MG – best known as a value-focused brand since its Chinese-owned revival – is aiming to give its UK range a more high-tech, premium sheen with the addition of two new models. The IM6 SUV we’re looking at here arrives alongside the IM5 hatchback, and it doesn’t take an automotive forensic expert to work out that they might be aimed at the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 respectively, though actually the MGs are a decent chunk larger than those cars.
The models are sold under the separate IM brand in China, and are currently sans MG badges, although they have had the letters MG added to the tailgate. MG says it is expecting the models to create new opportunities for it in the corporate market, by offering improved battery range and technology compared with its existing EVs.
Interior
It’s clear as soon as you enter the cabin (via pillarless doors), and place your feet on the plush carpet, that the IM6 is a major step up from previous MG SUVs. There’s lots of leather-style and other premium materials, while the dashboard is dominated by a combined 28.3in screen hosting the driver display and infotainment functions. Additionally, a lower 10.5in screen operates many vehicle functions – frankly, too many, in our opinion, requiring the driver to look down away from the road to operate it. Still, the screens are nicely responsive as well as visually impressive.
Rear legroom is good in terms of distance to the front seats, but the footwells are a little shallow. The boot is also shallower than expected – however it benefits from a very deep underfloor storage compartment (there’s also a 32-litre front boot).
Performance and drive
The IM6 comes with a single, 100kWh (96.5kWh usable) capacity battery option, and available power outputs of 407hp or a frankly ridiculous 751hp. We tried the former, and as you’d expect it proved well up to the job, with highly impressive acceleration – it doesn’t take too much throttle application to rapidly approach illegal speeds. With this output the WLTP range between charges is an impressive 388 miles.
The IM6 corners well for an SUV – it feels very solidly planted on the road, with lots of grip, and minimal body roll. The ride is generally good too on all but the roughest roads. Refinement is also good – MG makes much with its launch materials of the level of soundproofing provided.
One demerit point on the move is that a very narrow rear windscreen means visibility is restricted. Perhaps to compensate for this a comprehensive camera system is on offer, including a feature where turning on an indicator causes a blind-spot camera view in that direction to be displayed. There’s also a special ‘rainy night’ mode said to use camera displays as a better alternative to the glare of headlights in mirrors, which sadly we didn’t have the conditions to try out.
The car also features a comprehensive self-parking system that it is said will not only park automatically, but also pull out from tricky spaces – though when we tried the latter we were told it was unable to comply due to ‘complex surroundings’.
These systems are part of a tech-heavy standard equipment list which also includes four-wheel steering (to make the car more manoeuvrable or more stable depending on speed), a 20-speaker audio system, and a double glazed, thermally insulated panoramic roof.
It’s too early for full running cost data to be available for the IM6 – however, we do know the P11D value. At £47,929 for the version we tested, this might seem punchy for an MG – and there’s no shortage of other electric rivals offering stern competition – but the IM6 has the credibility in spec and design to live up to it.
Positive: Impressive interior trim and technology, rapid acceleration, large under-boot storage area
Negative: Limited rear visibility, lower touchscreen controls too many functions
Standard equipment: 20-speaker audio system, 26.3in combined driver display and infotainment touchscreen, 10.5in lower touchscreen, double glazed thermal insulated panoramic roof, double layer soundproof glass, rear privacy glass, 256-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging pad, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, four-wheel steering.
Engines: Electric: 407hp, 751hp
Equipment grades: Long Range, Performance, Launch Edition
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | MG IM6 100kWh Long Range |
| P11D | £47,929 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,840 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 388 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £24/£48 |
| Luggage capacity | 665 litres |
| Battery size/power | 100kWh/407hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
