Introduction to the MG IM5
Another day, another Chinese electric car coming to Europe. But while the IM5's badge might resemble that of a cheap phone manufacturer, this car has the backing of a well-known, established EV brand. Yes, this is the newest addition to the MG range, and with the exception of the Cyberster, it's one of the most upmarket MGs we've seen in years.
Dubbed the IM5, it sits alongside the IM6 as a kind of showcase for the abilities of MG's parent company, SAIC. More to the point, it's a new alternative to the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal and Polestar 2.
But if it really wants to rival those cars, and the slew of cheap electric cars coming from the likes of BYD, the IM5 is going to have to be good. So, for our first taste of the new fastback, we sampled a top-of-the-range, twin-motor Performance model on the roads of MG's spiritual homeland, the UK.
Pros & Cons of the MG IM5
Pros: Monstrous performance, decent range, seems well made
Cons: So-so ride quality, confusing controls, dreadful rear visibility
Exterior & Design of the MG IM5
• Aerodynamic shape is nice, but a bit generic
• MG badge mysteriously absent
• Narrow choice of colours
The IM5 looks very similar to its key rivals - the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal - in terms of body shape, but it is actually a little bigger than those two cars, measuring:
Length: 4,931mm
Width: 1,960mm
Height: 1,474mm
Wheelbase: 2,950mm
And it isn't just the shape that's a bit generic. The badge on the front doesn't mean much either, taken as it is from the 'Intelligence in Motion' brand that's part of a partnership between MG's Chinese owner SAIC, the Alibaba Group and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. That's where the car originally came from, but it's being sold as an MG in this part of the world, so quite why MG hasn't bothered to put its own badge on the nose and tail isn't really clear.
Aside from the odd badging, though, the IM5 looks pretty good. The aerodynamic shape is quite sporty and clean, and this Performance model gets Continental brakes with orange callipers, lurking behind 20-inch alloy wheels.
But the colour palette is subdued at best, with Nevis Blue the only 'colour' on offer, joined by the shades of Black Pearl, Arctic White and Rembrandt Grey.
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Comfort of the MG IM5
• Cabin is minimalist and well made
• Two touchscreens control almost everything
• Lots of boot space and rear legroom
The IM5's cabin is minimalist to an extreme level, with an almost completely featureless dashboard and door cards that keep switchgear at bay as much as possible. In fact, even the steering wheel, which is normally a hotbed of buttons on modern vehicles, is limited to just two visible buttons. Such is the commitment to a clean appearance that they aren't even labelled.
These design decisions leave the IM5's cabin looking very stylish, and it's well made, too. The materials all feel well selected and upmarket, and what little switchgear there is has a real robustness to it. However, all the minimalism comes at an ergonomic cost.
Although there are two big touchscreens to play with (more on those in a moment), one of which is combined with a digital instrument display, it isn't always easy to work out what operates what. Even using the cruise control is difficult for the uninitiated. And until you're used to it, you'll find yourself jabbing various controls in the hope that something will do what you expect. Sometimes you're right, and sometimes you'll be wrong.
The key to mastering it all is, naturally, in the touchscreen infotainment system, which is as clean in its design as the rest of the cabin and offers lots of personalisation. You can choose which shortcuts you'd like to be displayed on the screen for easy access, for example.
But it has its flaws, with some fiddly menus and tiny icons that this reviewer's chipolata fingers found almost impossible to operate, particularly on the move. And that's an issue when features as fundamental as the door mirrors and cruise control are accessed through that lower display.
Which brings me neatly round to the other irritating feature of the IM5. On the driver's-side windscreen pillar, there's a little camera that monitors your every move, checking whether you're watching the road ahead or trying to navigate your way through another complex menu on the screen. Then it beeps its disapproval at you if you are, inevitably, stuck doing the latter. It's probably a useful safety feature, given the complexity of the touchscreen, but it's irritating and a little disconcerting.
