2026 MG IM6 Performance Review

TL;DR The IM6 Performance is a premium electric vehicle from MG. Priced from $89,990, the top range model features a 572kW/802Nm electric motor, AWD, and a 0‑100km/h time of just 3.4 seconds. The combination of smart features, quick acceleration, and premium interior makes it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y.

With the arrival of the IM6 late last year, MG is now offering a model in the premium electric vehicle category. IM stands for Intelligence in Motion and is MG’s new premium electric vehicle sub-brand – a joint venture between MG’s parent company SAIC and Chinese tech companies Alibaba and ZJ Hi-Tech.

The design and overall foundations of the IM6 follows a proven formula seen in other premium electric vehicles, including the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. Featuring flush door handles and sleek design elements, the IM6 has a premium road presence that goes beyond anything MG has previously offered.

The minimalist interior is tech-focused, with the dashboard displays and infotainment integrated into one panoramic screen. Overall, the cabin feels polished and fresh, with premium materials, and a vaulted scenic glass roof.

MG heralds the IM6 as a “truly intelligent car — built for the smart era” and incorporates centralised controls, four-wheel steering, and increased stability through a digital chassis that keeps the car controlled and balanced.

This system uses a single centralised motion controller instead of multiple separate control units, improving response times and enabling smoother, more complex suspension adjustments.

The result is an incredibly smooth and refined ride that matches the premium mood and look of the IM6. All models feature four‑wheel steering, giving the SUV-sized vehicle superior manoeuvrability and high‑speed stability.

The top range IM6 Performance also comes equipped with active air suspension as standard, which monitors the road and adjusts each wheel individually and in real-time.

The IM6 Performance is powered by a dual‑motor AWD drivetrain that delivers a massive 572kW and 802Nm. As the numbers imply, the acceleration is brutal and launches the SUV from 0‑100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

Switch to Sport mode and the steering sharpens, the throttle response becomes immediate, and the whole car feels like it hunkers down with intent. Despite this brute force, the IM6 remains impressively composed and easy to live with during everyday driving.

MG claims the IM6 Performance has a range of 505km (WLTP). On the press car we drove – which learns and adjust the range based on the conditions and driving style – the figure on the instrument cluster was 450km from a full charge.

Thankfully, the IM6 features an 800-volt platform, with DC super-fast charging that charges the high-voltage battery from 30% to 80% in just over 15 minutes.

The IM’s autonomous driving suite (IM AD) supports L2–L4 capabilities, enabling tasks like autonomous lane changes, navigating unmarked intersections, and parking itself. Some driver‑assist features feel overly sensitive, triggering alerts for minor issues such as checking blind spots and mirrors far too often during everyday driving.

Thankfully, most of the ADAS systems are disabled through the steering‑wheel controls, but you will need to adjust them each time you restart the car.

The IM6’s biggest frustration is its door handles. The flush door handles do not pop out as the button‑less key approaches the vehicle. Rather, opening the doors requires touching the flush handle in just the right (and often inconsistent) spot for the handles to ‘extend out’.

Locking the vehicle presents the same issue, making rainy days extraordinarily inconvenient. During one particular downpour, I ended up leaving the car unlocked while waiting for a break in the weather; this doesn’t bode well for when you’re in a public carpark and can’t manage to lock the door.

Visibility out the rear window is poor for a vehicle of this size, although there is a digital rear view mirror that pops up on the infotainment screen with just the press of a steering wheel button. However, the 2D perspective lacks depth perception, making judging distances behind you tricky.

The lower touchscreen is a fantastic feature that offers quick access controls to high use functions without having to lean over and use the panoramic screen. This means you take your eyes off the road less when changing climate control settings.

The IM6 Performance is easily the pick of the lineup. Its fierce acceleration, technology-focused, and smooth ride make it a serious contender to Tesla and BYD.

However, the complex door handles, inconsistent ADAS, and visibility quirks prevent it from being perfect. Despite these niggles, the IM6 has what it takes to be a genuine next‑generation EV, offering great value, luxury, and performance all in one.