MG U9 vs BYD Shark 6

The MG U9 starts from $52,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Shark 6 opens at $53,900. That makes the MG U9 the more affordable entry point by $910.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $58,289 and $59,290 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $9,365 in fuel alone.

Both the MG U9 and BYD Shark 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the MG U9 and 85% for the BYD Shark 6.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BYD Shark 6, against 6 on the MG U9.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the MG U9 and 7 in the BYD Shark 6. The BYD Shark 6 adds a 360-degree camera that the MG U9 misses.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The MG U9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BYD Shark 6 gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BYD Shark 6 counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, V2L and Dynaudio audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the MG U9 gets artificial leather upholstery while the BYD Shark 6 offers synthetic leather.

The MG U9 uses a 2.5L Turbo Diesel producing 160kW and 520Nm of torque, sent through a zf 8 speed automatic to a 4x4 layout.

The BYD Shark 6 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 321kW and 650Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The MG U9 measures 5,500mm long on a 3,300mm wheelbase, 43mm longer than the BYD Shark 6 at 5,457mm (3,260mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG U9 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the MG U9 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the MG U9 and $379/year for the BYD Shark 6. That is a $1,873 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.

Warranty: 5 years (MG U9) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6). The BYD Shark 6 has longer coverage.