MG’s New IM5 and IM6: EVs With Brains, Brawn, and a Bit of Flair

First some housekeeping – MG is owned by SAIC, IM is a joint venture between SAIC and Alibaba. There are partnerships with other providers too, many of whom are household names.

To the end, MG ripped the covers off its new IM sub-brand in Australia with the debut of the all-electric IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV, and they’re packing serious specs, serious style, and drive-away pricing that’s sure to rattle a few rivals. Launched at a glamorous harbourside soirée in Sydney (yes, darling, we noticed the canapés), these EVs bring luxury-level features, whiplash-worthy performance, and a hint of drama — without the six-figure price tag.

IM says its symbol is 0-1-1-0, but I failed to be able to decipher it, even after a Campari Sour.

Sedans vs SUVs

Whether you like your EV sleek and low or tall and roomy, MG has your flavour. IM is clearly going after Tesla, and if the cars prove to be reliable, they will simply blow Tesla model 3 and Model Y out of the water. IM is far better equipped, faster, has better ranger, charges at almost 400kw (not that we can do that in OZ), and is far more comfortable. Not only that, the 4-wheel steering is virtually unique and comes with a “crab” function.

The IM5 is a sharply styled four-door sedan, while the IM6 brings a more upright SUV silhouette. Both sit on a shared platform and carry nearly identical spec sheets across three trim levels: Premium, Platinum, and Performance.

And the pricing? Here it is, loud and clear:

IM5 Sedan (Drive-away)

IM5 Premium (75kWh RWD) – $60,990
IM5 Platinum (100kWh RWD) – $69,990
IM5 Performance (100kWh AWD) – $80,990

IM6 SUV (Drive-away)

IM6 Premium (75kWh RWD) – $60,990
IM6 Platinum (100kWh RWD) – $69,990
IM6 Performance (100kWh AWD) – $80,990

No hidden fees, no on-road costs surprises — just a big red bow and a handshake.

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ABOVE: IM5 and IM6

Power to the People (And Then Some)

Let’s not muck about: the IM5 and IM6 Performance variants are fast. We’re talking 3.2 seconds to 100km/h, courtesy of an 800V “Hurricane” powertrain churning out 572kW and 802Nm in AWD guise. That’s enough to make a Tesla Model 3 Performance blush and plenty to give your neck muscles a little workout.

Even the mid-spec Platinum (RWD, 100kWh) offers 300kW and a brisk 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds, while the entry-level Premium (RWD, 75kWh) serves up 217kW and a still-respectable 6.8 seconds to the tonne. Not bad for a base model.

Long Legs and Fast Fill-Ups

Range anxiety? Not here. The IM5 Platinum stretches out to 755km NEDC on a single charge (or 655km WLTP), and the IM6 isn’t far behind at 670km NEDC. Even the Performance AWD versions still comfortably cross the 600km threshold, and all variants can charge from 30–80% in just over 15 minutes when hooked up to a proper fast charger.

You’ll need a coffee and a bathroom break long before these batteries run out of puff.

Tech That Thinks for You

MG’s new EV duo doesn’t just go fast — it also thinks fast. Both models come loaded with AI-assisted driving aids, including features like Rainy Night Mode and One Touch AI Chauffeur, using the 360-degree cameras to help navigate blind spots, risky traffic situations, and tight parking jobs. Think of it as a backseat driver that’s actually helpful — and doesn’t insist on playing ABBA at full volume (unless you want it to).

There’s also rear-wheel steering, giving up to 12 degrees of articulation, shrinking the turning circle to a smart 4.99 metres for the IM5 and 5.09m for the IM6. The result? Both cars feel more like zippy hatches around town than luxury EVs. Handy when you’re parallel parking outside the bar.

Oh, and did we mention the IM5 just set a new Moose Test record at 91km/h? That’s not something you see every day — unless you’re dodging wandering Swedish wildlife. It involves chucking at a bunch of witches hats, then an ultra fast lane change through more witches hats, then back into the original lane. The previous record held by a Citroën Xantia 3.0i V6 Activa stood for 26 years then which was broken earlier in the year by a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Manthey at 86kph. The IM blew past that crawl with a sprint of 91kph.

Suspension That Floats, Not Floofy

Air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping are standard on the Performance variants, adding that cushy floatiness without turning into marshmallow pudding in corners. At speed, the rear wheels work with the fronts for extra stability and confidence, especially when giving it a squirt down a winding country road.

Interiors Made for Queer Eyes

Slide inside either the IM5 or IM6 and you’ll be greeted by a 26.3” curved infotainment screen, a sharp 10.5” central display, and interiors that feel more fashion week than fleet car. There’s panoramic glass, collapsible front seats, premium upholstery, device magnets (yes, really), and 20 speakers pumping out surround sound that’ll make RuPaul sound like she’s in the back seat.

The magnets take iPhones and can be extended by a chic stand. There was a petite hand bag which looks to be an IM accessory. It has can be stuck to the same magnet – just – WHY!

The 2,950mm wheelbase means even your lankiest friends won’t whinge on long trips, and the cabin layout is uncluttered and modern. It’s almost… Scandi.

Appy Days

Naturally, the IM range connects with MG’s iSMART app, so you can check your car’s vitals, start charging remotely, plan a route, or just check if you left it parked outside The Beresford after a particularly large Sunday sesh. The in-app map shows exactly where your car is at all times — a godsend for those with poor memory or a tendency to stumble out of Uber rides without looking back.

Final Thoughts

The IM5 and IM6 arrive at a time when Aussie EV buyers are crying out for more variety, better range, and (let’s be honest) cars that don’t cost as much as a house deposit. MG’s new electric twins tick those boxes, and then some. Performance is off the charts, the tech is futuristic without being fiddly, and the interiors feel thoughtfully designed — not just “leather, buttons, done.”

Add in cheeky pricing and real-world range, and the IM range might just be what MG needs to move beyond budget-car territory and into the premium EV conversation.

Here is a tidbit to add a touch of verisimilitude; in China the annoying bongs can be turned of and will stay off. Thanks to the EU and our ANCAP ties to EuroNCAP, warnings such as overspeed and driver attention can be silenced but only for that trip.

Australia is one of the few places to see IM outside China, and for the moment is “IM presented by MG.” In due course IM will be spun off, LEXUS-style is the projected sales come true. IM is hoping for 500 units a month but if IM is thought to be a good proposition and overtakes Tesla, sales could be more like 4,000 a month.

There is much more to the IM such as the many sensors (apart from cameras), and the super easy automated parking. IM made much of the parking but it was the 4-wheel steering that left me agog.

Also — they look pretty good outside a harbourside bar.

#IM5, #IM6, #IMMotor, @mg_motor_aus, #MG, #MGMotorAustralia, #ElectricVehicles, #EVAustralia, #AUSEVs, #CarLaunch, #MGIM5, #MGIM6

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