MG IM5 Review: Design, Specs, Features & Leasing

23rd July 2025

Why Lease the MG IM5?

MG’s new IM5 is a high-tech electric saloon (actually a hatchback) that marks the brand’s entry into the premium EV segment. Built by SAIC under the Intelligence in Motion (IM) banner, the IM5 targets class-leaders such as the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal but undercuts them on price. UK pricing starts from £39,450 for the Standard Range, with the Long Range at £44,995 and the dual-motor Performance model at £48,495. Despite these competitive prices, the IM5 boasts a long list of standard technology:

800-volt electrical platform and rapid charging: the IM5 runs on an 800-volt architecture normally reserved for more expensive EVs. MG claims a 10–80% charge in around 17 minutes on a powerful DC charger.
Supercar-like performance: the top Performance version uses a “Hurricane Motor” dual-motor setup producing 751 PS (802 Nm), enabling a 0–62 mph sprint of 3.2 seconds. Even the Long Range model needs only 4.6 seconds.
Tech-rich cabin: a sweeping 26.3-inch digital dashboard and 10.5-inch vertical touchscreen dominate the interior. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, MG’s iSmart connectivity and a 20-speaker audio system with ceiling speakers are all standard.
Advanced driver assistance and parking aids: features such as adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking, lane-keep assistance, auto lane change, intelligent speed limit assist and a 360° camera with transparent chassis are included. A suite of One-Touch Park Assist modes (park, curbside, pull-out and reverse) automates tricky manoeuvres.
Comfort, convenience and safety: the IM5 offers heated and ventilated seats (front and rear), a 2-zone heat-pump climate system, a panoramic glass roof with laminated glass, noise-cancellation, 256-colour ambient lighting and even a heated steering wheel. Safety systems include numerous airbags, Rainy Night Mode to improve visibility, electronic stability control and emergency brake assist.

Key Specifications

Variant	Drivetrain & Battery	WLTP range (miles)	0–62 mph	Power	DC charging*
Standard Range	Rear-wheel drive, 75 kWh battery (73.5 kWh usable)	≈304 mi	6.8 sec	295 PS (217 kW), 450 Nm	10–80% in ≈26 min on a 350 kW public charger
Long Range	Rear-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery	≈407 mi WLTP (MG targets up to 441 mi)	4.6 sec	408 PS (≈402 hp), 500 Nm	10–80% in ≈17 min thanks to 800-V architecture
Performance	Dual-motor all-wheel drive, 100 kWh battery	≈357 mi WLTP	3.2 sec	751 PS (802 Nm)	10–80% in ≈17 min

*Charging times vary with charger availability; the 75 kWh model peaks at 153 kW DC, while the 100 kWh models can take up to 392 kW.

Interior & Technology Highlights

Immersive displays: The dash features a curved 26.3-inch full-HD panel paired with a 10.5-inch central touchscreen. The system runs MG iSmart software, includes satellite navigation and wireless smartphone mirroring, and can be controlled via voice commands.
Premium audio: A 20-speaker sound system with ceiling-mounted speakers offers an immersive listening experience. DAB radio, Bluetooth and multiple USB-C ports are standard.
Luxury seating: Ultra-soft leather-style seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory and massage ensure comfort.
Ambient environment: A heat-pump climate system with rear vents, laminated panoramic glass roof, laminated windows, road-noise cancellation and 256-colour ambient lighting create a serene cabin.
Practical storage: The IM5 offers a 457-litre boot that expands to 1,290 litres with the rear seats folded, plus an 18-litre front trunk.
Connectivity & convenience: Keyless entry, hands-free powered tailgate, mobile phone Bluetooth key, wireless 50 W phone charger and MG’s iSmart app integration simplify daily use.

Charging & Practicality

The IM5’s 800-volt platform enables some of the fastest charging in its class. On a 392 kW DC charger the Long Range and Performance versions can charge from 10% to 80% in around 17 minutes. The Standard Range version uses a 153 kW peak but still adds 100 miles of range in roughly 15 minutes and can complete a 10–80% charge in about 26 minutes. MG also equips the car with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external devices. At home, the 11 kW AC charger replenishes the 75 kWh pack in around 12 hours.

