Image: Riz Akhtar
Last week, we reported that the now Chinese owned auto brand MG is to launch a premium electric vehicle brand, called IM, at the Melbourne Motor Show with two electric models: IM5 sedan and the IM6 SUV.
As flagged, the brand has now unveiled these and revealed initial specs of what will be heading to Australia later this year. Along with that, a register of interest for those interested in these EVs has been opened. Prices have not yet been announced but are likely to be around the $70,000 mark.
IM is a joint venture between MG’s parent company, SAIC and technology company Alibaba Group. It stands for Intelligence in Motion, and its vehicles aim for a premium end of the market. Locally, it will be known as IM presented by MG Motor.
Both the sedan and the SUV will be coming with either a single-motor RWD variant or a dual-motor performance-fouced AWD model.
There will be two battery offerings, with most variants featuring the larger 100 kWh battery pack. The IM6 SUV will also have one RWD variant featuring a 75 kWh battery pack, delivering 505 km of NEDC range. This is likely closer to 440 km on the WLTP cycle, which is still fairly respectable.
The larger packs deliver NEDC range figures of between 600 km and 755 km on the L5 and L6 models, which are expected at 500 to 650 km on the WLTP cycle.
30-80% charging times are as short as just over 15 minutes for the larger battery, while the smaller battery will charge as much in 20 minutes.
These batteries feed RWD and AWD powertrains, which can deliver up to 572 kW of power in the Platinum AWD variants.
These top-spec cars can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.48 seconds for the L6 SUV, while the sedan comes in at a blistering 2.74 seconds, making it the second quickest sedan on the market.
Both tech-focused models will land in the market with a few unique features including a four-wheel steering system, helping lower the turning radius of the mid-sized cars to one of much smaller hatchbacks.
Along with that, they feature other intelligent driving features that are not seen locally in any models, including “One Touch Reverse”. This helps guide drivers out of tricky spots by retracing the last 100 metres.
There are also a few intelligent parking features that are there to make inner-city parking a lot easier for all drivers.
MG Motor Australia’s CEO, Peter Ciao, says the technology, the luxury, and the performance of the IM5 and IM6 will astound drivers.
“I can’t wait for Australian drivers to experience the four-wheel steering capabilities, the AI technology and premium finishes within the cabin and the performance of these vehicles, they are truly remarkable,” he said.
“Australia will be the second international market, outside of our domestic Chinese market, to launch the IM vehicles. This proves the importance of the Australian market to our brand globally and also the potential we believe the Australian market has when it comes to luxury electric vehicles.
“These are truly beautiful cars that will challenge the luxury electric vehicle segment. These models will begin arriving in Australia in the coming months, I can’t wait to see them on the road.”
Both models will be available later this year with premium finishes and a large 26.3-inch screen, as well as a secondary 10.5-inch screen.
When it comes to premium sound, there are 20 speakers strategically placed around the cabin, which will deliver quality acoustics.
Two interior options and five exterior paint colours will be offered across the five variants of these models.
Both models are expected to be launched later this year, with pricing and detailed specifications announcements expected closer to them.
In other markets like Thailand, where IM was recently launched, prices start at under $A70,000 which could be a guide of where it ends up in Australia.
The initial specifications of both cars are very impressive. Having seen these models in China and experiencing the technology and quality that IM aims to deliver, both cars will help push MG’s brand locally to new levels.
IM5 and IM6 specifications
| IM6 RWD | IM6 Platinum RWD | IM6 Platinum AWD | IM5 Platinum RWD | IM5 Platinum AWD | |
| Length | 4904 | 4904 | 4904 | 4931 | 4931 |
| Width | 1988 | 1988 | 1988 | 1960 | 1960 |
| Height | 1669 | 1669 | 1669 | 1474 | 1474 |
| Wheel Base | 2950 | 2950 | 2950 | 2950 | 2950 |
| Boot volume | 665-1640 | 665-1640 | 665-1640 | 457-1290 | 457-1290 |
| Battery | 75kWh | 100kWh | 100kWh | 100kWh | 100kWh |
| NEDC Range | 505km | 670km | 600km | 755km | 625km |
| Power | 217kW | 300kW | 200kW + 372kW | 300kW | 200kW + 372kW |
| Torque | 450Nm | 500Nm | 302Nm + 500Nm | 500Nm | 302Nm + 500Nm |
| Charging Time (30-80% State of Charge) | 20 minutes | 15.2 minutes | |||
| 0-100kmh | 6.4 seconds | 5.4 seconds | 3.48 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 2.74 seconds |
| Top speed | 200km/h | 220km/h | 240km/h | 220km/h | 240km/h |
| Turning radius | 5.09m | 4.99m | |||
| Exterior colours | Ares Black
Athena White Rembrandt Grey Raphael Beige Nevis Blue |
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| Interior colours | Dover Beige
Highland Grey |
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Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
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Beyond my budget but in my middle years I would find these as an interesting option.
Particularly 4WS, and 100metre auto reverse which would have great appeal for long narrow driveways. Performance of course for those a little younger.