MG is making a bold play for the premium EV market with the UK debut of IM, a new electric sub-brand aimed squarely at Tesla. Unveiled to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new IM 5 saloon and IM 6 crossover promise cutting-edge tech, rapid charging, and eye-catching specs that position them as serious contenders to the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
IM – short for “Intelligence in Motion” – was founded in 2020 through a joint venture between MG’s parent company SAIC Motor, Chinese tech titan Alibaba, and R&D firm Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The brand first appeared in Europe at last year’s Geneva Motor Show and will be integrated into MG’s UK dealer network in the coming months.
A New Challenger on UK Roads
The IM 5, known as the L6 in China, is a sleek, four-door electric saloon with a distinctly coupe-like silhouette. At its most capable, it boasts a 442-mile official range from a 100kWh lithium-ion battery and takes advantage of 800V architecture, allowing 10–80% fast charging in just 17 minutes. A 75kWh variant, offering a still-impressive estimated 330 miles, will start from £39,450—a strategic move to undercut the UK’s Expensive Car Supplement, which applies to vehicles over £40,000.
For buyers seeking more power, a Performance model with enhanced output and hardware will command £48,495, still competitive with high-spec versions of the Tesla Model 3.
While MG hasn’t confirmed full specifications for every variant, the IM range sits on a bespoke platform that supports charging speeds up to 396kW—faster than any public charging infrastructure currently available in the UK. It remains to be seen if the more exotic IM 6 Lightyear Edition, featuring a 900V semi-solid-state battery and 400kW peak charging, will join the lineup.
IM 6: A High-Voltage Mid-Size SUV
The IM 6, a mechanically identical SUV, will arrive in Long Range and Performance trims, starting from £47,995 (in the UK). The top-spec model climbs to £50,995, with both versions targeting the Tesla Model Y in pricing, size, and capability.
Despite sharing a drivetrain with the IM 5, the IM 6 forgoes the smaller battery option and is geared more toward range and performance. Both vehicles will be propelled by IM’s latest ‘Hurricane’ motor series, with the dual-motor setup delivering 767 hp and 591 lb-ft of torque. Expect 0–62mph in 3.2 seconds for the saloon and 3.5 seconds for the SUV—figures typically reserved for supercars.
Inside the Cabin: Screens Over Switches
Step inside either model, and it’s immediately clear that IM is pushing a tech-forward ethos. A 26.3-inch wraparound display spans the dashboard, while a 10.5-inch central touchscreen manages infotainment and vehicle controls, replacing most physical buttons entirely.
Other premium touches include a panoramic glass roof, rear-wheel steering for improved agility (reducing the IM 5’s turning circle to under 10 metres), automatic park assist, and a unique “rainy night” driving mode aimed at enhancing safety and visibility in adverse conditions.
MG’s decision to bring the IM brand to the UK signals its intent to move upmarket and take on the established EV players with genuine innovation and ambition. With strong performance, ultra-fast charging, and a smart pricing strategy, the IM 5 and IM 6 could become serious disruptors in the fast-evolving EV landscape.
The UK market has been calling out for fresh alternatives to Tesla, and with IM’s tech pedigree and aggressive rollout plan, this could be MG’s most daring move yet.
Source: MG
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