MG Motor UK im6 553kW Launch Edition 100kWh 5dr AWD Auto

Ten Second Review

The most advanced MG ever made, this electric IM6 luxury SUV isn't really an MG, but that hardly matters. There's almost everything here a pampered executive making the EV switch could want in a large crossover. But a few of the usual Chinese brand downsides remain.

Background

Here, Chinese brand MG has set itself its biggest challenge yet. To gain for itself a significant slice of the territory for premium mid-size luxury EVs, a sector latterly dominated by Tesla with its Model 3 saloon and Model Y SUV. MG targets these two best sellers - and many others - with two cars from its IM executive sub-brand - the IM5 for the saloon Model 3 market; and our subject here, the IM6, to target the army of available Model Y-class electric SUV crossovers. IM (which stands for 'Intelligence in Motion') is, like MG, part of the brand portfolio of Chinese conglomerate SAIC - and this is very much an IM-engineered car rather than an MG-developed one. But perhaps that's reassuring. No executive wants a luxury car created by a budget brand. But plenty might like this one. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

You'd expect the engineering of this IM6 to duplicate that of its IM5 sibling - which it does, though with some significant differences. Unlike the IM5, there's no smaller-battery 400V entry-level powertrain on offer. Instead, all IM6 models use the more advanced 800V 100kWh drivetrain that features in more powerful versions of its sibling. Most IM6 customers will be happy with the base rear-driven '100 Long Range' model, which offers 402bhp and 388 miles of range. 0-62mph takes 5.4s en route to 146mph. The alternative is the all-wheel drive dual motor '100 Performance' model, which has a mammoth 742bhp and offers 313 miles of range. The 0-62mph time falls to just 3.5s en route to 148mph. We mentioned engineering differences over the IM5. Another of them is that it's only this IM6 that can be had in '100 Performance' form fitted out with adaptive damping and air suspension, though for that you'll need to spend more on the top '100 Launch Edition' model. The IM6 benefits particularly from the air suspension element and you'll appreciate why upon learning that this SUV variant rides on 20 or 21-inch wheels which are a size larger than those on the IM5. The other driving difference of note is the way that the IM6 seats you higher and more commandingly than its showroom sibling. As expected, both body styles share the same four-wheel steering system (which creates a turning circle as tight as a little MG4 EV hatch). And all IM models can 'crab walk' and perform 'One Touch' parking manoeuvres - like reversing perfectly for up to 100-metres along the line you drove in on. Across the range, you get five driving modes ('Super Eco', 'Eco', 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Custom'). And two regenerative braking modes ('Standard' and 'Low'). On the highway expect exceptional refinement, aided by a clever noise-cancelling system and the super-slippery 0.226Cd drag coefficient.

Design and Build

Ex-Bugatti Veyron stylist Josef Kaban has come up with a handsome shape here, with a rear view that looks at first glance closely reminiscent of an Aston Martin DBX. You certainly wouldn't guess this car to be an MG - and there's not much badgework to help. Where the brand logo should be on the boot lid is an unfamiliar IM badge (which couldn't be changed because the tailgate release button is built into it). The swept-back shape is sleek (0.226Cd) and, at 4,904mm in length, fractionally shorter than the IM5 saloon (though a substantial 153mm longer than the similarly-priced Tesla Model Y). Flush-fitting door handles pop out when you approach and, as is the fashion, the car rides on big 20-inch rims (a size bigger than those of the IM5). As with its showroom sibling, this IM6 is based on an all-new EV platform shared with the AUDI brand in China. Inside up front, predictably the pleasingly-finished interior is just like that of the IM5, though you sit a little higher in this SUV and there's the added benefit of a sliding armrest. The cabin features a 26.3-inch 'immersive' screen at the top of the dash for instruments and infotainment, plus another 10.5-inch monitor embedded in the centre stack. The design is clean and uncluttered, using materials of decent quality with lots of soft faux leather surfacing, but design character is lacking and if you're hoping for a premium brand audience, you'll be a bit disappointed. Somehow, Tesla does the whole minimalist thing rather better and things that Chinese buyers like (the lack of switchgear and chintzy touches like crushed velvet floor mats) don't go down quite so well in Europe. Screen menus are required for just about everything, including important items like the headlights, fog lights, wing mirrors and ventilation. Still, the pleated seats feel lovely and there's a glorious 20-speaker premium audio system. As with the saloon, there's the choice of white or grey 'leather-style' finishing and upholstery. There's an IM badge on the steering wheel where there should be an MG logo (another thing apparently too complicated to change for the UK market). That high seating position means that frontward visibility over the low-slung bonnet is excellent. As in the IM5 though, your rearward vision is poor, thanks to the small tailgate glass and the tiny rear view mirror. In the back, there's another benefit to those high-set front seats; you can more easily slide your feet beneath them. Space for rear folk is plentiful, with an airy feel aided by the standard panoramic glass roof. The floor level is a bit high though, so taller folk will find their knees a little nearer to their chins than would be the case in a conventionally-powered SUV of this size. And you might be disappointed to find just one USB port in the back. As you'd hope, the 665-litre boot is bigger than that of the IM5 (by 208-litres). That extends to 1,640-litres with the rear bench folded. The IM6's 32-litre under-bonnet 'frunk' is bigger than that of its sibling too (14-litres larger).

