MG IM6 review: MG's biggest, boldest step into premium SUV territory

Join us as we take a closer look at the MG IM6 Performance, the SUV proving MG's premium ambitions are more than just talk

MG has muscled its way into the premium market with its new IM line, and the IM6 SUV is leading the charge.

It shares its platform with the IM5 saloon, and those same sleek, sweeping lines — just with a bigger body and more room out back. With up to 388 miles of range (WLTP Comb) across the line-up, MG is clearly done playing it safe.

There's no denying it borrows a leaf from the Tesla Model Y's book, but can it hold its own against such a mighty rival? Does it have genuine substance, or is this all talk?

We took it for a spin to find out.

What we drove

Model: MG IM6 Performance AWD

Battery: 100kWh

Power: 553kW

Colour: Black Pearl

Drivetrain: Electric, all-wheel drive, automatic

Euro NCAP: Five stars

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Big, bold, and impossible to ignore

The IM6 is a properly big car — it makes a statement on the road, no question.

At nearly 4.9 metres long, it's noticeably larger than most rivals in this class, and it wears that size with real presence.

There's no shaking the Model Y comparisons though.

MG has clearly borrowed a page or two from Tesla's design book, particularly around the front end. The tailgate has its own flair, with a swept, almost DBX-like shape that adds a touch of drama.

That coupé-style roofline gives it a sleeker profile than your typical boxy SUV, though as we'll come to, it's also the reason the rear window ends up so small.

It also undercuts a comparably specced Model Y by a decent margin — proof that premium doesn't have to mean paying premium prices.

Comfort and tech galore

Step inside and the IM6 continues to impress.

A twin-screen setup dominates the dash — one acting as your typical infotainment display, the other replacing physical controls such as the climate settings.

The seats are heated and ventilated, a genuine lifesaver given Britain's unpredictable weather.

Its smaller saloon sibling has practically no rear windscreen, and the IM6 follows suit. The rear glass is tiny and at a steep angle thanks to that coupé-like sweeping roofline. But it makes up for this with a clever workaround: Scroll the steering wheel control and a live rear camera feed appears on the driver's display.

There's plenty of space throughout, and the boot comes in at a genuinely impressive 665 litres. On top of that, there's a 32-litre frunk — ideal for stashing charging cables.

Smooth, powerful, and surprisingly composed

Put your foot down and the IM6 is smooth and powerful.

We drove the Performance variant, and it wasn't much slower than its saloon sibling despite the extra size — 0-62mph comes up in 3.5 seconds, compared to 3.2 seconds for the IM5.

The ride is on the firm side, meaning you do feel bumps in the road, but it's not a dealbreaker.

Four-wheel steering comes as standard, ideal for tight manoeuvres, and there's a 'crab mode' for parking.

Going the distance

The IM6 Performance AWD offers a WLTP Comb range of 313 miles, while the Long Range RWD stretches to 388 miles for those who'd rather prioritise distance over outright pace.

Real-world driving brings that closer to 250 miles on the Performance AWD, a reminder that the extra power does come at a cost.

Where the IM6 claws it back is charging.

Its 800V architecture supports DC rapid charging up to 396kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up takes as little as 17 minutes — one of the fastest charging times around at this price point.

Efficiency sits at roughly 2.3 to 3.1 miles per kWh depending on conditions and driving style, so how you drive it will make a real difference to how often you're plugging in.

For anyone weighing up value against range, this is exactly the kind of trade-off that makes leasing appealing. You get the best car for your budget without committing long-term to a single spec.

Safety and warranties

The IM6 backs up its premium ambitions with a genuinely reassuring safety and warranty package. Euro NCAP testing (2025) returned five stars and strong scores across the board:

• Adult occupant protection: 90%
• Child occupant protection: 85%
• Vulnerable road user protection: 83%
• Safety assist: 87%

That's a comprehensive result, and it's backed by extensive onboard safety tech, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Emergency Lane Keeping
• Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
• Forward Collision Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking
• Door Opening Warning
• 360-degree parking camera with transparent chassis view

Beyond the safety kit, MG backs the IM6 with a reassuring ownership package. This includes:

• Seven-year or 80,000-mile manufacturer warranty, whichever comes first
• Eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty
• Both fully transferable to future owners

Between the strong NCAP scores and the scale of that warranty, the IM6 makes a low-risk case for itself — even for buyers taking a chance on MG's newer, more premium ambitions.

What's good, and what's not

The good bits:

• Ventilated seats
• Live rear camera feed on the steering wheel
• Barely slower than the saloon despite the size
• Rapid DC charging speed
• Strong Euro NCAP scores across the board

The not-so-good bits:

• Small rear window hampers visibility
• Firm ride — bumps felt quite readily
• Large footprint could feel unwieldy in tighter spaces

What's the verdict?

Overall rating: 8.5

The MG IM6 delivers exactly what it promises: Genuine premium ambition, backed up by real substance rather than just spec-sheet bravado.

It's spacious, quick, and packed with clever touches that make daily life easier, from the rear camera workaround to that generous frunk.

Yes, the small rear window and firm ride are worth knowing about going in.

But neither is a dealbreaker, and MG's seven-year warranty means there's real peace of mind behind the price tag too.

It's a car that makes the case for aspiring higher without stretching further.

That's exactly the sweet spot buyers moving up from a mainstream brand are looking for, and the IM6 nails it.

Top five reasons to consider the MG IM6:

1. Nearly 750PS of power without sacrificing everyday usability
2. Genuinely clever camera tech that helps offset the small rear window
3. Ventilated seats that earn their keep on any journey
4. Frunk and boot space that make family life easier
5. Ultra-fast charging that keeps you moving

Would we recommend leasing an MG IM6?

Absolutely.

It gives you premium presence, genuine pace, and a seven-year warranty for real peace of mind, all at a price that undercuts the obvious rival.

If outright range matters more to you than outright power, the Long Range RWD is worth a look too.

But for buyers who want a lot of car without the premium price tag, the IM6 Performance AWD is an excellent option.