But the criticism more or less ends there. The IM5's solidity is matched by its capaciousness, and customers will find a decent amount of space in the boot and a small 'frunk' under the bonnet, as well as loads of rear legroom. There are handy magnetic mounting points for accessories, too, allowing rear-seat passengers to watch Netflix on an iPad hands-free.
The one sole complaint is that the rear headroom will be a bit tight for taller passengers, but children and adults of below-average height will all find it more than roomy enough. Especially with the standard-fit glass roof drawing in bags of light.
Customers might quickly grow weary of the rear visibility, though, which might generously be described as dreadful. Tank slits and letter boxes provide a better view out.
Performance of the MG IM5
• Twin-motor Performance model has ridiculous turn of pace
• Steering is a bit lifeless, but there's plenty of grip control
• Ride has a sharp edge to it, although the cabin is refined
The IM5 range comprises three different variants, each with its own battery-and-motor combination. The base model is the Standard Range version, with a 75kWh battery and a 295hp electric motor driving the rear wheels. For most, that will be plenty fast enough, with ample grunt and plenty of overtaking performance.
For those that want more power or range, though, there's a 100kWh Long Range option that we expect to be more popular. That's mainly down to the extra battery capacity that ups the range noticeably, but it comes with the added bonus of a 408hp electric motor that cuts the 0-100km/h time to less than five seconds. That is ridiculously quick, and it's way faster than anyone is likely to need.
Nevertheless, MG has decided a more powerful option is required, so the range-topping Performance model tested here gets the same 100kWh battery as the Long Range version, but a second electric motor, giving it a massive 752hp split between all four wheels. It also has greater traction in all conditions, and a supercar-rivalling 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. That's the same as a Bentley Continental GT Speed manages.
Unsurprisingly, the IM5 doesn't drive like a Bentley, but it still behaves surprisingly well on the road. Admittedly, the steering is a little lifeless, even in its sportiest setting, which is intriguingly dubbed “steady” on the car's touchscreen. Opt for that setting, and the steering feels quite weighty, but in an artificial kind of way - a bit like turning up the resistance on a video game - whereas the more comfort-orientated settings are much lighter.
Choosing between them will come down to personal preference, but MG offers a custom set-up option alongside its preconfigured Eco, Comfort, Sport and Snow settings, allowing drivers to tune various aspects of the car to the conditions.
Whichever you choose, the IM5 is relatively easy to place on the road, and it doesn't feel too bulky, with rapid responses to the wheel and the pedals, while there's plenty of grip from the standard Pirelli tyres.
The body control is impressive, too, with little in the way of body lean in corners or pitch under braking. All of which makes the IM5 feel stable, even when you start pushing it a bit harder. The brakes are similarly impressive, with a surprising amount of feel despite the need to combine conventional hydraulic braking with regenerative braking.
There's no one-pedal mode, as you might find in some other electric vehicles - the regen isn't that strong - but it's enough to recoup some energy as you coast to a halt.
The slight downside of all this is that there's a slight edge to the IM5's ride, although that may be partly down to the 20-inch alloy wheels and the weight of the big battery. Generally speaking, it's quite smooth over longer-wavelength undulations, while shorter bumps tend to have a bit more impact on those in the cabin.
It's never that uncomfortable, though, and it seems pretty well damped over most bumps. On the motorway, however, it's a comfortable car in which to while away the kilometres. The refinement is good, too, with little in the way of wind or road noise in the cabin, which is partly thanks to noise cancelling technology.
Range, Battery & Charging of the MG IM5
• Choice of two battery sizes
• DC charging at up to 396kW
• Larger battery provides range of up to 710km
With the choice of two battery sizes and three electric motor options, the IM5 can be configured to the needs of the buyer, but most will find even the Standard Range car adequate. Officially, that manages about 490km on a single charge, which puts it roughly on a par with the entry-level Tesla Model 3.
For those that want more range, though, there's always the Long Range model with its 100kWh battery. That 33 per cent increase in capacity equates to a similar increase in range, providing 710km on the official economy test.
