MG IM5 review: Sleek fastback EV is more than a match for the Tesla Model 3

MG’s upmarket expansion continues with the first models from its IM sub-brand

The 2024 launch of the stunning MG Cyberster EV two-seater was a statement of intent from the Chinese-owned car company.

MG’s growing range of value-for-money hybrid and electric hatchbacks and SUVs is selling well, but now it has premium rivals in its sights.

The first two upmarket IM (‘Intelligence in Motion’) models are the sleek IM5 fastback and the high-riding IM6.

The latter is yet another challenger to the big-selling Tesla Model Y, while the IM5 poses a fresh challenge to the Tesla Model 3, as well as the likes of the BMW i4, Polestar 2, BYD Seal, and Hyundai Ioniq 6.

And it’s the IM5 that’s the subject of this week’s review. An EV that made an excellent first impression for me, partly because it ISN’T just another generic SUV.

At a shade under five metres long, it’s no shrinking violet either. In fact, it’s bigger than its direct rivals.

And frankly, for a big car with good build quality and a premium feel, a starting price of just £39,950 is seriously tempting.

Slip inside, and if you’re like me, you might be smitten, because the driving position is near-perfect.

If you like to sit low in a car, and therefore feel more involved, the MG IM5 has cracked it. And let’s be clear, this is rare in an EV, where the low-slung battery pack typically lifts the driving position.

Although the two IM models share the same platform, the IM6 only comes with a 100kWh capacity battery, while the IM5 is also available with a smaller 75kWh battery pack.

This smaller battery is paired with a 291bhp motor in the entry-level Standard Range IM5 model. The 100kWh Long Range (£44,995) gets 401bhp, and the range-topping 100kWh Performance (£48,495) is treated to a supercar-like 741bhp.

It’s also worth noting that the Standard and Long Range models are rear-wheel drive, while the Performance is driven by all four wheels.

I tested the Performance, which lives up to its name, with a 0-62mph time of just 3.2 seconds and 591lb-ft of torque.

It’s more than enough power for everyday driving, so the mid-range Long Range is probably the sweet spot in the range.

Talking of which, the claimed range for the IM5 is 304 miles (Standard Range), 441 miles (Long Range), and 357 miles for the Performance.

Impressive figures, which only get better if you drive mostly in urban areas.

Inside, there’s a premium, hi-tech feel. It’s well put together, the frameless doors close with a satisfying clunk, plus there’s lashings of synthetic leather.

Equipment levels are excellent on all models, with a 26.3-inch infotainment dual-display, 19-inch ‘Aero Wheels’, 20-speaker audio system, heat pump, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear outer seats as standard. Naturally, it also comes with a full suite of safety and driver assistance tech.

Sadly, the IM5 is almost as minimalist as its Tesla arch-rival with just about all essential functionality accessed via the infotainment system, which isn’t as intuitive as it could be.

And like most of its Chinese contemporaries, the bings and bongs will irritate you – especially the every-vigilant driver distraction alert.

Which brings me to perhaps the IM5’s biggest failing, it’s post-box-sized rear window – the price you pay for that swooping roofline.

MG has tried to mitigate this poor rear view with a 360-degree parking camera, rear sensors, and a ‘Rainy Night Mode’ which enhances visibility in extreme conditions, clearly replicating your immediate surroundings including pedestrians and other vehicles – on screen, free from rain interference. However, a digital rear-view mirror might have been the best solution.

On the road, the IM5 doesn’t quite live up to its sporty good looks, but it’s still more engaging than a Tesla Model 3.

While the steering is a little numb, it feels composed and undeniably swift.

Body control is good, with very little lean in faster corners, there’s plenty of grip and the brakes are responsive, giving just the right amount of confidence to push on in the right conditions.

For the most part, the ride is smooth, and cabin refinement is excellent.

Ultimately, the IM5 is set-up with a comfort bias, which is no bad thing – especially on a long journey cruising along.

For the record, there are five drive modes (Super Eco, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom) as standard, though Performance spec adds Snow mode. As is usually the case, Comfort is just fine 99% of the time.

From a practical point of view, it’s possible for a six-footer to sit behind a similarly-sized driver. Despite that rakish roofline, there’s is just enough headroom. The only downside is that there’s hardly any space to fit your feet underneath the seat in front if it’s lowered fully, and it’s a fairly knees-high seating position.

Additionally, there’s a decent (if shallow) 457-litre boot capacity, plus an 18-litre frunk under the bonnet, which is ideal for storing charging cables.

The Standard Range has a peak charging rate of 153kW and takes 26 minutes to go from 10-80%. Long Range and Performance versions have a maximum charging rate of 396kW for a 10-80% top-up in as little as 17 minutes.

It would be an exaggeration to say that I matched the advertised efficiency (3.1 miles/kWh) of the Performance model I tested, but 2.6 miles/kWh wasn’t bad considering I wasn’t hanging about.

The real-world range of the Performance is probably a shade under 300 miles, while the Long Range should be able to manage 360 miles, and the Standard Range closer to 250 miles.

As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan of the IM5. So much so, that I’m willing to overlook its negative aspects (particularly its poor rear visibility and tech irritations) and consider it as an overall package.

It’s a lot of car for the money. Now add a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), and the IM5 is worth some serious thought.

Verdict: The MG IM5 is a bit of a revelation. More than a match for a Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal, this sleek, swift, safe fastback EV is a fantastic cruiser with an impressive range and rapid-charging capability.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog