MG IM5 and IM6: MG’s Bold Step into the Premium EV Market

The UK car market will welcome two new electric contenders in 2025: the MG IM5 saloon and its crossover sibling, the IM6. Both models arrive under MG’s newly introduced IM sub-brand, which stands for Intelligent Mobility. This move signals MG’s ambition to shift into the premium EV space, a segment traditionally dominated by Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

The IM5 has already been available in China for some time, but its official UK launch took place in the summer of 2025, with first customer deliveries scheduled for September. The IM6 will join the range shortly after.

Branding: IM Takes the Spotlight

Unlike MG’s popular value-focused cars such as the MG4 or ZS EV, the IM5 and IM6 wear almost no MG badges at all. Instead, they carry IM branding, consistent with their Chinese-market positioning. While this strategy may make sense internationally, UK customers who recognise MG as a budget-friendly brand may find the absence of familiar logos confusing. MG clearly hopes that the IM name will establish its own credibility as a premium marque.

Summary Table

Size and Market Segment

The IM5 stretches close to five metres in length, making it significantly larger than the Tesla Model 3 and nearly identical in size to the BMW i5. However, unlike the i5 which commands double the price the IM5 is positioned more affordably, blurring the line between executive and premium categories.

The IM6 builds on the same platform but adopts a raised, crossover profile, much like the Tesla Model Y. Its higher seating position and added practicality are likely to appeal to the booming SUV market, even as traditional saloon cars like the IM5 face declining sales.

Performance and Powertrain Options

MG IM5

• Long Range (RWD): Around 400 hp, with a claimed range of up to 440 miles under WLTP testing.

• Performance (AWD): A staggering 750 hp and 800 Nm of torque, producing a 0-62 mph sprint of roughly three seconds.

MG IM6

• Long Range (RWD): Around 402 hp, with up to 388 miles WLTP range.

• Performance (AWD): Around 742 hp, with 0-62 mph in about 3.5 seconds, and an estimated 313 miles of range.

Both models use an 800V electrical architecture, allowing ultra-fast DC charging. A typical 10-80% top-up can be completed in about 17 minutes, putting them among the fastest-charging EVs available.

Interior and Technology

Step inside either IM model, and the design language is unapologetically modern. Touchscreens dominate the cabin, with almost every function climate control, media, and driving settings relegated to digital menus. Physical buttons are almost entirely absent, which may divide opinion among buyers.

Highlight features include:

• A 20-speaker premium sound system in the IM5, rivalling or outperforming many optional systems in German rivals.

• Generous passenger space thanks to the EV platform’s stretched wheelbase.

• High-quality materials with leather upholstery, soft-touch trims, and acoustic glass for reduced cabin noise.

• Advanced driver-assist systems, including self-parking and optional four-wheel steering.

• Luxuries such as massaging seats and rear entertainment screens on top trims.

While technology impresses on paper, critics note that reliance on screens for even simple functions can make everyday driving tasks unnecessarily complicated.

Driving Experience

The IM twins pack extraordinary straight-line speed, but real-world usability is less clear-cut. The Performance variants offer supercar levels of acceleration, but most drivers are unlikely to fully exploit this on UK roads. The Long Range versions strike a better balance, delivering brisk performance while offering longer range.

Ride quality has been identified as a weak spot. Early reviews suggest that suspension tuning is on the firm side, producing a restless feel on rougher roads. Handling is competent but not especially engaging, which creates a mismatch with the headline-grabbing power outputs.

Equipment and Warranty

MG has equipped the IM5 and IM6 generously as standard. Even entry-level models include advanced infotainment, premium audio, adaptive safety systems, and high-quality interiors.

The cars are covered by MG’s seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, with battery coverage extending to eight years or 100,000 miles. This aligns them with industry norms and reassures potential buyers about long-term reliability.

Safety and Running Costs

As of August 2025, neither the IM5 nor IM6 has undergone Euro NCAP crash testing, so independent safety ratings are pending. Similarly, running-cost data particularly in terms of insurance groups and servicing prices remains unconfirmed. These updates are expected once UK deliveries begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do the IM5 and IM6 arrive in the UK?

A. Launch took place in summer 2025, with first customer deliveries from September onwards.

2. Do these cars carry MG branding?

A. No, both models use IM logos and branding, aligning with their Chinese-market positioning.

3. What range can I expect?

A.

• IM5 Long Range: up to 440 miles

• IM6 Long Range: up to 388 miles
  Performance models trade some range for higher power.

4. How fast can they accelerate?

A. The IM5 Performance reaches 0–62 mph in about 3.0 seconds; the IM6 Performance in about 3.5 seconds.

5. How fast can they charge?

A. Thanks to 800V charging, a 10–80% recharge takes about 17 minutes at a suitable fast charger.

6. Are there physical buttons in the interior?

A. No, most controls are managed through large touchscreen displays, which may not appeal to all buyers.

7. Are they safe?

A. Euro NCAP safety ratings are not yet available as of August 2025.

8. What warranty is provided?

A. Seven years or 80,000 miles on the car, with eight years or 100,000 miles on the battery.

Conclusion

With the IM5 and IM6, MG has taken a bold leap from its traditional territory of affordable electric runabouts into the competitive world of premium EVs. These cars offer class-leading range, breathtaking performance, and technology-rich interiors at prices that significantly undercut German rivals.

That said, the ride quality and touchscreen-heavy user interface may frustrate some buyers, and the lack of Euro NCAP data leaves a question mark over safety credentials. Still, for those seeking a long-range, feature-packed alternative to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the IM twins are set to become strong contenders in the UK market.

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