MG IM5 and IM6 - A New Luxury EV Option
IM - 'Intelligence in Motoring' recently launched in the UK as the new luxury arm to MG and will offer an array of cars described by MG as 'Technology Showcases' for buyers wanting something a little more special than the existing range of MGs on offer.
To read more about the new IM brand, see my dedicated explainer article here: https://driven.site/news/im-motors-launches-in-the-uk
IM Launches with the IM5 and IM6
The first models launched in the UK market are the IM5 and IM6. Both cars share the same platform and almost all of the same technology, as well as luxuries and features more akin to those of a top-of-the-range BMW or Mercedes-Benz than a typical MG.
The IM5 is a sleek saloon car styled comparatively to the cars it's likely to be pitched against, the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Seal. The IM6 is a taller and marginally more spacious version of the '5, which offers a little more interior space and practicality.
Both the IM5 and IM6 are aimed at the luxury market, but with a price tag far more affordable than that of their rivals.
IM5 Models and variants
The IM5 is being launched in 3 different variations. At the bottom of the range is a 75KWh RWD 'Standard' car, which produces a more than adequate 217kW (291 HP), 450Nm of torque and a WLTP range of 304 miles.
At the top of the performance pile is the suitably named '100kWh Performance' model, an AWD version of the IM5, boasting 553kW (741 HP), 802Nm of torque and a WLTP range of 357 miles.
Between the standard and performance models is the 100kWh 'Long Range' model. The Long Range utilises the same battery as the Performance model, but scales down the power to 300 kW (400 HP) and 500 Nm, which is applied to the rear wheels only. The reward for the reduction in delivered power and weight from a second motor is a WLTP range of 441 miles.
IM6 Models and Variants
Just like its saloon sibling, the IM6 is also available in three variations, all of which are 100kWh versions. The 100 kWh Long Range provides 300 kW (402 HP) and 500 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, with a WLTP range of 388 miles. For those wanting more power, the 100 kWh Performance offers 553 kW (741 HP) and 802 Nm of Torque via all four wheels. The final IM6 in the lineup is the '100 kWh Launch Edition', which shares the same power, torque and drivetrain output as the Performance with the addition of active damping and air suspension for added dynamics and comfort.
Prices and specifications
The area in which the new luxury MGs are likely to excel is in pricing. The IM5 'Standard' will retail from £39,450, the 'Long Range' from £44,995, and the top-of-the-range performance model from £48,495.
The IM6 Standard Long Range is offered from £47,995, the Performance from £50,995 and the Launch Edition from £52,995.
As is the new normal for manufacturers selling EVs, optional extras and package options are limited to just paint colours. However, don't let that read as bad news, because regardless of trim level, the standard equipment and Technology are very impressive.
Batteries and Charging Times
The 75 kWh IM5 uses a 400V LFP battery, whereas the 100 kWh models use an 800V NCM version. The 75kWh model has a peak charging rate of 153 kW, resulting in a 10-80% charge time of 26 minutes. The 100kWh models have a charge rate of up to 396 kW, potentially reducing the 10-80% charge time to 17 minutes.
Tech and equipment
IM is launching in the UK with cutting-edge Technology and innovative features. From four-wheel steering to enhanced camera systems that assist with nighttime driving, the level of technology included as standard is staggering.
Features include four-wheel steering, automatic parking, enhanced audio systems, assisted 'auto pilot' style cruise control, and even active noise cancellation, which helps reduce wind noise and road rumble inside the car while driving. In terms of value for money, the package for both the IM5 and IM6 initially appears very positive.
Interior first impressions
As you take a seat inside both models, you're met with a sense of quality, luxury and a minimalist design. Fans of buttons might have to look away for this bit, as aside from controls for opening windows and doors, absolutely everything else is controlled, adjusted, and adapted via one of two large touchscreen panels. A lower screen sits in place of a centre console, and above that a large 26" screen stretches from the middle of the car to the driver's side, displaying everything from apps, settings, phone connectivity screens and camera views when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. The lower touchscreen makes adjustments to the car, including drive modes and technical settings, such as wing mirrors. The quiet ambience inside is impressive. Thanks to double-glazed windows and a double-glazed glass panoramic roof, the sound isolation is similar to that of a luxurious BMW 7 Series.
Driving First Impressions
I opted first to take an IM6 'Long Range' out for a 2-hour round trip between East Sussex and Kent. The quality of the fit and finish of the interior aligns nicely with the way the car drives. Starting on typically bumpy and undulating country roads, the IM6 does a good job of keeping itself positioned whilst putting all 400 HP of power down efficiently and smoothly.
