MG IM6 (2025 - )

MG has certainly taken its time to establish itself, but it has undoubtedly done so with flair.

The brand has effectively capitalised on the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, especially as the shift towards electric vehicles accelerates.

The MG 4 EV made its debut three years ago, initially appearing to be just another ordinary family car equipped with an electric powertrain. However, with this car, MG showed it's feasible to offer an affordable EV with guts and punch.

Following its popularity, MG expanded its lineup with other remarkable offerings, including the Cyberster sports car.

Now, MG is gearing up to take on the Tesla Model Y. Enter the IM6 SUV.

Alongside the IM5 saloon, the IM6 is part of a sub-brand under the MG umbrella - one that intends to position itself as more premium, so expectations are naturally elevated.

MG promises cutting-edge technology, an impressive range, and a touch of luxury, not to mention striking aesthetics both inside and out. But has it delivered? Let's take a spin and see for ourselves, writes motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay.
 

If you’re already acquainted with MG’s latest offering, the IM5 saloon, the IM6 will undoubtedly feel familiar to you. Picture a blend of a Porsche Macan and a Tesla Model Y, and you’ve essentially grasped the essence of the IM6. 

At the front, the IM6 features boomerang-shaped lights positioned at each corner, while the sloping bonnet provides limited space for additional features. The rest of the front end is accentuated with intricately carved cutouts that mimic air intakes, paired with a bold grille at the bottom that juts out like a confident jaw.

From the side, the design is sleek and modern, featuring pop-out door handles, along with a strip of black cladding along the lower edges of the doors, which adds to its rugged, SUV-like appeal. Mirroring the Model Y, the roofline slopes significantly, while the rear of the vehicle protrudes prominently.

However, we’re less impressed by the back, which comes across as somewhat uninspired, with a considerable amount of blank space and a large dark area stretching across beneath the spoiler that incorporates a light bar.

On the whole, the IM6 is visually striking. With its aggressive stance, sporty lines, and appealing aesthetics, it certainly departs from the conventional image you might have of an MG. Notably, there are no MG badges in sight, as the IM brand is forging its own identity, reminiscent of how Ford handles its Mustang branding. 

The IM6 is available in three models without specific trim levels, all sharing a similar high-spec equipment list. Key features include 20-inch aero alloy wheels, a 26.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and voice control. 

Additional highlights consist of a 10.5-inch secondary touchscreen, a 20-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree parking camera, and automatic LED lighting. Comfort features include power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, and heated synthetic leather seats with power adjustment.

The 10.5-inch touchscreen displays high-resolution graphics, but the small icons aren't great. The upper display is more user-friendly, as it demands less mental effort to navigate. This simplicity is beneficial, considering that nearly all functions are controlled through the touchscreen, including climate control, mirror positioning, and even the direction of the air vents.

The Performance and Launch Edition models sport 21-inch alloys, while the entry-level Long Range features 20-inch wheels. Performance-wise, the Long Range variant has a single rear motor producing 407PS, whereas the Performance and Launch Edition models boast dual motors with all-wheel drive, generating 751PS.

The Performance version, driven here, boasts an astonishing 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds. This is impressively rapid, even surpassing the previous Tesla Model Y Performance (the new Model Y has arrived, but a Performance variant is yet to be released). It feels as exhilarating as it sounds, thrusting you back into your seat as you press the accelerator.

To be fair, this level of speed may seem a bit excessive for a vehicle of this nature - the entry-level Long Range model still manages a remarkable 5.4 seconds and should adequately meet the needs of most drivers.

The immense power seems somewhat at odds with the car, particularly due to its size and, even more so, its weight, which exceeds 2.4 tonnes. In contrast, the Long Range version is nearly 100 kg lighter. 

The IM6 grips well through corners and exhibits surprisingly little body roll. The steering is well-balanced, instilling confidence when navigating bends, but it doesn’t quite match the precision found in the Model Y, which feels more enjoyable on winding roads.

