MG Expands EV Lineup with Luxury ‘IM’ Brand for Australian Market
MG is set to introduce a new range of high-end electric vehicles in Australia under the ‘IM Presented by MG Motor’ brand. This move marks MG’s foray into the luxury electric vehicle segment, offering an electric sedan and SUV to Australian consumers.
The new models, the IM5 sedan (L6) and IM6 SUV (LS6), are part of a joint venture between MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor, and tech giant Alibaba, among others, representing the brand’s ambition to offer vehicles in a new price bracket.
These high-end electric cars will be available in Australia as the ‘IM Presented by MG Motor’.
IM, which stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion,’ aims to build on the success of the MG Cyberster roadster, which was launched last year, and follow MG’s previous entry into the market with more affordable hatchbacks and SUVs.
The IM5 and IM6 are approximately five meters long, positioning them in a size class that is similar to the BMW 5 Series and X5. They are larger than the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.
While pricing specifics are yet to be finalized, the IM5 sedan could start from around $70,000 to $95,000, while the SUV may range from $75,000 to $90,000. In China, the sedan is priced between AU$48,000 and AU$74,000, and the SUV ranges from AU$51,000 to AU$64,000.
Flagship variants of the new vehicles will utilize dual electric motors, generating up to 579kW. MG claims the sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.74 seconds, with the SUV following closely at 3.48 seconds. Additionally, these models will offer a 100kWh battery, which operates at 900 volts, and is capable of up to 850km of driving range in CLTC lab testing. Even more advanced, some models could feature a semi-solid-state battery with a potential range of approximately 1000 km.
The ‘IM Presented by MG Motor’ vehicles are expected to arrive in Australian MG dealerships later this year, with their official debut planned for the Melbourne motor show next month.
MG Australia chief operating officer Giles Belcher stated, “MG is proud to offer an EV for everyone. With the introduction of IM Presented by MG Motor we now bring a new premium range of EVs to the Australian market with the IM5 and IM6.”
