MG Motor Australia has left the door ajar for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its full-size U9 dual-cab ute, pointing to the underlying platform’s multi-powertrain flexibility as Australian buyers increasingly embrace electrified utilities.
Speaking during the national media launch of the 2026 MG U9 EV, MG Motor Australia marketing director Dimitri Andreatidis emphasised that the brand is positioning the vehicle as a breakthrough product for diesel-focused buyers, saying:
“From volume expectation perspective, we don’t like talking about volume and we’re really looking forward to getting the feedback from our dealers and customers and from our journalists alike to engage. We’re super excited by the fact this is a no-compromise ute.”
When Andreatidis and head of product Meng Chen were quizzed on whether a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain could eventually join the lineup to directly challenge rivals like the BYD Shark 6, Andreatidis left the door wide open, admitting: “That’s a fair point; we look forward to providing that update when we continue on our U9 journey.”
The market case for a plug-in hybrid U9 is already backed by local registration data. According to September 2026 VFACTS figures, the PHEV-powered BYD Shark 6 is now firmly entrenched as the fourth best-selling ute in the country with 1492 sales for the month, trailing only the diesel-powered Ford Ranger (5062), Toyota HiLux (4455), and Isuzu D-Max (1866). Meanwhile, the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel MG U9 recorded 119 registrations in September.
Currently, the MG U9 lineup is bookended by the 160kW/520Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel range, priced from $51,990 to $59,990 drive-away, and the newly launched flagship U9 EV, which is priced from $78,990 before on-road costs. The U9 EV pairs a 102.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with dual electric motors for a combined output of 325kW and 700Nm, a 5.8-second 0–100km/h sprint, a 430km WLTP range, and it offers a full 3500kg braked towing capacity.
Integrating a plug-in hybrid system into the U9’s unibody-style, multi-link independent rear suspension chassis would allow MG to bridge the price gap between the $59,990 diesel Explore Pro and the $78,990 U9 EV, while eliminating highway range and charging anxiety for regional caravanners and tourers.
Furthermore, MG has already confirmed that its next-generation ‘Plug-In Hybrid+’ platform will debut in 2027 featuring ‘SolidCore’ semi-solid-state battery technology. Replacing traditional liquid electrolytes with a 95 per cent solid/gel 3D spinel structure, the chemistry is designed to deliver higher energy density, improved thermal stability in extreme Australian conditions, and consistent high discharge rates even at low states of charge.
