MG Motor has launched the fully electric (EV) MG IM5 and MG IM6 in Australia, with prices starting from AUD60,990 (approx. RM168k) to AUD80,990 (approx. RM223k).
The IM marque, also known as IM Motors, stands for “Intelligence in Motion” and is a joint venture between SAIC Motors, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. In international markets, models released by IM will be sold under MG Motor, as it is one of the brands under the corporate umbrella of SAIC Motors.
The launch of the MG IM5 and IM6 in Australia comes after the launch of the latter’s introduction in Thailand earlier this year. Both the IM5 and IM6 are nearly identical, with the main difference being their body styles: the MG IM5 is a sedan, whereas the IM6 is an SUV.
These similarities can also be seen in the powertrains of these two models, where both are offered in three variants in Australia, namely Premium 75 kWh RWD, Platinum 100 kWh RWD, and Performance 100 kWh AWD.
As the name suggests, the key differences between these variants lie in the size of their battery packs, the outputs of their electric motors, which both IM5 and IM6 share, and their corresponding range figures.
RELATED: MG IM6 to debut in Thailand next week – EV SUV also coming to Malaysia?
Both the MG IM5 and IM6 start with the base Premium 75 kWh RWD variant. This variant features a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 295 hp (217 kW) and 450 Nm. 0-100 km/h in this guise takes 6.8 seconds for both the MG IM5 and IM6.
This is paired to a 75 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which enables a range of 490 km (WLTP) for the MG IM5 and 450 km (WLTP) for the MG IM6. The base Premium 75 kWh variant supports 11 kW AC charging and DC charging at 153 kW, which enables a 30-80% recharge in 20 minutes.
Stepping up to the Platinum 100 kWh RWD variant, the rear-mounted motor output is increased to 408 hp (300 kW) and 500 Nm. With the increased output, the century sprint is achieved faster in 4.9 seconds for the MG IM5 and 5.4 seconds for the MG IM6.
This is paired with a larger 100 kWh lithium manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack, which enables a range of 655 km (WLTP) for the MG IM5 and 555 km (WLTP) for the MG IM6. Thanks to an 800V architecture, this variant of the MG IM5 and IM6 supports charging at 11 kW AC and DC charging at 396 kW, which allows a 30-80% recharge in just 15.2 minutes.
Moving on to the range-topping Performance 100 kWh AWD variant, this features the addition of a front-mounted electric motor producing 272 hp (200 kW) and 302 Nm, as well as a more powerful rear motor producing 506 hp (372 kW) and 500 Nm.
MG Motor did not reveal the combined output for this variant, but states that this setup allows the MG IM5 to reach 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and 3.4 seconds for the MG IM6.
Equipped with the same 100 kWh NMC battery pack, the Performance variant of the MG IM5 has a range of 575 km (WLTP) and 505 km (WLTP) for the MG IM6. As before, it also shares the same charging specifications as the Platinum 100 kWh RWD variant, with 11 kW AC charging and 396 kW DC charging.
Beyond the powertrains, both the MG IM5 and MG IM6 are equipped with advanced chassis technology. This includes bi-directional rear-wheel steer and intelligent air suspension that can calibrate and adjust ride height and stiffness based on current speed and payload. Additionally, the IM6, being an SUV, can even automatically lower itself for easier access.
For interior equipment, both the MG IM5 and MG IM6 are equipped as standard with a 26.3-inch free-standing touchscreen display on the dashboard. This display is seamlessly divided into two segments: a 15.5-inch section for infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.5-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver.
On the centre console of both cars, there’s also a 10.5-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen display that controls various vehicle settings.
Beyond the standard features, the MG IM5 and MG IM6 also offer a range of optional interior accessories. These include additional displays and versatile mounting points at the back of the driver and front passenger seats, which can be used for attaching lights, displays, or even a table.
In terms of safety systems, both MG IM5 and IM6 are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features (ADAS). This system revolves around the IM AD Intelligent Hardware System, which features an intelligent pilot device powered by an Nvidia Orin N chipset, 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, and one positioning unit.
Some of the ADAS features on both cars include adaptive cruise control, speed limit information, intelligent lane change, park distance control, and auto park assist.
Set to challenge the market leaders in Australia’s EV segment, particularly Tesla, the MG IM5 and MG IM6 are designed to be formidable contenders. Having launched in Australia and Thailand, couldthe more “premium” MG EVs soon make their way to Malaysia?
ALSO READ: 2025 MG S5 EV launched in Malaysia – 3 variants, priced from RM116k
GALLERY
MG IM5
MG IM6
