News

MG has launched a new brand in the UK that will rival Tesla with a high-tech saloon and crossover in the vein of the Model 3 and Model Y.

The new IM 5 and IM 6 – revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – are the first UK-bound models from the recently established EV marque IM, which launched in China in 2022 and now has a four-strong line-up of electric cars that closely matches that of its Californian rival.

IM (standing for Intelligence in Motion) was founded in 2020 as a tie-up between MG parent company SAIC, e-commerce giant Alibaba and R&D specialist Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The brand made its debut at the Geneva motor show last year and is now confirmed to be heading to MG dealerships in the coming months - as previously reported by Autocar. 

The IM 5 (badged L6 in China) is a rakish four-door saloon with a maximum official range of 442 miles from a 100kWh lithium ion battery and its 800V charging architecture enables a 10-80% top-up in just 17 minutes, says MG.

The company has not given official specifications yet, but IM's platform – separate to that used by MG's existing electric cars – is said to support charging at up to 396kW - faster than any public charger currently installed in the UK.

MG has not confirmed whether the recently revealed IM 6 Lightyear Edition, with a 900V semi-solid-state battery and a peak charging speed of 400kW, will come to the UK.

The 5 will also be available as a shorter-range variant with a 75kWh battery – expected to give a range of around 330 miles – which will open the line-up at £39,450, thereby avoiding the Expensive Car Supplement that's applied to £40k-plus cars. The bigger battery bumps the price up to £44,995 and the more powerful Performance version comes in at £48,495, giving a line-up that closely matches the Model 3 in price and performance stats.

The technically identical IM 6 will not be offered with the smaller battery but closely rivals the mid-rung Model Y with a starting price of £47,995 for the Long Range car and £50,995 for the Performance.

Full powertrain specifications have yet to be disclosed, but MG says the most powerful variants are equipped with a new generation of motor known as 'Hurricane', with the top-rung twin-motor powertrain producing 767bhp and 591lb ft. That's enough to give the saloon a 0-62mph time of as little as 3.2sec and the SUV 3.5sec.

The two cars are largely identical inside, with a huge, 26.3in wraparound infotainment display and 10.5in central touchscreen featuring in place of a physical control interface.

Both models will be offered with a panoramic roof, a 'rainy night' driving mode, automatic park assist and rear steering that, MG says, will cut the IM 5's turning circle to just under 10m.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed (10-13 July) has kicked off and it's already shaping up to be one of the highlights of the motoring year.

It is hosting big reveals from Lanzante, Hyundai, MG and plenty more besides, as well as an array of debuts from Aston Martin, BMW and Honda.

Below is our guide to the most important cars at this year's Festival of Speed.

Alpine A110 R Ultime

Production of the Alpine A110 ends next year and this is its last hurrah. The Ultime's 345bhp output – 49bhp up on the existing R – pushes beyond the limit of the original car’s gearbox, so a new six-speed unit has been swapped in. Swathes of carbonfibre feature elsewhere, cutting its weight to 1120kg, and it also gets an aggressive aero set-up. It’s priced from £276k and just 110 will be built, so its participation in the Festival of Speed might just be your only chance to see one being driven to its limits.

Everything you need to know about the Alpine A110 R Ultime

Alpine A290 Rallye

The rally-ready version of Alpine’s electric hot hatch gains a limited-slip differential, bigger brakes and a hydraulic handbrake. There’s even an exterior speaker for the enjoyment of spectators. 

Everything you need to know about the Alpine A290 Rallye

Alpine A390

Alpine’s Porsche Macan challenger will make its British debut at the Festival of Speed. Due to go on sale next year priced from around £60,000, it uses a tri-motor powertrain and torque vectoring to emulate the agility of the A110 sports car. 

Everything you need to know about the Alpine A390

Alpine Alpenglow Hy6

This hydrogen-combustion demonstrator packs a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 that kicks out 740bhp. It can rev to 9000rpm as well.

Aston Martin DBX S

This new performance-focused version of Aston’s luxury SUV outpunches the Ferrari Purosangue, putting out a substantial 717bhp. You'll be able to see it in the First Glance paddock at Goodwood.

