The Terron 9 is based on an all-new chassis design called Starbridge Architecture (Chinese:星桥架构; pinyin:Xīng qiáo jiàgòu).[2]
The Terron 9 offers a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of 620kg (1,370lb) in its 1.7m (5ft 7in) long load bed,[3] which extends to 2.4 m with the tailgate down. The electric version includes a power-operated front trunk with a capacity of 236 dm3 and two integrated seats.[4]
The truck features double-wishbone independent suspension on all four wheels and BorgWarner front and rear differential locks.[2]
Interior features include a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central control touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
Off-road and safety technologies include:
Off-road Expert Mode,
Trailer assistance system,
Level 2 intelligent driver assistance functions,
Smart ATS 3.0 All-Terrain Mode with 12 driving modes,
Driver-assistance camera and 7 airbags as standard,
LED matrix headlights.
SAIC Maxus claims that "high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel account for 73%" of the Terron 9’s chassis structure and a combined diesel fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km (36mpg‑imp; 30mpg‑US).[2]
Four-wheel-drive system
According to official information published by SAIC Maxus, the pickup is equipped with a "Super four-wheel-drive system" (超选四驱系统).[5]
The manufacturer states that this system features three mechanical differential locks: front, centre, and rear (前中后三把机械锁), allowing the vehicle to operate as a full-time four-wheel-drive truck with a lockable centre differential for off-road use.[5]
This configuration enables continuous torque distribution between the front and rear axles on high-traction surfaces, while the driver can manually lock the differentials for challenging terrain. The setup positions the Terron 9 among a limited number of mid-size pickups offering full-time 4WD capability.
For the battery-electric variant, the system differs: the eTerron 9 employs a real-time four-wheel-drive layout managed by its front and rear electric motors. The front axle motor engages through a one-way clutch to control torque delivery in Drive gear, while it is not engaged in Reverse gear.[6]
Rear view
Interior
Maxus Interstellar X
Rear view
Powertrain
Electric
The eTerron 9 is equipped with two electric motors (125kW (168hp) at the front and 200kW (270hp) at the rear) for a combined power output of 325kW (436hp), powered by a LFP battery with a capacity of 102kWh (370MJ).[7] It supports direct current (DC) fast charging up to 115kW, enabling a 20–80% charge in around 40 minutes.[8]
Maxus quotes an acceleration of 0–100km/h in 5.8seconds and lists a vehicle-to-load (V2L) power export function with multiple external socket options.[9]
The LFP battery pack uses a liquid-cooled thermal management system designed to maintain stable performance across extreme temperatures and improve charging efficiency.[10] It also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling external power supply for tools or appliances with a rated output of up to 6.6kW through multiple sockets located in the load bed and cabin.[11]
Diesel
The diesel-powered Terron 9 is equipped with a 2.5-litre SAIC πPlus 2.5T turbodiesel engine, producing 165kW (221hp) and 520N⋅m (380lbf⋅ft) of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed ZF8HP50 automatic transmission and features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with selectable locking differentials. At launch, the 2.5-litre diesel was claimed to be the most powerful four-cylinder turbodiesel in its class.[2]
Plug-in hybrid
At the launch of the MG U9 on September 29, 2025, MG Australia's boss, Peter Ciao, confirmed that a plug-in hybrid version of the U9 will launch in Australia would launch in mid-2027. No details have been confirmed about the PHEV version so far.[12]
Markets
China
In China, the vehicle is marketed as the 星际X (pinyin:Xīngjì X, lit. "Interstellar" or "Starry" X) with Maxus branding in the front and back.
Europe
The battery-electric version, marketed as the Maxus eTerron 9, was unveiled on September 17, 2024 at the IAA Transportation in Hanover,[13][14] marking the brand’s entry into the European market.[15][16]
Oceania
Australia
MGU9 Explore Pro
Marketed as the LDV Terron 9 and the LDV eTerron 9 for electric variants, it went on sale in Australia on June 30, 2025, offered in two trim levels: Origin and Evolve.[17]
The diesel variant is also sold under the MGU9 nameplate by MG Motor. It is offered in three trims: Explore, Explore X, and Explore Pro. The MGU9 introduces a powered “Smart Hatch” mid-gate and MultiFold seating system that allow the cabin and tub to merge into a continuous load area, as well as a powered multi-step tailgate with built-in folding steps for easier access.[18]
New Zealand
The LDV Terron 9 was launched in New Zealand on June 12, 2025, in the sole Elite variant.[19]
Africa
South Africa
The LDV Terron 9 was launched in South Africa on September 1, 2025, with three trim levels: Elite, Premium and Flagship.[20]
Asia
Pakistan
The MG U9 was launched in Pakistan in January 2026 with one trim; Explore Pro with the SAIC πPlus 2.5T turbodiesel engine. Deliveries started in February 2026. [21]
Latin America
Chile
In Chile, the Terron 9 is marketed as the Maxus All New T90. Sales began in September 2025 with two trim levels: GL and GLX. At launch, it was unveiled with a Euro 6c 2.5-litre SAIC πPlus engine and reported as the most powerful four-cylinder turbodiesel in its class in the Chilean market.[22]
Safety
ANCAP test results LDV Terron 9 diesel variants (2024, aligned with Euro NCAP)[23]
Test
Points
%
Overall:
Adult occupant:
36.78
91%
Child occupant:
44
89%
Pedestrian:
53.13
84%
Safety assist:
15.38
85%
ANCAP test results MG U9 diesel variants (2024, aligned with Euro NCAP)[24]
Test
Points
%
Overall:
Adult occupant:
36.78
91%
Child occupant:
44
89%
Pedestrian:
53.13
84%
Safety assist:
15.38
85%
Euro NCAP test results Maxus eTerron 9 (LHD) (2024)[25]
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
