First Drive: MG’s new IM5 aims to add some extra luxury to the EV experience

What is it?

As far as transformations go, MG is right up there. Since 2011, this now Chinese-owned brand has pivoted from a maker of saloons and sports cars into one of the best-known EV builders around, championing battery-powered and plug-in hybrid models which offer space at a more affordable price than many alternatives.

However, MG is now putting a new focus on premium touches and more refined driving characteristics with its ‘IM’ sub-brand. This car, the IM5, is how the brand is launching in the UK, and we’ve been finding out what it’s like.

What’s new?

IM stands for ‘Intelligent Mobility,’ and although it may sound like a tech start-up, it has been designed to differentiate this sub-brand from the wider MG lineup. Whereas those cars are more focused on budget-conscious models, IM is more concerned with delivering high-end cars with extra refinement than your typical MG.

The IM5 arrives alongside the IM6, which is a more crossover-style model, albeit with the same selection of powertrains. As we’ve come to expect from the latest breed of Chinese-made models, both cars get a high level of in-car tech and pretty much every feature you could think of.

What’s under the bonnet?

The IM5 is available with a trio of powertrain options through Standard Range, Long Range and Performance variants. We’re testing out that middle setup, which brings – as the name suggests – the longest range of the three. With a headline range of 441 miles, it’s got a lot of distance to offer while a maximum charge speed of 396kW is one of the speediest that you’ll find on any EV on sale today. It’s enough to get the IM5’s large 96.5kWh battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 17 minutes, in fact.

Performance-wise, the IM5 will manage a more than adequate zero to 60mph time of 4.6 seconds. Want some genuinely supercar-scaring acceleration? The range-topping Performance model will manage it in a scarcely believable 2.9 seconds.

What’s it like to drive?

The seating position in the IM5 is quite refreshing. In the recent age of crossovers and SUVs dominating the market, being able to sit quite low in the car is something of a novelty, but it does lead to a lovely cocoon-like feeling here. The IM5 is remarkably hushed at motorway speeds, reflecting that greater emphasis on refinement. As a long-distance cruiser, it does very well.

At slower speeds, there is a slightly sharp edge to the ride and things can feel fussy, with the car struggling to settle down no matter what speed you’re doing. The steering is largely devoid of feel, but this doesn’t feel like much of a talking point since it’s a characteristic which afflicts many new cars today. Visibility, however, is pretty poor; the rear screen is tiny and even though there are plenty of cameras and sensors, the lack of rearward sight is a pain.

How does it look?

It’s quite hard to judge how the IM5, given that it doesn’t have all that many styling elements to talk about. Reflecting a current ‘soap bar’ trend which is visible across many of the latest electric cars, the IM5 is smooth and rounded, but doesn’t differentiate itself from the rest too much. In white, like our test car, it’s all quite nondescript.

Of course, styling is quite a personal thing but, in our view, it’d be nice to have a few more features to talk about on the IM5.

What’s it like inside?

There’s lots to like about the interior of the IM5. As mentioned earlier, it’s quite cocoon-like in design, so both forward passengers get a low-slung and comfortable place to be. The front seats are pleasantly made, too, and the deep-pile carpets are a high-end touch as well. As we’ve come to expect, the interior of this car is dominated by screens, with a huge central display managing heating and ventilation, while a top-level one handles navigation and speed readouts. In truth, it’s all a bit of a pain to use – particularly when you’re on the move – and even something as simple as adjusting the heated seats is more attention-grabbing than it needs to be. A few physical buttons would help this issue considerably.

Boot space stands at a very usable 457 litres and you’ve also got a handy ‘frunk’ which adds 18 litres of cable storage space to that figure.

What’s the spec like?

Though IM is designed as a more premium offering, its cars are still priced very competitively. The Long Range model – which we feel is the pick of the bunch – starts at £44,995 and brings an exhaustive list of standard equipment. Highlights include electrically adjustable front seats, two-zone climate control and keyless entry. Both front and rear seats are heated, too, helping to make the IM5 more comfortable in winter. Something which boosts the cold-weather performance of the IM5 is a standard-fit heat pump, which isn’t always included as standard by rivals.

In contrast, the Standard Range model starts at £39,450, while the range-topping Performance kicks off from £48,495. For us, the Long Range feels like the smart choice from the line-up.

Verdict

The IM5 brings many plus-points. For the price, there are few cars which offer the same level of performance and range, while its charging speed outpaces nearly all other EVs on the road today. It’s also comfortable and would be a good partner on long-distance drives.

It just doesn’t feel quite as polished as others in the market, while its screen-heavy layout simply isn’t as intuitive – or as safe – as a setup with more physical controls. It’s not a bad car by a long stretch, but the IM5 lacks the overall finish of some of its more accomplished rivals.