MG ups its game as sleek IM6 takes on heavyweight rivals

Priced from around £48,000 in the UK, it is MG’s most expensive model to date, but it arrives with an extensive list of standard kit even in its entry level Long Range form, tested here.

Visually, the IM6 presents a clean, contemporary shape with smooth surfacing, a distinctive front end, an angular back end, and proportions that place it firmly in the mid‑size class.

Inside, the cabin is spacious, with generous room in the back and materials that feel significantly more upscale than those in MG’s previous models.

Passengers benefit from a very comfortable and quiet ride, with the IM6 being a refined and relaxing long‑distance cruiser.

The MG IM6 (Image: Newsquest)

It’s clear that comfort, space and refinement are among the car’s strongest qualities.

However, MG’s aggressively minimalist approach inside has led to one of the car’s most divisive features: its heavy reliance on touchscreen‑based controls. Everyday functions such as climate control, mirrors and even driving modes are buried within digital menus. The screen‑based controls can prove fiddly, initially demanding a lot of attention and making simple adjustments less intuitive than they should be.

While the clean, button‑free environment may appeal aesthetically, the usability compromises are clear.

Acceleration is an area where the IM6 makes a strong impression. The entry‑level Long Range version uses a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and produces 402bhp, giving it swift acceleration for a family SUV, with a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. Its official range of 388 miles is equally noteworthy.

The MG IM6 (Image: Newsquest)

This combination of punchy performance and impressively long range makes the Long Range variant feel especially well‑balanced for real‑world buyers who want strong pace without compromising distance between charges.

For those seeking even more power, the twin‑motor Performance model dramatically raises the stakes, delivering an extraordinary 752hp and a supercar‑like 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds, although this comes with a reduced official range.

Both variants benefit from a 100kWh battery supported by an 800V electrical architecture, allowing ultra‑rapid DC charging at up to 396kW and enabling a 10-80 per cent top‑up in just 17 minutes.

This exceptional charging speed places the IM6 among the fastest‑charging EVs in its class, giving it a significant long‑distance advantage over many premium rivals.

On the road, the IM6 blends strong straight‑line performance with a comfort‑centric driving character. The ride is comfortable and well‑suited to motorway cruising, with the quiet cabin further reinforcing its relaxed nature.

However, the dynamic picture is less pleasing, with the IM6 not being as much fun to drive as a Tesla Model Y, which feels more agile in corners.

The IM6’s steering lacks the intuitive feedback needed to make it engaging on twistier roads. A firmer brake pedal would also be welcome, helping deliver more precision under harder braking.

The MG IM6 (Image: Newsquest)

These points don’t detract from the IM6’s focus on comfort, but they make clear that despite its power figures, it isn’t positioned as a purely driver‑focused SUV.

Practicality remains a strong point of the IM6, with up to 665 litres of rear boot space and an additional front compartment providing plenty of room for everyday tasks, family use or business travel. The rear seats offer ample legroom and excellent comfort, making the car well‑suited to long trips. Cabin storage could be more imaginative, and rear visibility is merely average, but overall the IM6 delivers a highly usable interior that competes well with more established premium models.

The Lowdown

MG IM6 100kWh Long Range

MOTOR LAYOUT: Single electric motor, rear‑wheel drive

POWER: 402bhp (300kW)

0–62MPH: 5.4 seconds

TOP SPEED: 148mph (shared across IM6 range)

BATTERY CAPACITY: 100kWh (NMC chemistry)

OFFICIAL RANGE: 388 miles (WLTP) Maximum DC fast‑charge speed: 396kW