Market and Model

Unlike the IM5, this IM6 can't be had with the base 75kWh battery and 400V system. Which is strange, first because this combination is available in other markets and second because you'd expect the SUV body shape would be more in demand than the saloon. Anyway, it means that the IM6 starting price is quite a bit higher than its sibling, the least expensive '100 Long Range' version with 402bhp costing from around £48,000, £3,000 more than its directly-comparable 100kWh 800V IM5 showroom stablemate. The faster dual motor '100 Performance' variant with 742bhp will cost you around £51,000, with the '100 Launch Edition' version (the same but with adaptive air suspension) costing around £53,000. As you expect, equipment levels are extremely high. There are big 20-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, power-folding mirrors, a powered tailgate, laminated glass, keyless entry, one-touch automatic park assist, MG's road noise cancellation system and a heat pump. For the cabin, there are two colour scheme choices (bright and white or grey and rather sombre). And all models get heated and ventilated six-way-powered electric seats with smart pleated ultra-soft faux leather upholstery and adjustable lumbar support. You also get a huge thermal insulation panoramic roof, a 20-speaker premium sound system, a cooled front armrest storage cubby, a 256-colour ambient lighting set-up and heated rear seats. You also get a ventilated 50W 'phone charging tray and a Vehicle-to-Load charging system so that you can plug external devices into the car's drive battery. All the latest camera safety features come included. And MG has built in a Intelligent Comfort Stop braking system (which reduces stopping jerkiness) and added Hydroplaning Stability Control (which apparently reduces the chance of losing control in slippery conditions by up to 80%).

Cost of Ownership

The IM6 is ready for future solid-state battery technology. The 100kWh Long Range and Performance derivatives use an NMC unit with an 800V architecture and a 396kW DC peak charging rate that embarrasses the 250kW figure of Tesla. So this 100kWh MG can 10-80% DC charge in just 17 minutes. AC charging takes around 14 hours using a 7.4kW wallbox - or around 12 hours using an 11kW wallbox. Across the line-up, a standard heat pump maintains range in cold temperatures. Like MG's cheaper cars, this IM6 comes with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer, though they do better this MG when it comes to roadside assistance (which here runs out after a year). MG's full warranty isn't the only seven year package available in this segment but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. At dealers, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle. You'll be offered a range of MG servicing plans to spread the cost of maintenance for up to seven years.

Summary

Thankfully for MG, the IM6 is more than just another Chinese contender in the over-crowded upper mid-sized EV crossover segment. It's got a lovely interior, impressive range and charging stats and the Aston DBX-style looks will do it no harm at all. Whether you'll find the drive characteristics engaging enough is another question. And we're surprised that compared to the mechanically-identical IM5 saloon, it's this SUV body shape (potentially the stronger seller) that does without the option of a more affordable smaller battery drivetrain. Still, the 100kWh drivetrain set-up is impressive and if you can afford it, don't be put off by the budget badge; there's lots to like here.