IM Motors headed Down Under

MG Motor luxury brand IM Motors is set to make its Australian debut at next month’s Melbourne Motor Show (April 5-6).

Initially showing its IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV, IM Motors is yet to confirm detailed specification and pricing for the duo, which compare in size to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and GLE-Class respectively.

In overseas markets, and in flagship guise, the duo offers dual-motor all-wheel drive and up to 572kW and 850Nm of total system output for a 0-100km/h time as low as 2.7 seconds (sedan) or 3.5 seconds (SUV). Rear-wheel drive variants produce 217kW and 450Nm.

GoAuto understands the IM5 and IM6 share an identical platform, the duo available elsewhere with a choice of 75kWh or 100kWh battery packs, the former with 400-volt electrical underpinnings and the latter 800-volt. Range claims vary, with a best-case scenario of 634km (NEDC).

Features and equipment for the duo are not yet locked in, however the IM6 is offered in Thailand with highlights including a 26.3-inch central infotainment array, 10.5-inch lower touchscreen, 20-speaker audio package, 256-colour LED ambient cabin lighting system, a wireless device charging pad, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality at up to 6.6kW.

IM Motors is an electric vehicle joint venture between Chinese state-owned manufacturer SAIC Motor and Chinese technology companies, including the Alibaba Group. The importer says IM stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion’, and that its vehicles are “synonymous with premium finishes, high performance, and innovative technology”.

In Australia, the brand will awkwardly be known as ‘IM Presented by MG Motor’.

“We’re thrilled to introduce IM Presented by MG Motor to the Australian market, setting a new benchmark for luxury electric driving,” said MG Motor Australia chief executive officer Peter Ciao.

“With cutting-edge innovation wrapped in elegant design, both the IM5 and IM6 deliver an uncompromising blend of performance, refinement, and range offering drivers the freedom to go further in absolute comfort.

“This is the future of premium electric mobility, and we’re proud to bring it to Australia and further extend our EV offering to Australian drivers.”

MG Motor chief operating officer Giles Belcher said the IM5, also known as the IM L6 sedan in China, and the IM6, also known as the IM LS6 SUV, will arrive in Australian MG dealerships this year with dates to be shared shortly.

“MG is proud to offer an EV for everyone,” he added.

“We have our best-selling all-electric MG4, our electric SUV the ZS EV which will soon be replaced with the MG S5 EV and our first all-electric roadster, the Cyberster.

“With the introduction of IM Presented by MG Motor we now bring a new premium range of EVs to the Australian market with the IM5 and IM6.”

The Melbourne Motor Show will be held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre from April 5-6.

The event will host nine global and Australian-first vehicle premieres with more than 22 importers represented, including Brabus, BYD, GWM, Isuzu, JAC, McLaren, MG Motor, Peugeot, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla, and Xpeng.