Introduction to the 2025 MG IM6
Do not adjust your screens, dear readers. This may not look like an MG, but it is indeed MG's latest electric SUV. In fairness, there isn't an MG badge in sight, which feels like something of an oversight, but that's because it's really a product of MG's Chinese parent company imported to Europe for the first time.
Sitting alongside the IM5 saloon in the middle of the MG line-up, the IM6 is designed to compete with the Tesla Model Y, offering similar technology, minimalism and range, even if the branding is a bit of a mishmash.
None of the 'IM' cars have been confirmed for the Irish market as yet so we headed to the UK to find out whether the IM6's range-topping Launch Edition model can really beat the Tesla and its competitors in the electric SUV class - and whether Irish buyers should be canvassing their MG dealer to bring it into the country.
Pros & Cons of the 2025 MG IM6
Pros: Outrageously fast, useful boot, decent cabin space
Cons: Poor rear visibility, confusing technology, inert handling
Exterior & Design of the 2025 MG IM5
• Aerodynamic shape is nice, but a bit generic
• MG badge mysteriously absent
• Narrow choice of colours
In a way, the IM6 is a bit generic to look at, especially with the logo on the front, which belongs to 'Intelligence in Motion', a joint venture between MG's Chinese owner, SAIC, the Alibaba Group and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. Quite why there's no MG badge is a mystery.
Whatever, the generic aerodynamic shape makes it a bit difficult to work out how big the IM6 is, but let's set the record straight: the IM6 is fractionally larger than the Tesla Model Y, although the difference isn't all that significant, with measurements of:
Length: 4,904mm
Width: 1,988mm
Height: 1,669mm
Wheelbase: 2,950mm
The shape is aerodynamically inspired, which leaves us with that curved bodywork, but there's no doubt the IM6 also takes some inspiration from the Model Y with which it must compete. The look is futuristic in a way, but it is also a little forgettable.
We can't criticise the design too much, though, because the IM6 is far from ugly. It may not be the sexiest thing on the market, but it's good-looking in its way, and it comes with some smart orange brake callipers, as well as tasteful 21-inch alloy wheel designs.
Colour options are, shall we say, limited, but Nevis Blue, Black Pearl, Arctic White and Rembrandt Grey should be enough for most.
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Comfort of the 2025 MG IM6
• Minimalist interior feels robust and upmarket
• Big screens are somewhat Tesla-inspired
• Boot and cabin space both very respectable
If the IM6's exterior feels a bit Tesla-like, then wait until you see the interior. The dashboard really doesn't have all that much to it, except for two massive screens, a wireless phone charging pad and a few air vents. Buttons are almost entirely eschewed, save for two four-way controls on the steering wheel, and the stalks behind the wheel (one of which is the drive selector).
The minimalist look is fine, especially with some nice materials and decent build quality making it feel every inch the premium product. But it isn't the easiest to navigate, with some confusing menus in the touchscreen, and even more confusing switchgear around the steering wheel.
Turning on the cruise control, for example, requires inputs through the touchscreen, the drive selector and the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. And with no labels, it isn't always easy to work out what does what.
Ergonomically, then, the IM6's cabin is a bit of a nightmare, but the displays are sharp, and though some of the icons on the screens are a bit small, the processors respond quickly. The wireless charging is great, too, and the panoramic roof makes it light and airy in there.
Better still, there's lots of space in the boot, which measures 665 litres and includes a chunky underfloor storage compartment. That's in addition to the 32-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables, and keeping them out of the main luggage compartment, especially if they're wet and mucky.
All that boot space is combined with ample rear cabin space, too, so there's lots of legroom for those in the back, and even tall rear-seat passengers will find adequate headroom under that glass roof.
Speaking of glass, however, we were hoping the IM6 would offer better visibility than the IM5, but the rear windscreen is just as small. Looking through the rear-view mirror is a pretty pointless exercise, but at least there's a fleet of cameras to help you out when you're on the move.
Performance of the 2025 MG IM6
• Rides and handles neatly, but it isn't engaging
• Air suspension allows you to tune the car's behaviour
• Performance model offers outrageous pace
Unlike the IM5, the IM6 does not get an entry-level 75kWh battery option, so the only power pack is the 100kWh battery, which is offered in Long Range and Performance forms. In the case of the Long Range, the battery is paired with a 408hp electric motor that drives the rear wheels, whereas the Performance model has a second motor on the front axle, providing 752hp and all-wheel drive.
Both options are quick, with neither car taking more than six seconds to sprint from a standstill to 100km/h, while both offer a top speed of almost 240km/h. Not that any owners are likely to ever reach that.
Range will be a bigger factor for would-be buyers, and the Long Range car is likely to be the more popular option. Yet even that offers ample performance - as much as any customer is likely to want - and it comes in immediately.
There's no hanging around, waiting for gear ratios or turbochargers to get their act together; the IM6 just surges forward the moment you touch the pedal, and it continues to do so. The pace is relentless and doesn't seem to tail off until you're into the realms of illegality.
All of which makes the Performance - the powertrain that underpins the Launch Edition model tested here - feel a bit superfluous. Yes, it offers all-wheel drive, and that means there's a dedicated Snow setting for the power delivery to help you make the most of the extra traction, but unless you're going to use the car off-road, or in horrendous weather, it doesn't really seem necessary.
Nevertheless, it's there, and it's very impressive. A choice of driving modes allows you to tune it to your needs somewhat, but even the Eco mode, designed to maximise range by damping down the accelerator response to reduce consumption, doesn't blunt the IM6's pace too greatly. In Sport mode, the car tightens itself up noticeably and becomes much livelier.
