For years, the MG badge in Australia has been synonymous with exceptional value. Think affordable hatchbacks and SUVs that deliver on range and practicality without emptying the wallet. But now, MG is playing a completely different game.

Enter the 2025 MG IM6 Performance, the flagship of the new ‘IM Presented by MG’ premium sub-brand. With a drive-away price nearing $80,000, colossal power, an 800V architecture, and a cabin dripping with tech, this electric coupe-SUV is not just competing with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 2—it’s taking a wrecking ball to the prestige space currently held by Audi, Lexus, and BMW.

The question for Australian EV buyers is simple: Is this Chinese challenger a genuine premium predator, or just an ambitious, over-specced pretender? We dive into the nuts and bolts of the performance king.

🚀 The Numbers Game: Effortless, Ludicrous Pace

The ‘Performance’ badge here is not an understatement. The IM6 Performance is engineered to pin you back in your seat with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain.

The headline figure is its 0-100km/h sprint: a scorching 3.4 seconds. This puts it squarely in the territory of premium German performance SUVs and, crucially, a hair faster than its most direct rival, the Tesla Model Y Performance.

More importantly for range-anxious Aussies, the 800V architecture is a huge differentiator. While local charging infrastructure is still playing catch-up (most ultra-rapid chargers max out at 350kW), the IM6 is future-proofed. The ability to charge from 30-80% in an incredible 15-20 minutes on a suitable DC charger fundamentally changes the long-distance road trip equation—a massive win for Australian EV users.

💎 Stepping Up: The Premium Cabin Experience

Climb inside the IM6, and any lingering doubts about MG’s budget roots dissipate immediately. The ‘IM Presented by MG’ sub-brand is a genuine leap in perceived quality, directly aimed at the understated luxury of Lexus or the tech-laden minimalism of a modern Audi.

• Design & Materials: The cabin is clad in extensive, ultra-soft artificial leather across the dash, doors, and seats. The build quality feels substantial, a world away from the firm plastics found in some competitors.
• A Screen Odyssey: The digital focus is intense. A vast 26.3-inch panoramic digital display stretches across the dash, housing the main infotainment and driver cluster. Below it sits a 10.5-inch central touchscreen that handles nearly all vehicle and climate controls. While stunning and powered by a speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, this is also one of the car’s most polarising features.
• The Digital Conundrum: Like a true luxury rival, physical switchgear is almost non-existent. Reviewers consistently note the frustration of deep-diving into menus just to adjust the climate or turn off intrusive driver aids that default back to ‘On’ every time you start the car. Premium feel, yes, but often at the expense of ergonomic convenience.
• Space and Practicality: Despite the coupe-like roofline, the IM6 (technically a mid-large SUV) is seriously spacious. Adults have ample room in the rear, and the boot capacity is generous—646 litres with the seats up, expanding to over 1600 litres folded. There’s also a handy 32-litre frunk for charging cables or small bags.

🛣️ Behind the Wheel: Comfort over Corner-Carving

Here’s where the ‘Performance’ name begins to feel slightly misleading, according to initial Australian road tests.

The IM6 Performance features sophisticated adaptive air suspension and a continuously controlled damping system, high-end tech usually reserved for proper luxury vehicles. On a smooth surface, the ride is serene and quiet, with excellent cabin refinement that rivals vehicles twice the price.

However, the consensus among reviewers is that while it delivers effortless, rapid acceleration, it doesn’t quite have the raw, connected driving engagement of a true performance model.

• The Ride: While mostly peaceful, the car’s heavy nature and large 21-inch wheels mean it can occasionally clang over sharp-edged bumps, lacking the final polish needed to truly match the dynamic body control of an Audi e-tron GT or the razor-sharp handling of a Tesla Model Y Performance.
• Steering Wizardry: A standout feature is the bi-directional rear-wheel steering. This is a premium touch that drastically reduces the turning circle, making this large SUV as manoeuvrable in the city as a compact hatchback—a huge advantage in tight urban Australian streets.
• The Digital Watchdog: The overzealous suite of driver assistance systems, with its constant, unidentifiable ‘bings’ and ‘bongs’, is a common complaint. While safety is paramount, the persistent interventions and the need to manually deactivate systems via the touchscreen on every drive will test the patience of even the calmest Australian driver.

🔋 The EV Edge: Charging and Range

The battle for Australian buyers is often won at the charging station, and the IM6 comes prepared.

• Charging Future: The 800V architecture and 396kW DC charging capacity is currently best-in-class in Australia. Even if current infrastructure limits this to 350kW, being able to replenish 30-80% in around 15 minutes beats the wait time of almost every current rival.
• Decent Range: The 100kWh NMC battery in the Performance variant delivers a competitive 505km WLTP range. Crucially, the mid-spec Platinum RWD version, which also uses the 800V/100kWh setup, pushes the range out to an impressive 555km (WLTP) for those prioritising distance over outright speed.
• V2L Capability: Standard 6.6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) is another practical Australian touch, perfect for powering appliances on a weekend getaway or in a blackout.

🇦🇺 Final Verdict for the Australian EV Buyer

The 2025 MG IM6 Performance is not just an upgrade for MG; it’s a declaration of war on the established luxury and performance EV market.

For the Buyer Seeking Value and Tech:

If you want an electric vehicle that provides world-class straight-line performance, cutting-edge 800V charging speeds, and a sumptuously appointed, tech-forward cabin that genuinely feels premium—all for a drive-away price that significantly undercuts an equivalent Audi or Tesla Model Y Performance—the IM6 is an undeniable bargain and a strong contender.

Where It Falls Short:

The IM6’s biggest hurdles are its erratic software and driver aids, which compromise the user experience, and a driving dynamic that favours comfort and effortlessness over the engaging, precise handling expected of a true ‘Performance’ car. For those obsessed with steering feel and total ergonomic control, it may not convert them from a German or American rival.

Ultimately, the MG IM6 Performance is an ambitious, highly competent, and seriously fast premium EV. While it still has some digital-era quirks to iron out, its combination of 800V charging, immense power, and luxury features at a sharp price makes it one of the most compelling and disruptive new electric arrivals in the Australian market. Tesla, Audi, and Lexus should be paying close attention—the premium EV landscape is officially changing.

Detailed Comparison: MG IM6 Performance vs. Tesla Model Y Performance vs. Audi Q4 e-tron

The MG IM6 Performance is the performance variant of the newest contender, aiming squarely at the established leaders, the Tesla Model Y Performance and the Audi Q4 e-tron 55 quattro (the top-tier all-wheel-drive model for the Q4 range).

Here is the detailed comparison table:

⚡ Performance EV SUV Comparison Table

Key Takeaways and Analysis

• Performance: The MG IM6 Performance appears poised to be the acceleration leader, with a projected 0-100 km/h time and power output that edges out the Model Y. However, real-world testing will confirm this.
• Range: The Tesla Model Y Performance holds the edge in official WLTP range, a strength it has maintained over many competitors.
• Charging: The IM6 is rumored to feature an 800V architecture, which would allow for significantly faster charging speeds than both the Tesla and Audi, which use 400V platforms. The Audi is notably slower on DC fast charging than its rivals.
• Practicality: The Tesla Model Y is the clear winner in terms of total cargo space (including the frunk), offering unmatched utility in this segment. The Audi is the most compact.
• Ride Quality: Reviews often suggest the Audi Q4 e-tron offers a more comfortable and composed ride, while the Tesla is known for its firmer, sportier tuning. The MG IM6 Performance’s use of air suspension and continuously controlled dampers (CDC) suggests it may offer the most adaptable and comfortable ride of the group.

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