Summary
The MG IM5 and IM6 twins signify MG’s strategic entry into the premium electric executive car segment, directly challenging the likes of the Tesla Model 3. The IM5 has been on sale in China for some time, but made its UK launch in the summer of 2025, with first customer cars arriving in September 2025.
Although the saloon car market is struggling against SUVs and crossovers, MG clearly feels there is enough available business to bring its new IM sub-brand to the UK. The IM5 and IM6 carry almost no MG badging at all, using IM badges and branding instead. This makes more sense when you look at it from a Chinese perspective, where these cars are sold under the IM brand rather than the MG brand. Here in the UK, it makes things slightly more confusing to the average person on the street.
The MG IM5 is a sizeable vehicle, pushing close to five metres in length. That makes it longer than the Tesla Model 3, and broadly similar to the BMW i5, which is a whole market segment above the MG (and about twice the price). The closely related IM6 is a higher-riding crossover version, much like the Tesla Model Y.
Like many new cars, especially those coming from China, there is a heavy reliance on touchscreens rather than physical buttons or switches to control almost every function of the car. While this might appeal to some customers, it can be quite off-putting to others and can make controlling even simple functions difficult while driving. In fact, there are almost no buttons or physical controls anywhere in the interior.
Acceleration is astonishing for an executive or family saloon. Top-spec ‘Performance’ models put out 750hp of power and 800Nm of torque, enough to get from rest to 60mph in about three seconds – which is supercar territory. Not only are you highly unlikely to ever need that much power, most average drivers will probably be overwhelmed if they try to actually use it on normal UK roads. We’d recommend sticking to the mid-spec ‘Long Range’, which puts out a still-considerable 400hp and also offers 440 miles of range on the official government lab tests.
Standard equipment levels are very good on all models, including an excellent 20-speaker stereo system that puts many fancy (and expensive) optional stereos in German cars to shame.
As of November 2025, the MG IM5 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%.
IM5 highlights
- Blistering performance
- Excellent range, fast charging
- High level of standard equipment
- Quiet and spacious cabin
- Superb standard stereo
IM5 lowlights
- Almost entirely touchscreen controls
- Boot smaller than most rivals’
- Ride is not particularly comfortable
- Confusion of MG & IM branding on same car
- Performance is silly fast rather than useful
Key specifications
Body style: Large saloon
Engines: electric motor, single or twin
Price: From £39,450 on-road
Launched: Summer 2025
Last updated: N/A
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The MG IM5 ticks a lot of boxes in terms of performance and luxury equipment, including a fantastic stereo system, but the infotainment system is frustrating to use, the boot is too small, and the driving experience is fast but unrefined.”
Model reviewed: Performance
Score: 7.5 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Stuart Masson
“The MG IM5 is a sleek electric saloon with mega-fast charging and huge range, but the infotainment system is a pain to use.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Darren Cassey
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Our first experience of the new MG IM5 has left us rather impressed. The numbers are class-leading, with range and charging figures to embarrass the likes of Tesla and Hyundai. It’s a slight pity the IM5 can’t quite replicate the magic of the MG4’s driving dynamics, although the performance is pretty serious in the 100kWh versions. Refinement is a positive too.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review
Auto Trader
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG IM5 takes the brand into new Tesla-chasing territory with its combination of beyond ludicrous power output, impressive standard kit, cutting edge electric tech and BYD Seal clubbing bang for buck. All very impressive, but we’d prefer more focus on comfort and quality than pointlessly inflated performance stats.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: 100kWh Performance
Score: 8 / 10
“As unnecessary as we feel the MG IM5 Performance powertrain is, we must concede that genuine supercar acceleration for what these days is hot hatchback money 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.”
Author: Sean Keywood
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“MG has made a car that gives the Tesla Model 3 a run for its money. It’s looks good on the outside and is super refined when cruising. Throw in a 441-mile range in the case of the single-motor 100kWh has the Model 3 beat. The only real places the MG falls short? The boot space is well behind that of the competition, while it also lacks the brand recognition of Model 3 or BYD Seal.?
Author: Curtis Moldrich
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The MG IM5 is a truly impressive thing. The tech on offer, from the charging speed to the semi-autonomous tricks and treats, really does make some alternative electric executive cars look almost old fashioned. It’s nice to drive but not exceptional, and others have more space inside despite the IM5’s generous proportions, but there’s no doubting that it’s offering a huge amount for the money.”
Author: Ginny Buckley
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The MG IM5 is set to offer fine value compared with established rivals. It offers fine driving ranges, even with the smaller battery. There’s also extraordinary speed from the Performance version. But could its lack of MG-ness prove a sticking point? Tech-fest interior’s lack of physical controls also disappoints.”
Read review
Parkers
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Stylish EV with substance and surprises.”
Author: Curtis Moldrich
Read review
The Independent
Score: 9 / 10
“MG has clearly been eyeing the Tesla Model 3 as in many ways the MG IM5 matches – and sometimes beats – Tesla’s big-selling saloon. It’s close on price, tech, range and performance, but with more space and quality inside.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review
Top Gear
Score: 5 / 10
“If all you do is pound up and down the motorway, you *could* make a case for the MG IM5… but in any other scenario you should run a mile from it.”
Author: Joe Holding
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 85%
Safety assist: 87%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2025, the MG IM5 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the IM5 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 367 miles | A |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 3.5 m/KWh | D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 49 | E |
The MG IM5 is more expensive to run than you might think, according to real life running cost data supplied by our partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) is acceptable, but bested by the smaller MG 4 hatchback and similarly-sized rivals like the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ.
The car’s official battery range of 367 miles is above average. So you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving. The biggest running cost surprise is the car’s estimated insurance premiums, which are predicted the roughly match the insurance costs of the Tesla Model 3.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The MG IM5 is a brand-new model, so we won’t have any reliability data for some time.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the IM5, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the MG IM5
| Overall rating | A | 97% |
| New car warranty duration | 7 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 80,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
MG’s new car warranty is one of the best in the new car market, and better than pretty much any rival brands in a similar price bracket to the MG IM5.
The duration is seven years, with a limit of 80,000 miles. In addition, battery components benefit from an additional eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is pretty much standard for all new EVs on sale in the UK, but is an extra reassurance that petrol and diesel cars don’t get.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the MG IM5
As of November 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the MG IM5. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local MG dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used MG IM5, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi A6 e-tron | BMW i4 | BMW i5 | BYD Seal | DS Nº8 | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Kia EV6 | Mazda 6e | Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.7 | Volvo ES90
More information
More news, reviews and information about MG at The Car Expert
Buy an MG IM5
If you’re looking to buy a new or used MG IM5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Lease an MG IM5
If you’re looking to lease a new MG IM5, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to an MG IM5
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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