MG Challenges Tesla By Bringing Premium EV Sub-Brand IM to Australia

MG Motors is making waves in Australia’s EV scene yet again, but this time, it's raising the stakes. Meet IM – a premium electric vehicle sub-brand that’s already making noise in China and Thailand. Now, MG is bringing it Down Under under the banner of IM Presented by MG Motor. This isn’t just another EV launch. This is MG stepping into the luxury EV space with serious intent.

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What is IM, and Why Should You Care?

IM, short for Intelligence in Motion, is a joint venture between MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor, and Chinese tech giants Alibaba Group and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. If you’re into technology, you’ll know what this means – cutting-edge tech, premium design, and top-tier performance, all wrapped in a package that’s built to compete with the best.

Australia will get two models this year: the IM5 sedan (known as the IM L6 in China) and the IM6 SUV (IM LS6 in China). These EVs are designed to go head-to-head with some heavyweights, including the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, Polestar 2, and even more upmarket options like the BMW i4. The IM6 SUV? It’s taking on the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and XPeng G6. In short, MG isn’t playing around.

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Power, Range, and Features – What to Expect

While MG hasn’t locked in final Australian configurations, in China, the IM6 is available with rear or all-wheel drive, battery capacities between 71kWh and 100kWh, and an impressive range of up to 725km (under the optimistic CLTC standard). Regardless, these figures suggest the IM lineup will deliver solid range and performance for Aussie drivers.

But it’s not just about numbers. These cars are packed with technology that’s set to shake things up in the premium EV market. We’re talking advanced driver assistance systems, high-end interiors, and a level of refinement that could put some of the more established brands on notice.

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Pricing and Where It Stands in the Market

So, what’s it going to cost? MG hasn’t confirmed pricing yet, but expect these models to sit above the standard MG range. The IM6 will likely compete in the medium electric SUV category, going up against competitors like the BYD Sealion 7 ($54,990 before on-road costs), XPeng G6 ($54,800 before on-road costs), and Tesla Model Y ($58,900 before on-road costs). If MG positions the IM6 higher, it could even rival premium options like the Audi Q4 e-tron ($88,300 before on-road costs). The IM5, meanwhile, is shaping up as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Polestar 2.

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Official Debut at the Melbourne Motor Show

If you’re as curious as we are, the wait won’t be long. The IM5 and IM6 will make their first public appearance at the Melbourne Motor Show on April 5 and 6. That means Aussie EV fans will get their first up-close look at what MG is bringing to the table. If you’ve been eyeing a premium EV but aren’t keen on forking out over $80K for a luxury badge, IM could be a game-changer.

MG’s Big EV Ambitions

This launch marks a major step forward for MG in Australia. The brand has already established itself as a serious player in the EV market with the MG4, the outgoing ZS EV, and the stunning Cyberster roadster. Now, with the introduction of IM, MG is making it clear – they’re not just here to play; they’re here to lead.

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As MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao puts it, “We’re thrilled to introduce IM Presented by MG Motor to the Australian market, setting a new benchmark for luxury electric driving.” Meanwhile, MG’s COO Giles Belcher doubled down, saying, “With the introduction of IM, we now bring a new premium range of EVs to the Australian market.”

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Zecar's Take

With tech, luxury, and competitive pricing all in the mix, IM Presented by MG Motor has serious potential to disrupt Australia’s growing EV market. If MG plays its cards right, these new models could shake up the established order and give Aussie EV buyers something genuinely exciting to consider.

Will IM be the next big thing in Australian EVs? We’ll find out soon enough. But one thing’s for sure – the competition just got a whole lot more interesting.