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There’s a sensible recent electric vehicle (EV) brand on sale Down Under… Indeed, IM Presented by MG Motor represents a big step up within the premium EV segment for Australian buyers.
Developed through a three way partnership between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and ZJ Hi Tech, this recent sub-brand under the MG Motor Australia umbrella delivers cutting-edge technology, sophisticated design, and impressive performance credentials across two distinct models: the IM5 electric sedan and the IM6 electric SUV.
Standing for ‘Intelligence in Motion’, the IM brand targets buyers in search of luxury EV features without the normal premium price tag, positioning itself as a compelling alternative to established players like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the luxurious EV space.
IM5 versus IM6: Sedan or SUV?
The IM range offers two distinctly different body styles to suit different lifestyle requirements.
The IM5 is a sleek liftback sedan measuring 4931mm long, 1960mm wide, and 1474mm tall, on a 2950mm wheelbase. The IM5 targets buyers in search of the dynamic styling and the superior driving experience of a premium sedan, competing with vehicles just like the Tesla Model 3 and even some European marques.
The IM6 mid-size SUV shares essentially the identical platform dimensions and wheelbase because the IM5, but offers an elevated driving position, a handful of unique features and the increased practicality that SUV buyers demand. It competes against models just like the Tesla Model Y.
Each models feature equivalent interior space due to their shared wheelbase, with the IM6 offering marginally more cargo capability (646-665 litres versus 457L). Due to its lower roofline, the IM5 provides superior aerodynamics and typically higher driving dynamics.
What number of variants of the IM5 and IM6 are there?
Each models are offered in three equivalent trim levels, with the bizarre approach of maintaining consistent pricing across body styles. This provides buyers real alternative based on preference quite than budget constraints.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| IM5 Premium | $60,990 |
| IM5 Platinum | $69,990 |
| IM5 Performance | $80,990 |
| IM6 Premium | $60,990 |
| IM6 Platinum | $69,990 |
| IM6 Performance | $80,990 |
This pricing strategy places the IM range competitively against rivals and, importantly, positions the IM models under the Luxury Automobile Tax (LCT) threshold, allowing buyers to access tax concessions.
What do you get?
The excellent standard equipment list across all variants ensures even entry-level Premium models feel genuinely luxurious, with features typically reserved for flagship variants of other brands.
Standard equipment across all IM sedan and SUV variants:
- Intelligent four-wheel steering system with as much as 12 degrees of rear articulation
- 26.3-inch immersive touchscreen display
- 10.5-inch central control touchscreen
- 20-speaker premium audio system with 7.1.4 surround sound
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ultra-soft synthetic leather seat trim
- Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
- Panoramic glass roof with thermal insulation
- 360-degree HD camera system
- Road Noise Control (RNC) technology
- Vehicle-to-Load capability (6.6kW output)
- Comprehensive ADAS suite powered by NVIDIA Orin N chip
Platinum additions over Premium:
- 800V silicon carbide platform (vs 400V IGBT)
- 100kWh NCM battery (vs 75kWh LFP)
- Significantly faster DC fast-charging (396kW vs 153kW)
- Enhanced power output (300kW vs 217kW)
- 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres
Performance additions over Platinum:
- All-wheel drive configuration
- Advanced air suspension with Repeatedly Controlled Damping
- Dual-motor powertrain with 572kW of combined output
What’s under the bonnet?
The IM range showcases two distinct powertrain philosophies.
The Premium variant utilises a 75kWh LFP battery and a 400V electrical architecture. It delivers 217kW of power and 450Nm of torque from a single rear-mounted motor. While this provides an accessible entry point, the 6.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and 490km of WLTP range (IM5) still represents solid performance and practicality.
Stepping as much as Platinum brings a complicated 800V silicon carbide platform and a 100kWh NCM battery. Range increases substantially to 655km WLTP (IM5) and 550km WLTP (IM6).
The 800V architecture enables ultra-rapid charging, with a 30-80 per cent battery charge achievable in only 15.2 minutes under optimal conditions. The IM5 delivers 300kW of power and may hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds (5.4 seconds for the IM6).
The Performance variant adds a front motor to create an all-wheel drive system with combined outputs of 572kW and 802Nm. This allows the IM5 Performance to finish the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds (3.4 seconds for the IM6 Performance), which places them each in real sports automobile territory.
Advanced air suspension and a constantly controlled damping system via the digital chassis help manage this performance while maintaining ride comfort.
Charging capabilities vary significantly between variants. The Premium model supports as much as 153kW DC fast-charging (30-80 per cent in 20 minutes), while the Platinum and Performance variants can accept as much as 396kW under ideal conditions.
Is the IM5/IM6 secure?
Each models are designed to attain a five-star ANCAP rating, with official testing still underway on the time of writing. The excellent energetic safety suite and robust airbag deployment suggest strong safety credentials. The inclusion of a far-side or centre airbag and advanced pre-collision systems demonstrates attention to occupant protection beyond minimum requirements.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Seven airbags including farside or front-centre airbag
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane Keep Assist and Emergency Lane Keeping
- Blind Spot Detection with rear cross-traffic braking
- Driver attention monitoring
- 360-degree surround-view camera system
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Secure exit warning system
The protection systems are powered by a powerful sensor suite comprising 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, and three millimetre-wave radars. This hardware enables advanced features like semi-autonomous parking, one-touch reverse functionality, and the progressive ‘crab mode’ that permits diagonal movement at low speeds.
IM presented by MG Motor also highlights the flexibility of the IM5 and IM6’s Digital Chassis to reinforce each driving enjoyment and safety.
How much does the IM5/IM6 cost to run?
IM Presented by MG Motor offers a competitive warranty structure designed to offer long-term peace of mind. The usual five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty will be prolonged to seven years, unlimited kilometres when vehicles are serviced exclusively inside the IM dealer network.
The high-voltage battery comes with an eight-year/160,000km warranty, while specialised components equivalent to the air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are covered for five years with unlimited kilometres.
Capped-price servicing is obtainable for five years/100,000km, with service intervals being 12 months or 20,000km.
The primary 12 months of iSMART connectivity services are included.
Ambitious luxury
The IM Presented by MG Motor range represents an ambitious entry into Australia’s premium EV market, offering real luxury features and impressive performance at competitive pricing.
The alternative of IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV models provides flexibility for various lifestyle needs without price penalties, while the three trim levels cater to various performance and range requirements.
Goal buyers include technology-forward professionals and luxury automobile enthusiasts in search of EV alternatives to traditional German and Japanese premium brands. The excellent standard equipment, progressive features like four-wheel steering, and competitive pricing position the range well against established rivals.
While the IM brand faces challenges around recognition and the educational curve related to its screen-centric interface, the IM5 and IM6 offer compelling value propositions for buyers prioritising advanced technology, performance, and features over established brand prestige.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