While driving on a range of country roads, dual carriageways, and motorway stretches, the IM6 did a superb job of fulfilling its design brief, offering a comfortable, quiet, and compliant ride. The sound system is impressive enough to please the most discerning audiophiles, and the touchscreen interface for making adjustments is intuitive.
Cruise control and auto parking
While driving the IM6, I utilised the intelligent cruise control, which features autosteer and automatic speed regulation. The system felt on par with those I've experienced in the Tesla Model 3, and is engaged with a tap down on the gear selector stalk, which sits on the opposite side of the steering wheel to the indicator stalk. When tapped down, the screen ahead of the steering wheel displays a visual representation of the car driving in the middle of a driving lane. Two blue lines appear, marking the lane perimeters to indicate that the auto steering feature is active. If you wish to take over the drive at any time, you can intervene by either tapping the brake pedal or taking over the steering, which is often necessary to navigate past parked cars.
In a supermarket car park, I sampled the auto park feature, which executed a parallel parking manoeuvre very well. The system utilises a combination of external cameras to position the car exactly where you want it to be. Other clever features that utilise the four-wheel steering include a crab mode, which enables all four wheels to steer in the same direction, allowing the car to move diagonally forward or backwards to get closer to a curb line. Once instructed to park in a space, the vehicle takes over entirely, steering, accelerating and braking into a space.
Autonomy won't be for everyone, and MG is aware of this, so all the assisted driving, parking, and manoeuvring features are entirely optional to use.
Driving the IM5 Performance
For the afternoon, I decided to repeat my driving route, this time in the smaller IM5 Performance edition. With 741 HP, the IM5 Performance boasts a sizable 280 HP more than the equivalent Tesla Model 3 Performance, all while undercutting it by over £10,000 in price.
On a quiet stretch of road, I found myself pinned to the driver's seat as I accelerated from 0 to 62 MPH in just 3.2 seconds. The dual-motor AWD system ensures smooth power delivery with minimal wheel slip, giving the impression of being catapulted down the road.
For most, a 741 HP family saloon car will be a pretty pointless entity, but I couldn't help but chuckle as I accelerated with as much power as a McLaren, in a car priced under £50k.
When not maniacally accelerating from a standing start, other driver modes, including comfort and eco, allow for a more sedate driving experience and a considerably increased predicted range before needing to recharge.
The IM5 feels better proportioned than the IM6. The marginally lower centre of gravity contributes to stability and lends a sportier feel to the chassis. However, unless you're pushing the limits of grip, most will likely not notice a significant difference between the two.
Storage and practicality
Accessibility in both the IM5 and IM6 is easy, comfortable and accommodating. The IM5 offers front and rear storage, featuring an 18L front trunk (frunk) and a 457L rear boot. The IM6 boasts a larger 32L frunk under the bonnet and an increased boot space of 665L.
Some niggles of note
There are a few notable negatives from both cars regarding comfort, convenience, and practicality. Regardless of the steering wheel adjustment, I couldn't find a comfortable position for my elbows. Both arms for me were left floating awkwardly without a natural or comfortable resting point when both hands were on the wheel.
As with many other EVs, the convenience (or lack thereof) for quick adjustments to features like wing mirrors can be a pain. For the most part, the mirrors will be positioned as best suited for the drive. However, there are times when you want to dip a wing mirror to aid parking or make tight moves, and the only way to do that is via the touch screen settings, which feels unnecessarily clunky.
Lastly, the rearview mirror would be better suited as a camera setup due to the size and proportion of the rear screen. In both models, the view from the rear screen is massively restricted by the rear seats. Interestingly, there is a rear view camera in place; however, it's switched on via the steering wheel and then shown as a view screen on the large 26" screen in the centre of the car as opposed to a more intuitive location, such as in place of the conventional mirror.
Conclusion
Minor niggles aside, both the IM5 and IM6 represent superb value for money and possess more tech and gadgetry than most will ever need or ask for. The overall fit and finish of the models are worthy of celebration and consideration for anyone considering the similarly proportioned Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal and even the Porsche Taycan.
Would I have preferred to see an MG badge in place of the IM logo for the UK market? Yes, I think I would, and I fear that there might be a year or so of initial confusion from consumers trying to work out what the new logo is and how it relates to MG, but, I'm confident that the IM division of MG is one that we're likely to see as a permenant fixture and one that could be taking away repeat custom from some very well established luxury car makers.
words by John Marcar
photography courtesy of MG UK