Those who prefer the Performance model might only expect a small decrease in range, but the second motor makes quite a difference to the IM5's range between charges. In fact, at 575km, it isn't all that much greater than that of the Standard Range car. Nevertheless, the real-world range is well over 500km if you drive on a mixture of roads, and even on the motorway, it'll do about 400km between trips to the plug.
However, the larger battery uses very different chemistry to the smaller option - the 100kWh pack uses a nickel, cobalt and manganese (NCM) composition, while the 75kWh unit uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) tech - so there are considerable differences in performance.
Where the larger battery can deal with 800-volt architecture, the smaller battery has to make do with 400 volts, and the charging speeds are impacted noticeably. So, while the 75kWh battery can charge at a maximum of 153kW on a public charge point, and recharging from 10 to 80 per cent will take 26 minutes at top speed, the 100kWh battery's 396kW charging capability means it can get from 10 to 80 per cent in only 17 minutes. Assuming you can find a charger fast enough, that is.
Running Costs of the MG IM5
• Electric powertrain should make it cheap to run
• Long range means less need for public charging
• Seven-year, 150,000km warranty
One of the main reasons for choosing an electric vehicle is the reduction in running costs, and the IM5 delivers as well as anything else on that front. Yes, the battery is big, so each charge - whether at home or away - will be more expensive than in a car with a smaller power pack, but you'll go further with that energy.
That means you can charge at home more often, and that means costs will be lower than they would be if you were using a public DC charge point.
And with MG's focus on value across its range, it's no surprise that the IM5 should be relatively cheap to service and maintain. And, with a seven-year, 150,000km warranty offered with all new MGs, there shouldn't be too many surprise costs during your time with the car. Perhaps tyres if you exploit this car's considerable performance regularly.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the MG IM5
• Irish availability still to be confirmed
• In other markets, price is comparable with Tesla Model 3
• This Performance model will be the most expensive
MG is yet to confirm whether the IM5 will be sold in Ireland, but we'd be surprised if not, given it has launched in the UK in right-hand drive. We're expecting it to cost a similar amount to the Tesla Model 3 if tariffs don't ruin things. There's no official word on that, but in other markets, the two cars are similarly pitched, which makes for an interesting comparison.
As standard, we're expecting the IM5 to come with plenty of standard kit, including the two-screen layout with two touchscreens and a digital instrument display, as well as electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats. Faux leather upholstery is standard, too, along with lots of driver assistance technology, climate control and smartphone integration software.
Verdict - Should You Buy the MG IM5?
The IM5 is not perfect - irritating technology and ergonomics cast a shadow over what is otherwise a very impressive package - but that doesn't mean it won't come good. MG itself admits the software is not quite there yet, and the brand's Chinese parent company, SAIC, has the wherewithal to make changes at pace. If those tweaks come quickly, the IM5's range, space and solidity mean it could very soon become a force to be reckoned with. That said, the Performance model is unlikely to be the top seller, and most buyers will be better served by the Long Range version if/when it makes it to Irish shores.
FAQs About the MG IM5
How many child seats fit in an MG IM5?
The IM5 has two ISOFIX child-seat mounting points, with one in each of the outer rear seats. Access is reasonable, but headroom is a bit tight, so lifting the seats in and out of the rear passenger area won't necessarily be that easy. At least the glass roof means there's plenty of light to help you see what you're doing.
Does the MG IM5 have a 'frunk'?
Yes, the IM5 has an 18-litre frunk under the bonnet. It isn't massive, but it's big enough to carry charging cables and keeps them out of the main boot.
How safe is the MG IM5?
The IM5 hasn't yet been assessed by Euro NCAP, so we don't know how safe it will be. However, it does come with lots of standard safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking, driver attention monitoring and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control, a deluge of manoeuvring cameras and parking sensors are included too. Which is probably a good thing, given how terrible rear visibility is.
Want to know more about the MG IM5?
If you want to know anything else about the MG IM5, its rivals, or any of its stablemates, then why not head for our Ask Us Anything page? There, you can pose your question and our team of experts will get to work on an answer for you.
