For years, Tesla and BMW have dominated the electric vehicle (EV) headlines, with one boasting futuristic flair and the other decades of German engineering. However, a new contender is emerging into the spotlight with both speed and strategy: MG. Once known for its humble roadsters, MG is no longer just the British brand your grandfather admired. Under the stewardship of Chinese powerhouse SAIC, MG is rewriting the EV playbook. And it is doing so by targeting the industry’s biggest names with a price tag that demands attention.
From Underdog to Industry Disruptor
MG’s transformation is not a rebranding exercise; it is a full throttle pivot. In 2025 alone, MG plans to double its electric vehicle lineup. This includes a suite of seven EVs ranging from budget friendly hatches to high performance sedans and luxury SUVs. The message is clear: MG is no longer content being the value pick; it wants to be the headline act.
At the heart of this shift lies IM Motors, MG’s premium sub brand. Born from a collaboration between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, IM stands for Intelligence in Motion. In 2025, IM Motors is making a grand entrance with the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV, direct rivals to Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. And they are coming fully loaded.
Specs That Stun Without the Sticker Shock
The IM5 and IM6 are not concept cars or vaporware. They are real, they are sharp looking, and they are now available for order in markets like Australia. Starting at $60,990 drive away, the IM5 Premium sedan and IM6 Premium SUV each feature a 75 kWh battery, delivering a 450 km WLTP range, 217 kW of power, and 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.8 seconds.
For those seeking to build more muscle, the Performance Trim delivers jaw dropping performance numbers. With dual motors producing 572 kW and 802 Nm, these vehicles accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Fast charging from 30 to 80 percent in 15 minutes, paired with semi solid state battery technology rumoured to reach 1000 km in future variants, elevates MG’s EV game to a level previously reserved for brands twice the price.
And the interior? Think 26 inch digital screens, 20 speaker audio systems, AI-integrated infotainment, and luxury trim that rivals the best of high end German brands. Every curve and corner of these vehicles screams premium without the premium cost.
A Lineup That Covers Every Angle
Beyond the IM5 and IM6, MG’s electric playbook includes the MG 4 (Australia’s top-selling EV last month), the sporty Cyberster roadster, and the upcoming ES5/S5 small SUV. The ES5, in particular, is expected to carry forward MG’s dedication to affordability while offering premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and an upgraded digital cockpit, all on MG’s dedicated electric platform.
On the other end of the spectrum, the L6 sedan and LS6 SUV are luxury flagships with performance to rival the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQE, yet with pricing starting below $100,000. MG is no longer offering “Tesla alternatives”. It is now offering Tesla threats.
A Smart Brand Split: MG and IM
One of the more strategic moves in MG’s playbook is its branding. Rather than dilute its budget-friendly roots, MG is introducing IM Motors as its luxury arm, preserving its value focused identity while entering the high stakes premium market with fresh energy. In Australia, cars are sold as “IM presented by MG” a branding move that could soon be echoed across Europe and other regions.
This approach allows MG to cater to vastly different customer segments. Budget conscious drivers can explore compact EVs under the MG name, while tech savvy performance seekers can move up to the IM badge, all within the same corporate family.
The Road Ahead
MG’s rapid EV expansion is not just about quantity; it is a statement of intent. The company is setting the stage for a fully electric future, with innovation, speed, and smart pricing at its core. Whether it is a compact city car or a dual motor performance beast, MG is designing for every driver and challenging every rival. Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes may still lead the luxury EV conversation for now. But MG is no longer whispering from the sidelines. It is charging ahead, loudly and affordably, redefining what it means to drive premium in an electric era.