The MG IM5 Australia launch gives electric-car buyers something more unusual than another mid-size SUV: a long, low premium liftback built around high-speed charging, rear-wheel steering and serious performance. Presented under MG’s IM sub-brand, the IM5 arrives with three battery-electric powertrain choices, including a long-range 800V rear-driver and a 3.2-second all-wheel-drive flagship.
Its role is clear. The IM5 aims to appeal to drivers who like the clean efficiency and liftback practicality of a Tesla Model 3, but want a more generously equipped cabin, more overt premium technology and a distinctly different driving experience. It also sits naturally alongside the BYD Seal and Kia EV4 as evidence that Australia’s electric-sedan choices are becoming more diverse.
The MG IM5 is a low-slung electric liftback with an Australian Sydney Harbour setting for its local launch imagery.
MG IM5 Australia Pricing and Model Range
The MG IM5 Australia range opens with the rear-wheel-drive Premium at $60,990 before on-road costs. It uses a 75kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 400V electrical system, making it the straightforward ownership choice for drivers whose travel is mostly local, suburban and regional.
The Platinum starts at $67,990 before on-road costs and steps up to a 100kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and an 800V system. A Platinum with air suspension is listed at $71,980 before on-road costs, while the dual-motor Performance tops the range at $77,990 before on-road costs. These are listed prices rather than a promise of a final transaction figure, so buyers should confirm the applicable price, delivery timing and available stock with their preferred dealer.
The model hierarchy is unusually clear. Premium prioritises range and equipment with a smaller LFP pack; Platinum is the long-distance choice; and Performance is for drivers who value acceleration, air suspension and all-wheel-drive traction. All three retain a strong standard specification, rather than reserving the important convenience features for one flagship trim.
| Variant | Listed price before on-roads | Battery / drive | Claimed WLTP range | Claimed 0–100km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $60,990 | 75kWh LFP, RWD | 490km | 6.8 sec |
| Platinum | $67,990 | 100kWh NMC, RWD | 655km | 4.9 sec |
| Platinum with air suspension | $71,980 | 100kWh NMC, RWD | 655km | 4.9 sec |
| Performance | $77,990 | 100kWh NMC, AWD | 575km | 3.2 sec |
The IM5’s long wheelbase and liftback profile give it a much more substantial road presence than a conventional compact sedan.
MG IM5 Australia Range, Battery and Charging
The MG IM5 Australia specification sheet makes the Platinum the technical sweet spot for drivers who frequently cover longer distances. Its 100kWh NMC battery has a claimed 655km WLTP range, paired with a 300kW/500Nm rear motor. This version uses an 800V silicon-carbide platform and can accept DC charging at up to 396kW. MG quotes a 30–80 per cent charge in 15.2 minutes on a suitable high-power charger.
Premium uses a 75kWh LFP pack and a 217kW/450Nm rear motor. Its 490km claimed WLTP range is still generous for daily use and weekend travel, but its 400V electrical system limits maximum DC charging to 153kW. MG quotes around 20 minutes for a 30–80 per cent DC stop. That distinction deserves attention: the Premium is not simply a lower-range Platinum; it has a meaningfully different fast-charging proposition.
Performance shares the 100kWh, 800V foundation, but turns the IM5 into a remarkably quick electric liftback. Its front motor produces 200kW/302Nm, the rear adds 372kW/500Nm, and the combined all-wheel-drive setup gives a claimed 3.2-second 0–100km/h time. Its claimed range falls to 575km, a natural trade-off for its greater output and tyre package.
All variants have 11kW AC charging and vehicle-to-load capability, with a quoted maximum output of 6.6kW. That can be useful for powering camping equipment, tools or a small appliance away from the grid. Like every EV, real-world range varies with weather, speed, terrain, battery temperature and driving style; WLTP figures are best used to compare vehicles tested to the same standard.
The continuous rear light bar and tapered tail distinguish the IM5’s liftback shape from the SUV-led EV market.
Rear-Wheel Steering and the Digital Chassis
At 4,931mm long and 1,960mm wide, the IM5 is substantial. Yet its four-wheel steering is designed to give it a turning circle closer to that of a much smaller vehicle. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts to help with parking and tight urban manoeuvres; at higher speeds, they turn in the same direction to support stability through sweeping bends.
Every IM5 has double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear axle and staggered wheels. The Performance adds air suspension and continuously controlled damping, while Platinum buyers can specify air suspension. The result is an interesting proposition for someone tempted by the Mercedes-Benz CLA electric or BMW iX1, but who wants a lower seating position and a different blend of space, ride comfort and outright acceleration.
The IM5 also uses one-touch assisted functions to park, pull out from a kerbside space and reverse along a recorded path. These features should complement, rather than replace, active driver attention. A thorough test drive remains the best way to determine whether the steering, software controls and parking aids feel intuitive in your usual routes.
Australian-spec right-hand-drive cabin shown with the IM5’s panoramic display, secondary centre touchscreen and airy dashboard design.
A Technology-Rich Cabin with Practical Liftback Space
The IM5’s cabin is led by a 26.3-inch panoramic display and a separate 10.5-inch central touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as are a 20-speaker audio system, 50W ventilated wireless charging mat, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a panoramic glass roof. Double-glazed glass and active Road Noise Control are intended to preserve a quiet, long-distance ambience.
Space is an important part of the appeal. The IM5 has a 2,950mm wheelbase, a 457-litre boot, an 18-litre under-bonnet compartment and 60:40 folding rear seats. The long cargo floor is useful, although the swooping liftback roof means taller, bulky items deserve a real-world check before purchase. Families will appreciate rear air vents and child-seat provisions, but should confirm seat and boot fitment for their own pram or luggage.
The closely related MG IM6 will better suit shoppers who genuinely need SUV loading height and a more upright body. The IM5 instead makes the case for a lower, more aerodynamic electric grand tourer.
Rear occupants receive dedicated air vents, a folding armrest and access to the IM5’s panoramic glass roof.
Safety, Ownership and Choosing the Right IM5
MG says the IM5 has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Its driver-assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep and emergency lane-keep assistance, lane centring, rear cross-traffic assist, safe-exit warning, parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The vehicle warranty runs for seven years with unlimited kilometres when servicing is maintained through MG’s network; battery cover is eight years or 160,000km.
With its battery choice, rapid-charging capability and extensive equipment, the IM5 gives buyers a compelling reason to look beyond familiar electric-sedan options. Premium makes sense for regular local use and moderate-length drives. Platinum is the all-rounder for drivers who value extra range and the most advanced charging hardware. Performance is the enthusiast choice, combining explosive acceleration with the stability of all-wheel drive.
Before committing, consider how the vehicle fits your own life: home-charging access, parking space, regular highway distances and how the liftback boot handles your gear. You can also explore an EV firsthand before buying. On evee, renting an EV from a local owner is a practical way to experience charging, quiet city driving and longer journeys on your own terms.
Explore electric vehicles on evee and find an EV that suits your next drive.
