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There's a lot we want when we're looking for a new car purchase, and there are more offers available than ever now.

We want something that looks good pulling up to your destination, feels comfortable on the way to work, and has enough room for everything we need.

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Add wanting a bit of excitement behind the wheel, and the wish list starts getting longer.

Getting all of that for your money? Well, this may be the conversation you have been looking for.

The IM5 by IM Motors is an electric sedan that brings together technology, performance, luxury and practicality. If you’re looking at a Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal, this is another one to put on your list.

And with acceleration that IM compares to a Porsche Taycan, at a fraction of the price, there is quite a bit to talk about before you’ve even opened the door.

IM stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion’. Positioned as the premium/luxury arm of MG Motor, IM Motors is a joint venture between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech.

Its focus is on leading-edge technology and luxury, with Premium, Platinum and Performance variants making up the IM5 range.

The Performance

So, what does ‘Performance’ actually mean in the IM5? In the Performance model, think dual motors, all-wheel drive, 572kW and 802Nm, and a claimed zero to 100km/h time of just 3.2 seconds.

There is some serious acceleration from the IM5 that also accommodates everything you want day-to-day.

And there is more to the car underneath... The IM5’s digital chassis co-ordinates the powertrain, suspension, steering and vehicle dynamics.

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To put that simply, those systems work together to help manage how the car responds, with comfort and control both part of the job when you’re driving it.

The Performance also gets air suspension and continuously controlled damping. IM reports a record 90.96km/h speed in the moose test, an emergency obstacle-avoidance manoeuvre, crediting its motion control, four-wheel steering and adaptive suspension.

Leading-edge technology

And of course, beyond those numbers we have more impressive technology. Such as four-wheel steering, meaning the rear wheels turn too, helping this sizeable sedan negotiate tighter spaces.

‘Crab Mode’ uses the steering system to help position the car around tight obstacles, particularly those poles in car parks that always seem to be exactly where you need to go. Anyone who has found themselves making several adjustments in a car park can probably appreciate why that matters.

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There is also One-Touch AI Chauffeur, which includes assistance with parking, pulling out and reversing. IM points to these features as technology you wouldn’t usually expect from established luxury brands at this price point.

And there is also ‘Rainy Night Mode’ which uses AI and exterior cameras to help enhance visibility in poor weather. That’s where the ‘Intelligence in Motion’ name starts to come into play when we chat about the IM5.

Inside the IM5

Now for the luxury part, because in my opinion everyone deserves a bit of luxury in their life.

The exterior has those long, flowing lines and fastback styling, with flush door handles keeping things clean.

So we’ve already ticked the ‘is it good to look at?’ box. Will people double take? They sure will!

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Then we go inside the car, where there’s a 26.3-inch digital display, accompanied by a 10.5-inch central touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The central screen handles functions including regenerative braking, windows, drive modes, safety systems and air-conditioning.

The IMOS infotainment system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, while an NVIDIA Orin N chip looks after the driver-assistance systems.

And speaking of music (a favourite part of driving), there are 20 speakers. Twenty glorious speakers to car-pool karaoke your way anywhere, including four sky speakers to bring in the ambience even further.

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I put these to the test and it felt like I was having my own solo concert. Active noise cancellation through the sound system helps create a quiet cabin too.

Add in a panoramic glass roof and 256-colour ambient lighting, and there are plenty of ways to set the scene for whatever your day or night looks like.

The seats have synthetic leather upholstery, with heating and front-seat backrest ventilation.

Another useful inclusion is the ventilated wireless charger, so when your phone is doing as much running around as you are, you know it won’t overheat but remain charged.

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Then there are the practicalities inside the cabin. A large boot beneath that coupe-like shape, rear passenger space for family, and IM MAG magnetic accessory mounting for items such as mirrors, bags and iPad holders.

For me, the appeal of a cabin comes back to the things you use repeatedly, whether driving or sitting in it while parked and waiting.

Somewhere comfortable to sit, somewhere to charge your phone, and the everyday functions within reach.

Charging and going further

Range is where the IM5 lineup gives you a choice. The Premium has a quoted WLTP range of 490km and the Performance 575km. If range is your priority, the rear-wheel drive IM5 Platinum stretches that figure to 655km.

Real-world range will depend on conditions and how you drive. The Platinum and Performance are built on IM’s 800-volt silicon carbide (SiC) platform, with DC fast-charging at up to 396kW.

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MG quotes a 30-80 per cent charge in as little as 15.2 minutes on a suitable DC fast-charger.

The Premium uses a 400-volt platform with DC charging at up to 153kW. Actual charging times will vary. When planning a longer journey, that charging capability gives us another element to the IM5 story.

Safety

There’s a five-star ANCAP safety rating across the IM5 range, alongside features including autonomous emergency braking, lane support, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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These are important things we need in our car, helping us on the road while also driving with passengers. Together with the chassis and steering technology, they form part of the IM5’s focus on control and driver support.

And finally

The IM5 Premium starts from $57,990 drive-away in NSW with private registration, with the current $3000 cashback applied. There’s also a $500 EV Accessory Bonus available alongside it.*

For someone considering a Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal, the IM5 gives you plenty to weigh up. There’s the technology helping with manoeuvring, the equipment inside, the space for passengers, and the charging capability for journeys further afield.

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Then the Performance adds those acceleration figures that bring much more expensive cars into the conversation. The performance gets your attention, and the luxury gives you a reason to look inside and nod with satisfaction.

* Drive-away price without any options applied, based on NSW private registration. For new vehicles, the drive-away price includes 12 months registration and 12 months compulsory third-party insurance (CTP). For selected demonstrator vehicles, the drive-away price includes the balance of registration and the balance of compulsory third-party insurance (CTP). Drive-away price also includes maximum dealer delivery charge and estimated stamp duty. Offers available at participating MG dealers on vehicles sold and delivered between 1 October and 31 October 2026. While stocks last. Excludes fleet, government and rental buyers. MG Motor reserves the right to modify, extend or withdraw this offer at its sole discretion. The $3000 cashback offer is available on selected vehicles sold and delivered through participating MG dealers between 1 October and 31 October 2026. The $500 EV Accessories Bonus is available on eligible new and selected demonstrator IM EV, MG4 EV and MGS6 EV vehicles sold and delivered through participating MG dealers between 1 October and 31 October 2026. The offer is applied at purchase and may be redeemed towards eligible MG or IM accessories, which must be ordered at the same time as the vehicle. At the customer’s election, it may instead be applied as a $500 reduction to the vehicle purchase price in lieu of accessories. While stocks last. Cannot be redeemed for cash and is not combinable with other offers except, where applicable, $3000 cashback on IM5 and IM6. MG Motor reserves the right to modify, extend or withdraw this offer at its sole discretion.

MORE: Explore the IM5 showroom