In all honesty, Tesla has crafted a superior product here, as the Model Y feels slightly more nimble and agile around corners. Nevertheless, the differences are minimal, and in a vehicle of this size, they likely carry little weight - there’s no escaping the fact that you’re operating a large, heavy car. No amount of skill can defy the immutable laws of physics.

When it comes to the ride, while it might not be the best in its class, the IM6 provides a soothing experience, effectively smoothing over most imperfections in the road. All IM6 models have active damping, which contributes to this.

Additionally, the Launch Edition features air suspension, allowing the car to adjust its height between 20mm above and 50mm below the standard ride height. This is the sole notable difference between the Launch Edition and the Performance model. We haven’t had the chance to test this feature yet, but we suspect it will further enhance ride comfort.

Finding a comfortable driving position in the IM6 is relatively straightforward, thanks to the powered seat adjustments available for both front seat occupants. However, the driver enjoys a greater range of settings.
You sit relatively high, which grants a good view of the road ahead, and the screens are positioned in such a way that they don’t obstruct your view through the windscreen, aided by the relatively slender front pillars.
The rear windscreen doesn't extend very far down, and due to its rounded corners and noticeably thicker rear pillars, it does significantly limit your over-the-shoulder visibility.
Fortunately, front and rear parking sensors come standard, along with a 360-degree parking camera. The one-touch park assist feature automates the parking process, assisted by four-wheel steering that can angle the car into tight spaces.
The front seats are comfortable, although they lack much lateral support if you enjoy tackling bends at higher speeds. There is ample headroom and legroom, and even with the enveloping feel created by the integrated dashboard and centre console, there's plenty of space to stretch out.
Despite the sloping roofline, rear headroom isn’t an issue – in fact, tall rear passengers sitting behind a tall front seat occupant will still find adequate legroom available.
Having three adults in the back for extended journeys may not be the most comfortable experience, but it's certainly manageable, making it a breeze for three children in the rear.
Boot space is a commendable 665 litres, surpassing many competitors, although it falls short of the impressively large boot found in the Tesla Model Y, which expands to 1,640 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, there's extra underfloor storage that's handy for tucking away charging cables, along with a 32-litre 'frunk' (front boot) for added storage.
When it comes to interior storage, there are numerous compartments to keep items organised, including a sizeable cubby in the centre console.

All IM6 models house a 100kWh battery (with 96.5kWh of usable capacity). This provides a commendable range of 388 miles for the Long Range variant, while the Performance and Launch Editions offer a range of 313 miles.

Since the IM6 produces zero emissions, it should be economical to run, particularly if you primarily use home charging. However, road tax isn’t the bargain it used to be as electric vehicles are now taxed at the same rate as conventional cars – £195 per year, although the initial year is just £10.

In reality, owning this vehicle won’t be overly cheap, as its starting price exceeds £40,000, which means you’ll also face the £425-a-year Expensive Car Supplement for the second to sixth years.

On the plus side for company car users, its zero emissions place it in the lowest band for Benefit-in-Kind tax.

While MG’s reliability has been questionable in the past, the long warranty offered with the IM6 should provide some reassurance. Every IM6 comes with a seven-year warranty, although it’s capped at 80,000 miles.
 

The IM6 is an attractive car with the potential to disrupt the market for pure electric SUVs. 

Its acceleration is impressive, and while the handling is commendable for its size, it doesn’t quite reach the performance level of top-tier SUVs. 

Considering its impressive range, fast charging capabilities, and great practicality, it seems we may have a strong contender in the electric SUV market. That said, the entry-level Tesla Model Y is more affordable and offers even greater practicality. 

Additionally, the IM6 suffers from a rear windscreen that is surprisingly small, and its touchscreen-driven interior, despite being stylish, is not the most user-friendly when on the move.

Despite a few shortcomings, this is a commendable effort from MG. Nonetheless, the inability to price below Tesla could ultimately be its biggest hurdle.