- Pure-electric U9 ute likely to boast 300kW-plus.
- Confirmed for Kiwi sale later this year.
- S6 EV medium-SUV also planned for launch in 2026.
It's been teased for a while, but MG New Zealand has confirmed that it will launch an EV version of the U9 ute before the end of the year.
"The U9 will be our first foray into a completely electric ute," says MG NZ country business manager Dean Sheed. "It’s a big truck... but it’ll go well."
The company has not shared any technical detail around the ute, but based on what we've seen of the model so far, expect a dual-motor layout with 325kW and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
The only other pure-electric ute on sale in NZ currently is the (Geely) Riddara RD6 Pro, which is slightly smaller (5.3m in length versus 5.5m) and offers 315kW, 360km range and 3t towing.
The U9 is one of a brace of new EVs MG NZ plans to launch this year. The other is the S6, a medium-SUV that serves as a larger sibling to the S5, but also bridges the gap between MG's mainstream offerings and the luxury IM brand.
“It's getting close to premium in terms of that specification level," says Sheed.
The S6 comes in rear-drive or AWD. Both have a 77kWh battery. The RWD makes 180kW/350Nm wth a range of 530km, while the dual-motor boasts 266kW/540Nm and can travel up to 484km on a charge.
Sheed says he hopes to show off both new models, which he describes as "transformational" for the local company, on NZ roads "a good chunk before Christmas".