That isn't just down to the powertrain, though. The IM6 has air suspension as standard, and that means it's more adaptable to the situation. In Comfort mode, for example, it feels softer and more pillowy, while the Sport setting firms it up slightly.
The differences are small, admittedly, but there is a fraction more bite to the bumps in stiffer settings, while Comfort mode seems more compliant. Some bumps still make their presence felt, perhaps in part because of the 21-inch wheels and their low-profile tyres, but the big MG is generally quite comfortable without being remarkably so.
Similarly, the handling is a bit inert and lifeless. It isn't bad, and MG would probably argue that it strikes a nice balance between comfort and sportiness, but it doesn't have the engagement of a BMW iX3 or even the old Jaguar I-Pace.
The steering is quite numb, even though it gets much heavier in Sport mode, but it's precise enough and the body control is pretty good, which makes it feel stable and secure. It's easy to position on the road, too, which is good news in something that feels this bulky.
Helping you do that is a four-wheel-steering system that you barely notice at work, but it does permit the car to do some clever things, including shrinking the turning circle and entering 'crab' mode, which allows it to move diagonally in tight spaces. Quite when you're likely to use such a system in the real world remains to be seen, but it's there if you want to show off to your friends.
For most, then, the IM6 will be perfectly adequate without breaking any new ground, and that's absolutely fine. It's a relaxing car, with a quiet cabin (thanks in part to noise-cancelling technology) and a laid-back, chilled-out attitude.
Until you put your foot down, that is. Still, it'll be exactly what most of its prospective buyers want and expect it to be.
Range, Battery & Charging of the 2025 MG IM6
• Just the one massive 100kWh battery on offer
• DC charging at up to 396kW
• Offers more than 600km of range
With only the one battery available - a 100kWh NMC power pack - the differences between the Long Range and Performance versions of the IM6 are all down to the motors. Opt for the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive Long Range model and it'll manage 624km on the official range test, whereas the twin-motor, all-wheel-drive Performance does 504km between plug-ins.
That said, around town and on country roads, our test car - a Launch Edition with the Performance powertrain - achieved about 500km, and it only dropped to around 400km on the motorway, suggesting those official figures might be vaguely achievable for some. Certainly, the efficiency we saw on the trip computer beats that of some other comparable electric cars.
That being the case, owners are unlikely to need to charge away from home all that often, but when they do, the IM6 has them covered. With 800-volt technology under the skin, the IM6 can accept charge at up to 396kW, allowing it to make full use of the 350kW charging points that are starting to crop up around Europe.
At maximum speed, it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 17 minutes, but that will require you to find a charger powerful enough to deliver that kind of speed.
At a slower kerbside or carpark AC charger, the IM6 can manage up to 11kW.
Running Costs of the 2025 MG IM6
• Those that charge at home should find the IM6 very cheap to run
• Big battery takes you a long way
• Seven-year, 150,000km warranty
As with all electric cars, a key part of the IM6's appeal is the fact it won't cost all that much to run. The large battery means owners should be able to rely more on cheap-rate home charging than expensive public charging.
For some, the providence of the IM6 - particularly its murky past as a Chinese joint venture - might put some customers off but remember this car's underpinnings are based on those of Audi's Chinese-market subsidiary, and MG is offering a seven-year, 150,000km warranty for a bit of extra peace of mind.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2025 MG IM6
• Irish availability still to be confirmed
• In other markets, price is comparable with Tesla Model Y
• Launch Edition will be the most expensive
MG Ireland has still not confirmed if the IM6 will come to these shores, but evidence from other European markets suggests it'll be comparable in price with the Tesla Model Y. That may not be the kind of bargain those familiar with the brand might expect, but the MG will compete on equipment, as well as capability.
All models get the clean, faux-leather-trimmed cabin with the big screens and lots of safety kit, as well as goodies such as cameras, heated and ventilated seats, and smartphone connectivity software. Climate control, navigation and the panoramic glass roof are all standard, too.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2025 MG IM6?
Like the smaller IM5, the IM6 has some imperfections, including its confusing technology and limited rear visibility. But don't let that detract from what is a very capable electric SUV, and one that can largely only improve as MG's Chinese masters fine-tune the tech for European customers.
Once that's done, the IM6 could well prove more compelling than the Model Y it's trying to topple. Even if that doesn't happen, the fact we're talking about an MG in those terms is a sign of how far the brand has come in a relatively short space of time. Now Irish buyers just need to wait and see if the IM models come here.
FAQs About the 2025 MG IM6
How many child seats fit in an MG IM6?
The IM6 comes with two standard ISOFIX child-seat mounting points, one in each of the outer rear seats. Access to those rear seats is very easy, and the glass roof means there's plenty of light to see what you're doing.
Does the MG IM6 have a 'frunk'?
Yes, the IM6 has a 32-litre frunk under the bonnet, which can be used to store luggage or charging paraphernalia.
How safe is the MG IM6?
Euro NCAP is still yet to assess the IM6, so we can't say for sure how safe the newcomer will be. We do, however, know it comes with lots of safety and driver assistance technology, including some quirky features for getting out of tight parking spaces safely. The usual suspects, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, are all present and correct.
Want to know more about the MG IM6?
If you want to know anything else about the MG IM6, or you'd like to find out more about its rivals, its stablemates, or any other car on sale in Ireland, then why not head for our Ask Us Anything page? There, you can pose your question to our experts, who will set about finding you the answer.