MG IM5 vs Competitors

Tesla Model 3

Range & performance: The Long Range IM5 offers up to 407 mi WLTP range and a 4.6-second 0–62 mph time, compared with the Model 3 Long Range’s ~421 mi and 4.2 s. The IM5 Performance (3.2 s) is close to the Model 3 Performance (3.1 s) but costs less.
Charging: Thanks to 800-V hardware, the IM5 can complete a 10–80% DC charge in 17 minutes, whereas the Model 3 (250 kW max) takes around 27 minutes.
Technology: The IM5’s 26.3-inch display, 10.5-inch touchscreen and 20-speaker audio system outgun Tesla’s 15-inch display and 14-speaker setup. However, Tesla’s Supercharger network remains more comprehensive.

BYD Seal

Range & battery: BYD’s Seal uses an 82.5 kWh battery with up to 354 mi range and 150 kW DC charging. The IM5 Long Range offers a larger 100 kWh battery, more range (407–441 mi) and faster 392 kW charging.
Interior: The Seal features a 15.6-inch rotating screen and vegan leather seats, whereas the IM5 provides a much larger panoramic display and additional luxury touches like massage seats, ambient lighting and a 20-speaker audio system.
Price: BYD’s Seal is competitively priced but the IM5 still undercuts the Tesla Model 3, offering more battery and charging tech at a similar or lower cost.

Polestar 2 / VW ID.7

Space: The IM5’s 4,931 mm length gives it interior space comparable to the VW ID.7 and BYD Seal. Boot capacity (457 L) matches the Polestar 2 and is slightly less than the ID.7 but expands to 1,290 L with seats down.
Charging: The ID.7 offers 200 kW DC charging, while Polestar 2 peaks at 205 kW. The IM5’s 392 kW capability and 17-minute 10–80% charge put it ahead.
Technology: All three provide large screens and advanced driver-assist systems, but the IM5’s rear-wheel steering (turning circle under 10 m) and Rainy Night Mode give it a unique edge.

Who Should Lease the MG IM5?

The IM5 will appeal to:

Tech-savvy drivers looking for the latest EV innovations without paying a six-figure price tag.
Families and professionals who need space, comfort and safety—thanks to its generous interior, 457-litre boot, and comprehensive safety suite.
Enthusiasts craving performance; the dual-motor IM5 offers supercar-level acceleration (3.2 s 0–62 mph) and rear-wheel steering for agility.
Long-distance commuters who want high range and ultra-fast charging, minimising time spent at charging stations.

Who Should Lease the MG IM5?

The IM5 will appeal to:

Tech-savvy drivers looking for the latest EV innovations without paying a six-figure price tag.
Families and professionals who need space, comfort and safety—thanks to its generous interior, 457-litre boot, and comprehensive safety suite.
Enthusiasts craving performance; the dual-motor IM5 offers supercar-level acceleration (3.2 s 0–62 mph) and rear-wheel steering for agility.
Long-distance commuters who want high range and ultra-fast charging, minimising time spent at charging stations.

Explore MG IM5 Lease Deals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the MG IM5

Yes. MG unveiled the IM5 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and it’s due to go on sale in the UK later this month, with first deliveries around September 2025. Three trims—Standard Range, Long Range and Performance—will be offered.

Range depends on the battery and motor. The Standard Range (75 kWh) offers about 304 miles WLTP. The Long Range (100 kWh) stretches to around 407 miles WLTP (MG quotes up to 441 miles), while the Performance model manages about 357 miles.

Thanks to its 800-V electrical architecture, the Long Range and Performance versions can charge from 10% to 80% in roughly 17 minutes on a powerful DC charger. The Standard Range model charges slightly slower, taking about 26 minutes for the same 10–80% window on a 350 kW charger. AC home charging using an 11 kW wall box takes 12 hours to go from 10% to 100%.

The IM5 undercuts the Tesla Model 3 on price but offers comparable or better range, faster charging and more luxury features. The Long Range IM5 starts at £44,995 and can cover around 407 miles, while the Model 3 Long Range costs slightly more and takes longer to charge. The IM5’s interior also includes a larger display, 20-speaker sound system and heated/ventilated seats.

MG backs the IM5 with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners. This long warranty underscores the brand’s confidence in its battery and drivetrain.

Yes. Rear-wheel steering is standard across the range. It allows the IM5 to achieve a turning circle of less than 10 m (9.98 m), making tight manoeuvres easier.

While the IM5 doesn’t have full self-driving, it comes with an extensive driver-assistance suite: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, forward collision warning and one-touch autonomous parking modes. These systems reduce driver workload and add a degree of semi-autonomy on motorways and in urban environments.

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