displayed on the 12.3-inch multimedia screen.
MG has opted for a 102.2kWh LFP battery in the MGU9, though with DC charging capped at a 115kW peak it takes approximately 42 mins to raise the state of charge from 20 to 80 percent.
So if we do some rudimentary math using their claimed range of 430km, to make it from Sydney to Melbourne (878km) means you’ll be stopping at least twice to charge. This means adding 1.5 hours to your journey as a best case scenario.
Speaking of negatives, there was some throttle run-on experienced after lifting the go pedal from acceleration. Not an alarming amount, but a noticeable amount.
Steering feel was also rubbery, even after adjusting the sensitivity (again via the touchscreen) almost like it was being made artificially heavy when it didn’t need to be. I would have also loved a thicker steering wheel, as per the BYD Shark 6.
Unladen ride quality was a little jittery in feel due to the nature of an adjustable air suspension system combined with an unladen ute. While not buttery smooth in execution, this system offers five-stages of height-adjustment thus loads of practicality.
At its highest setting, the MGU9 EV sits 75mm (or three inches) taller: a super helpful tool when playing on sharp rocks, or when a bit more sill clearance is required.
You can also lower the suspension to make it easier to access the ute. This can even be activated externally when opening the tailgate by pressing the button located on the passengers side of the tub. One touch of the lower/uplift button opens the tailgate, press it a second time and it lowers the vehicle.
This is simple and effective in operation, and something most people would use.
However, it does ask questions of the long-term reliability of any air suspension system in a ute as the air-compressor will be working hard to keep airbags inflated – thankfully, it has more than enough battery to keep up power a decently sized compressor.
Brakes are nice and predictable with a firm pedal feel, especially when combined with the in-built regenerative braking offered by an EV such as the U9 EV.
Regenerative braking sensitivity levels can be adjusted via the touchscreen, also, which is nice for the discerning motorist who craves more control and input.
How is the MGU9 EV’s interior?
Interior design is essentially based on the diesel powered MGU9, so it’s a somewhat familiar sight inside the MGU9 EV.
The first thing you’ll notice about the interior, is it’s simply massive inside. With huge amounts of head and leg room available for all seating occupants.
The dash layout is sleek and almost minimalist in design, which is not what you’d expect. It’s tasteful and certainly a comfortable place to be. Especially the seats which are comfortable and spacious.
The Infotainment screen, while large at 12.3 inches, felt a little low rent layout wise. Which was a shame as it’s such an integral part of a vehicle such as this.
Also, no physical volume knob is present which means you are controlling volume levels via the touchscreen or by using the steering wheel controls.
With such large bonnet dimensions, it’s rather hard to see past the end of it especially if you are on the shorter side of life.
The bonnet design though is rather cool, and in some ways mimics the Range Rover Classic. The folds of the bonnet sit exactly where your front wheels are, making it easy to know where to point the ute.
In saying that, the MGU9 EV is loaded with cameras, including 360 cameras and an invisible chassis mode which work well and make piloting the vehicle a simple affair.
While technically outside the vehicle, we love the inclusion of a front storage boot. This is also powered with a 220v VTL point located on the driver’s side as well as a sealed point in the tub.
The front storage boot provides a great use of sealed space with 236 litres available. Perfect for putting wet or dirty gear away after a day at the beach or on the tools.
What are the MGU9 EV ownership costs?
The MGU9 Ev is covered by a seven-year warranty if serviced through the MG dealer network. The battery is also covered by a seven year warranty or up to 150,000km – whichever comes first.
Service intervals are for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, with the first service due at 10,000km.
Service costs range between $345-$832 depending on what is required to be looked at during servicing. Being an EV, however, there should be less service requirements when compared to a diesel-powered ute.
The honest verdict
Off-road testing was very subdued at the launch event, with only some bumpy grass sections, and a quick downhill descent to test regenerative braking.
Further off-road testing will be required before we can apply an official Chasing Cars final verdict.
On road, it’s powerful, comfortable and packed full of technology. There’s useful functions for tradies and camping enthusiasts alike. But for $78,990 before on-road costs, you’d have to really want and be in the market for an electric all-wheel-drive ute.
Yes, this 3500kg GVM and 6500kg GCM-rated rig will tow your boat on the weekend, thanks to a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
But just how serious towing – or lugging around payload for the matter – shortens its 430km range claim remains to be assessed.
We will need to hitch up a decent load, and do some range testing in the near future to see how much it suffers when working hard.
We did tow at the launch event, but the supplied teardrop camper trailer weighed just 994kg; it wasn’t exactly a hard test for the MGU9 EV.
While it’s great to see MG has partnered with quality aftermarket lifestyle accessories brand, Thule, for things like bike racks and roof racks, there’s a massive issue facing the Australian market.
We like to modify our utes to be fit for purpose in Australia, and this is one ute that is going to be quite tricky to fit out.
You won’t be fitting an aftermarket tray and canopy, thanks to the monocoque design. The tub is joined to the body, so when you do hit those lower panels off-road it’s a serious issue rather than a call to the wrecker or a browse online for a replacement tub.
Bull bar fitment will be interesting due to the factory bumper design. If it’s at all possible to fit a bull bar. Remounting and aligning the factory cameras and sensors would presumably be a nightmare come install time.
Fitting larger tyres than the supplied 275/55 R20 Continental tyres will also be a difficult task. While in most states of Australia, an increase of 50mm in diameter is deemed a roadworthy modification, it might not physically be possible with the MGU9 EV.
The front upper control arm sits on top of the tyre not behind it. Certainly something to be aware of if you want to make your own version of a MGU9 EV modified off-roader. And I feel people will want to explore that option.
So how does the MGU9 EV all-electric 4x4 dual-cab ute stack up from our initial testing? Have they built an electric ute (in the now infamous worlds of former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison) that can tow your boat on the weekend? Early signs are positive, however it is really early days.
Has the MGU9 saved the weekend with 430km of claimed range, 3500kg towing capacity and some off-road ability? Time will tell. It’s certainly a step in the right direction for those looking at and wanting to move away from fossil fuel powered utes.