MG IM5 & IM6: 800 Volts, 100 kWh, and 751 PS Put to the Test

New Car Brand MG Is Launching IM, a Sub-Brand for the Upper Mid-Range Segment

2026-10-01 By sp-x | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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With its IM subbrand, MG Motor is aiming higher: 800-volt technology, a 100-kWh battery, and up to 553 kW of power promise an electric car experience with next-level acceleration. However, it still needs some fine-tuning.

The IM6 is sort of the crossover version of the IM5.(Image: MG Motor) — The IM6 is sort of the crossover version of the IM5.
(Image: MG Motor)

MG is expanding its lineup into the premium segment and launching its own sub-brand: IM, as it’s called, stands for “Intelligence in Motion” and is intended to carry the SAIC subsidiary’s image as a price-breaker into higher price ranges. The lineup kicks off with two closely related upper-midsize models: the MG IM5 fastback sedan, starting at 54,000 euros ($61,560), and the MG IM6 SUV, starting at 57,000 euros ($64,980).

Visually and technically, there is little to distinguish the two newcomers. They share the same platform and a sleek design language featuring a short, gently sloping front end, frameless doors with recessed handles, and a roofline that extends far back. The IM5, with its coupe-like silhouette and low body, appears slightly sleeker, while the IM6 interprets the same theme as an SUV. So far, the overall design doesn’t feel truly original. Depending on your perspective, similarities to Tesla, Porsche, or even Aston Martin are undeniable. Nevertheless, the cars are cleanly designed.

A Detailed Look at the Two IM Models

The IM5 is 4.93 meters (16 feet 2 inches) long and 1.47 meters (4 feet 10 inches) tall; the IM6 is slightly shorter but nearly 20 centimeters (8 inches) taller. A wheelbase of 2.95 meters (9 feet 8 inches) for both models ensures ample space. Consequently, taller passengers sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats, though the thigh support in the second row could be a bit longer. When it comes to cargo capacity, the SUV is clearly ahead, offering 665 to 1,640 liters (23.5 to 57.9 cubic feet) plus 30 liters (1.1 cubic feet) in the front trunk, while the IM5 offers 460 to 1,290 liters (16.2 to 45.6 cubic feet) and just under 20 liters (just under 0.7 cubic feet) in the front trunk. Both can tow up to 1,500 kilograms (about 3,300 pounds).

The interior looks uncluttered and high-quality. A 26.3-inch panoramic display spans the dashboard, complemented by a 10.5-inch touchscreen in the center console. It’s within reasonable reach, but it’s prone to glare and quickly shows fingerprints. Above all, however, it distracts the driver’s attention from the road too often, since most settings are controlled via the screen.

Few Buttons, Many Submenus

When it comes to climate control, you’d wish for a few more buttons, and anyone looking for more specialized functions has to navigate through menu paths that are sometimes illogical. It’s also annoying that the steering wheel rim cuts into the driver’s display, and a head-up display isn’t even offered. On the other hand, the cooled 50-watt wireless charging pad and the easy-to-grip storage compartments are well-designed. Active noise cancellation keeps the interior noise level remarkably low.

Despite a curb weight of well over two metric tons, both IM models handle quite sportily. The steering is precise and sufficiently firm. The standard all-wheel steering turns the rear wheels up to six degrees, reducing the turning radius of these nearly five-meter-long (nearly 16.4-foot-long) cars to 9.98 (32.7 feet) and 10.18 meters (33.4 feet). In the IM6, the higher center of gravity is noticeable, which is why the IM5 remains the sportier choice. However, the SUV is available with adaptive air suspension for an additional 2,000 euros ($2,280), though only with all-wheel drive.

Gallery

The IM5 can hold up to 1,290 liters of luggage.(Image: MG Motor)

The interior looks neat and high-quality.(Image: MG Motor)

The IM5 is 4.93 meters long and 1.47 meters tall.(Image: MG Motor)

Depending on your perspective, bonds issued by Tesla, Porsche, or even Aston Martin are a force to be reckoned with.(Image: MG Motor)

Gallery with 6 images

"Sport" Driving Mode Has Its Flaws

One point of criticism remains the limited range of driving modes in the SUV with air suspension, as “Sport” could be firmer and “Comfort” could absorb more bumps. The same applies to the regenerative braking on both models, which is barely noticeable even at the highest setting. MG says that a more effective energy recovery system is in the works. MG has completely ruled out one-pedal driving, citing safety concerns.

In terms of performance, both models are on par with sports cars. Power output ranges from 300 kW with rear-wheel drive to 553 kW with all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line versions’ acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph)—at 3.2 seconds (IM5) and 3.5 seconds (IM6)—is simply mind-boggling. They don’t stop until they reach 268 (167 mph) and 239 km/h (149 mph), respectively.

Battery Technology, Range, and Charging Capacity

In both cases, the underbody houses the same 96.5 kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery, which, thanks to its 800-volt architecture, delivers a brisk 396 kW of charging power. Under optimal conditions, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 17 minutes. With alternating current, however, the charging rate is limited to a modest 11 kW. The WLTP ranges are impressive, with the IM5 achieving 710 kilometers (441 miles) with rear-wheel drive and 575 kilometers (357 miles) with all-wheel drive. The taller and heavier IM6 achieves 625 (388 miles) and 545 kilometers (339 miles); with air suspension, the range drops to 505 kilometers (314 miles). The lineup will launch with two all-electric models, but the series isn’t limited to them. Based on this platform, a plug-in hybrid would also be conceivable.

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The model lineup remains straightforward, as both series offer one Premium version and one Premium AWD version. In addition, there is a short list of optional extras, including metallic paint for 790 euros ($102.60) and a light-colored interior for 650 euros ($741). Standard features include a panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, and the IM AD driver assistance package. The warranty covers seven years or 150,000 kilometers (about 93,200 miles). Considering what established manufacturers charge for 100 kWh and 800-volt technology, the packages are well-priced.

MG Brand IM: Message Over Sales

With the IM5 and IM6, MG is demonstrating that the manufacturer is consistently working on further development. The foundation for this is in place. With a growing model lineup, competitively priced offerings, and now approximately 200 dealerships, MG has already reached more than 23,000 new registrations this year. That’s 50 percent more than last year, with a market share of 1.2 percent. However, MG isn’t pursuing lofty sales targets with the IM series. For now, the manufacturer’s primary goal is to demonstrate its own development expertise and pave the way for up-and-coming brands.