The upcoming MG ute, dubbed the MG P9, has been spotted ahead of its launch, confirming what many speculated: it’s a rebadged LDV Terron 9.
While this news might disappoint those hoping for a ground-up MG creation, the rebadging strategy reflects MG’s practical approach to entering the competitive ute market.
Spy Photos Confirm the Connection
Images shared by Car News China reveal the MG ute on a transport trailer, clearly showing its Terron 9 roots. Differences between the two models appear minimal:
- A large MG badge replaces LDV’s tailgate lettering.
- The wheel design shows slight variation.
- The overall structure, including the rear lights, closely mirrors the Terron 9’s diesel version.
The front-end design remains unseen, leaving room for speculation about potential differentiation between the two models.
Powertrain Options
The MG ute is expected to share its powertrains with the LDV Terron 9, offering both diesel and electric options:
Diesel Variant:
- 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine.
- 164kW output.
Electric Variant (eTerron 9 specs):
- Dual-motor configuration with 325kW.
- 102kWh battery for up to 430km WLTP range.
If the electric variant reaches Australian shores, it could become a significant player in the growing EV ute market.
Arrival Timing and Strategic Importance
The MG ute is crucial to MG’s ambitious growth plans in Australia. MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao highlighted the significance of adding a ute to their lineup:
“In Australia, without a ute you can’t achieve Top Three, Top Five. That’s it.”
MG aims to be among Australia’s Top Five car brands by 2027 and break into the Top Three by 2030.
While no official timeline has been announced, the ute is expected to debut in 2025, giving MG a full sales year to build momentum before their 2027 target.
What’s in a Name?
Despite the prototype being badged as the MG P9, this designation might not carry into production.
The name is already trademarked by Volvo for its electric vehicle lineup, creating potential conflicts in some markets, including Australia.
MG’s Rebadging Strategy
This isn’t the first time MG has rebadged a model from parent company SAIC Motor’s portfolio.
The MG Extender, based on the LDV T60, was sold in Southeast Asia with only minor changes to distinguish it from its LDV sibling.
MG’s use of the Terron 9 platform follows a similar approach, enabling the brand to quickly enter the competitive ute segment without the need for extensive new development.
What’s Next?
MG Australia’s Akshat Ahuja emphasized the importance of balancing speed and quality:
“We would love to have a ute tomorrow, right? But good things take time. We don’t want to take shortcuts. We want to provide a good quality, well-tested product in the market.”
With its strong powertrain options and the backing of SAIC Motor, the MG ute could become a serious contender in the Australian ute market.
Whether diesel or electric, its arrival will be closely watched by both competitors and buyers.
The big question now is whether MG can differentiate its ute enough to carve out its own identity—or if it will simply be seen as a Terron 9 with a new badge.
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Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
