MG IM5 Electric Sedan Review: Impressive Power and Comfort, But Handling and Controls Disappoint

Introduction to the MG IM5: A Premium Electric Challenger

MG, the British brand now under Chinese ownership, is stepping up its game beyond budget EVs. The IM sub-brand, standing for ‘Intelligence in Motion,’ targets luxury with tech-forward models like the IM5 fastback sedan and IM6 SUV. Launched in France this summer, the IM5 aims to rival Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, and Audi A6 e-tron with its blend of power, space, and rapid charging.

We tested the entry-level rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version packing 407 horsepower from a single rear motor. On paper, it dazzles with a 100 kWh battery, up to 710 km WLTP range, and blistering acceleration. But real-world driving revealed highs and lows—luxurious comfort overshadowed by handling quirks and interface headaches.

Striking Design with Road Presence

At 4.93 meters long, 1.96 meters wide, and 1.47 meters tall, the IM5 commands attention without being flashy. Its sleek fastback profile features a low-slung nose with slim LED headlights in a sharp comma shape and active aero shutters for efficiency. Aerodynamic 19-inch aero wheels (20-inch on AWD) and flush door handles minimize drag, earning a stellar 0.237 drag coefficient.

From the side, frameless doors and a raked roofline evoke modern elegance. The rear sports a slim full-width LED bar reminiscent of high-end GTs, with flared fenders adding muscle. Practicality shines with a 457-liter trunk expanding to 1,290 liters via folding rear seats, plus a 18-liter frunk for cables—though it’s tight.

Tip for buyers: Park it next to a Tesla Model 3 (4.72m) to see the size difference; great for families but check garage fit.

Spacious Cabin Bursting with Screens

Slide inside, and the flat floor (no transmission tunnel) plus 2.95m wheelbase delivers limo-like legroom. A panoramic glass roof floods the space with light, while heated, adjustable faux-leather seats front and rear pamper passengers. Driver’s seat adds ventilation for hot days.

Materials feel upscale at first glance—soft-touch surfaces and metallic accents—but hard plastics scratch easily, hinting at longevity concerns. Odd omissions: no glovebox, just wireless charging and cooled storage under the armrest.

The cockpit screams tech: a massive 26.3-inch curved dashboard screen handles gauges, nav, and infotainment (with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). A 10.5-inch vertical touchscreen controls climate, ADAS, and audio. No head-up display or physical buttons beyond steering wheel paddles.

Ergonomics alert: Menus are buried; practice switching music and nav—it splits focus. Test semi-autonomous driving activation during a demo; it’s not intuitive.

Driving Experience: Plush Ride, Tame Thrills

The 407 hp (300 kW) motor and 500 Nm torque propel this 2,210 kg beast from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, topping 200 km/h. The AWD twin hits 751 hp and 3.2 seconds.

Comfort reigns: soft suspension soaks up bumps beautifully, ideal for long hauls. But push it—roll, float, and light steering lack engagement. Sport mode tightens things up; disabling ESP unlocks rear slip for fun (safely on track only).

Rear-wheel steering aids low-speed maneuvers, but ‘crab mode’ (all wheels turn same direction) feels gimmicky, heavying the wheel without clear benefits.

Safety tech impresses: blind-spot cams activate with turn signals, showing crystal-clear feeds. ‘Champagne braking’ smooths stops, though regen is mild—no full one-pedal driving.

Pro tip: Prioritize test drives on twisty roads; if you crave sportiness, eye the AWD or competitors like BMW i4.

Real-World Range and Superfast Charging

The 100 kWh NMC pack and 875V architecture promise big miles: 710 km WLTP for RWD (17.3 kWh/100 km), 575 km for AWD. Our mixed drive (highways, curves) averaged 21.7 kWh/100 km, yielding ~460-480 km real-world range.

Charging? Epic: up to 396 kW DC, 10-80% in ~17 minutes (tested ~22 min on IM6 sibling). AC via CCS2.

Charging advice: Use 350 kW+ stations for best results; precondition battery en route via app.

Pricing and How It Stacks Up

Starting at €53,990 for RWD (deliveries soon), €59,990 for AWD. Only extra: €650 metallic paint. No French eco-bonus (over €47k, China-built).

Value king? Zeekr 007 (€45,990, similar power), Tesla Model 3 (~€40k base). Premium foes: DS 8 (€60k, 230 hp), Audi A6 e-tron (€65k+), Mercedes C-Class EQ (€66k).

Buyer checklist:

• Tech lovers: Yes, if you adapt to screens.
• Dynamic drivers: Look elsewhere.
• Value hunters: Strong contender.

Verdict: Promising but Polished Needed

The MG IM5 delivers princely comfort, cutting-edge tech, and bang-for-buck in a spacious package. Yet, mushy dynamics, fiddly controls, and range gaps hold it back from top-tier status.

Pros:

• Supreme ride comfort
• Advanced driver aids and screens
• Competitive pricing and power

Cons:

• Soft, uninspiring handling
• Confusing interface
• Higher real-world consumption

Ideal for relaxed cruisers seeking luxury on a budget, but wait for software updates or rivals if precision matters.