IM6 First Drive - Premium tech for mainstream money

MG’s new premium brand IM has officially hit New Zealand roads — and the IM6 is the first model out of the gate. We take the Performance AWD version for an early first drive to see how this tech-heavy electric SUV stacks up against the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and other upper-mainstream EVs. The IM6 is built on a joint-venture platform between SAIC and Chinese tech giant Alibaba, with autonomous-technology input from Pony.ai and Momenta. The result is a deeply digital EV featuring a unified vehicle-motion controller, 800-volt architecture (Platinum & Performance), rapid charging up to 396 kW, and a four-wheel-steering system that delivers a tiny 5.09-metre turning circle. In this video we cover: • What the IM brand is and why it exists • First impressions of the IM6 Performance • Ride quality, handling and steering feel • 0–100 km/h and power delivery • Real-world behaviour of the air suspension + CCD • Pros and cons inside the cabin • Charging speeds and platform differences • How it compares to Model Y and Sealion 7 • Whether IM can really be the Lexus to MG’s Toyota Specs tested: • Performance AWD • 572 kW / 802 Nm • 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds • 100 kWh NCM battery • 800-volt SiC platform • 396 kW DC peak charging • 505 km WLTP range If you enjoy this review, hit subscribe!

Added 10 Apr 2026