It’s a bold claim, but MG is not shy about who it’s coming for. The IM5 has arrived in the UK with the Tesla Model 3 firmly in its crosshairs — and when you read the spec sheet, it’s easy to see why people are getting excited. Massive range, jaw-dropping charging speeds, and a price that starts under £40,000. But does it actually deliver on the road?
What Exactly Is the MG IM5?
First things first — despite the MG badge on the showroom door, the IM5 is technically not an MG. IM stands for Intelligence in Motion, a Shanghai-based brand owned by SAIC, the same parent company that owns MG. The decision was made to sell the IM5 through MG’s existing UK dealer network — which has over 150 locations — making it far more accessible than launching an entirely new brand from scratch. You’ll notice IM badges on the car itself rather than the traditional MG octagon.
Three Versions, One Mission
There are three variants in the range. The Standard Range starts at £39,450, packing a 73.5kWh battery, 295hp, and a claimed 304 miles of range. Step up to the Long Range at £44,995 and you get a bigger 96.5kWh battery, 402hp, and an impressive claimed range of 441 miles. At the top sits the Performance model at £48,495, which takes things to a frankly ridiculous level — 742hp, all-wheel drive, and 0-62mph in around 3.2 seconds. All for under fifty grand. That’s the sort of thing that would have sounded like science fiction just a few years ago.
The Charging Figures Are Genuinely Bonkers
This is where the IM5 really turns heads. The Long Range and Performance models use 800V architecture, allowing a peak charging rate of 396kW — faster than anything else at this price point, and quicker than a Porsche Taycan. That translates to a 10-80% charge in as little as 17 minutes. In the real world you’ll likely see lower speeds depending on the charger available, but even so, the technology on offer here is well ahead of the class. The Standard Range is more modest at 153kW, which still delivers around 100 miles of charge in roughly 20 minutes.
Inside: Impressive Tech, Divisive Layout
The cabin makes a statement. There’s a sweeping 26.3-inch ultra-widescreen display dominating the dashboard, with a separate 10.5-inch portrait touchscreen on the centre console. Standard kit across the range is generous — heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 20-speaker audio system, wireless charging, keyless entry, heat pump, and a suite of driver assistance tech including one-touch parking and four-wheel steering with a crab mode.
The downside? There’s very little in the way of physical controls, which some reviewers have found frustrating. Everything runs through the touchscreens, and opinion is split on how intuitive the software is to use day-to-day.
How Does It Drive?
Ride quality has been a sticking point in several reviews. The suspension setup — adjusted for European roads from its original Chinese tune — can feel unsettled on rougher surfaces, which is a notable criticism for a car at this price. That said, the Long Range model is genuinely enjoyable to drive, with responsive steering and more than enough performance. The Performance version is, predictably, quite absurd — but even that one has been noted as feeling somewhat disconnected given its enormous power output.
Refinement is actually a strong point. Double-glazed windows and thick carpeting mean road and wind noise are well suppressed, making it a relaxing motorway cruiser when the road surface cooperates.
Should You Buy One?
The IM5 is a compelling package, there’s no question. For the money, the range, charging speed, equipment level, and sheer size of the car — it’s 21cm longer than a Tesla Model 3 — are hard to argue with. Residual values are also projected to be stronger than the Model 3, which will matter to company car drivers and those on PCP finance.
The caveats are real though. The ride needs work, the touchscreen-heavy interior won’t suit everyone, and MG’s reliability record — particularly with the MG4 — gives some buyers pause when committing to a newer platform.
But as a statement of intent? The IM5 absolutely delivers. Whether it knocks the Model 3 off its perch remains to be seen — but it’s the most serious challenge yet.
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