MG is targeting corporate fleet market gains with two new EVs which represent a more premium offering than we’ve previously seen from the brand in the modern era. We previously tried the IM6 SUV – now we’re looking at the IM5 upper-medium hatchback. This model in particular we think will attract plenty of admiration on the road for its design – clearly Tesla-esque, but very credible as a high-end contender.
Performance and drive
Although the two IM models share the same platform, a difference between them is that while the IM6 only comes with a 100kWh (96.5kWh usable) capacity battery, the IM5 is also available with a smaller 75kWh (73.5kWh usable) battery, which is paired with a 295hp motor in the entry-level Standard Range model. Next up is the 100kWh, 407hp Long Range, and then the line-up is topped by the also 100kWh, 751hp Performance version. The latter is the version tested here – but we should make it clear that this is because of car availability at the model’s media launch, rather than it being in any way the most suitable model for fleets, in our opinion. Officially, the IM5 Performance accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds, which quite simply is high-end supercar performance (as fast as the McLaren F1, the world’s fastest production car in the 1990s), and it feels every bit as quick as this on the road. The rate at which it can gain speed is frankly ridiculous, and while it’s admittedly great fun in the right time and place, it’s well beyond anything anyone could ever possibly claim to need.
That performance is rendered still more incongruous by the fact the IM5 isn’t particularly sporty to drive. Not that it can’t cope with the power – Performance spec comes with all-wheel drive so there’s plenty of grip, and the handling feels secure and planted to the road – but it isn’t very dynamic, and the steering feels numb. In many ways it feels similar to the IM6 – unsurprising perhaps given the shared underpinnings, but we’d have liked to see a bit more entertainment from this hatchback compared with the SUV. There is at least still the agility offered by the four-wheel steering system, which came into its own taking a tight hairpin junction on our test drive.
Another positive is a nice compliant quality to the ride, which does a good job smoothing out road surface imperfections – fitting in with MG’s avowed focus with these models on refinement, including significant soundproofing.
Interior and technology
Perhaps a surprising area where the IM5 makes up for a lack of sporty handling is in the driving position – you sit low down with legs well out in front, like in a coupe. This relative proximity of the floor also applies in the back, and we fear this would make adults uncomfortable on long journeys, since it requires a knees-high seating position. Headroom is at least OK thanks to the thermally insulated panoramic roof not requiring a cover.
The IM5’s interior trim and technology closely resembles that of the IM6 – which is no bad thing. Material quality is good, and the combined 28.3in driver display and infotainment screen is impressive – though we do feel too many vehicle functions are controlled by a lower 10.5in screen.
Unfortunately, the IM5 also resembles the IM6 in having a small rear windscreen, which limits visibility. At 457 litres the boot is a decent size, though it’s surprisingly narrow in shape.
As unnecessary as we feel the Performance powertrain is, we must concede that genuine supercar acceleration for what these days is hot hatchback money (£48,430 P11D) is a remarkable proposition. That being said, we still feel most will be better served by opting for lesser powertrains in the line-up – either the Standard Range, which at less than £40,000 avoids the UK Government’s Expensive Vehicle Supplement, or the Long Range, which impressively covers 441 miles between charges on the official WLTP combined cycle.
Positive: Refined, nicely trimmed, technically impressive powertrain
Negative: Handling could be more involving, limited rear visibility
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: 295hp, 407hp, 751hp
Equipment grades: Standard Range, Long Range, Performance
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | MG IM5 Performance |
| P11D | £48,430 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,428 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 357 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £24/£48 |
| Luggage capacity | 457 litres |
| Battery size/power | 100kWh/751hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