Everything you need to know about the Aston Martin DBX S

Aston Martin Valhalla

The Festival of Speed will be your first chance to catch Aston Martin’s new 1064bhp hypercar rolling on home turf. Production of the Valhalla is scheduled to begin imminently.

Everything you need to know about the Aston Martin Valhalla

Automobili Mignatta Rina

This Italian two-seater pays tribute to the sports cars of the 1960s with a striking speedster body, naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 and a manual gearbox. 

Everything you need to know about the AM Rina

Bentley Bentayga Speed

This performance-focused version of Bentley’s luxury SUV trades its old W12 for a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. With 641bhp and 627lb ft, it’s capable of dispatching 0-62mph in 3.4sec.

Read our Bentley Bentayga Speed review

BMW M2 CS

BMW’s junior sports car gets the Competition Sport treatment, gaining 50bhp more than the regular M2 and packing a generous 479lb ft. An abundance of carbonfibre also helps to reduce its kerb weight to 1700kg and it dispatches 0-62mph in just 3.8sec. Goodwood will mark the first time it’s been displayed to the public in the UK. Customer deliveries will start at the end of the summer.

Everything you need to know about the BMW M2 CS

BMW Concept Speedtop

Last year’s striking Skytop convertible has been transformed into a svelte shooting brake for a lucky handful of BMW loyalists. It has been conceived as an “intentional counterpoint to our current models”, according to BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, and is set to make limited production. This may be your only chance to catch one in the metal before they disappear into collections.

Everything you need to know about the BMW Concept Speedtop

BMW Vision Driving Experience

Four motors, five downforce-producing fans and 13,269lb ft of torque: the Vision Driving Experience is BMW’s manifesto for driving enjoyment in the electric age. The firm's performance machines will still be rear-biased, for example, and they will use control electronics that can respond 10 times more quickly than those fitted to previous-generation M cars. This car will make its first UK appearance at the Festival of Speed.

Everything you need to know about the BMW Vision Driving Experience

Bovensiepen Zagato

The Bovensiepens, founding family of Alpina, have established a new coachbuilding firm – and this is its first car. Based on the BMW M4 and styled by Zagato, it has 603bhp and 516lb ft, yielding a 0-62mph time of 3.3sec and a top speed north of 186mph.

Everything you need to know about the Bovensiepen Zagato

Callum Wood & Pickett Mini

Former Jaguar design chief Ian Callum’s take on the Mini turns it into a hot hatch for zipping around the streets of London. Its arches are widened, deep-dish wheels are fitted, and its A-series engine is upsized to 1310cc. That gives it 110bhp, sufficient to have required the fitment of a reinforced gearbox.

Everything you need to know about the Callum Wood & Pickett Mini

Denza B5 

BYD's premium offshoot is going after the Land Rover Defender with the new B5, a body-on-frame 4x4 with a 677bhp plug-in-hybrid powertrain. It will make its debut at the Festival of Speed, ahead of sales beginning next year.

Everything you need to know about the Denza B5

Denza Z9 GT

The first Denza model to arrive in Europe, the Z9 GT rivals the Porsche Panamera and its electric counterpart, the Taycan. It is available with the choice of an 858bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain or a 952bhp battery-electric set-up. 

Read our Denza Z9 GT review

Eccentrica Diablo restomod

Described by its maker as the ultimate Diablo, this restomod intends to unleash the potential of Lamborghini’s famously tetchy flagship. Its chassis has been reinforced with carbonfibre, the brakes overhauled, traction control added and the V12 tweaked with new camshafts and springs. It has also received a redesign, with ‘pop-down’ headlights, flared wings and exposed exhaust pipes. It will take to the Goodwood hillclimb, marking the first time it will have been seen in action.

Ferrari 296 Speciale

Billed by Ferrari as the "most fun-to-drive, emotionally charged" car it has built to date, the 296 Speciale brings a swathe of upgrades compared with the existing GTB. Power is up by 49bhp, downforce is improved by 20% and it's 60kg lighter than the GTB. That's thanks in part to kit taken from the new F80 hypercar, such as its aluminium pistons and titanium conrods. The Festival of Speed marks your first chance to see one in the UK.

Everything you need to know about the Ferrari 296 Speciale

Ferrari Amalfi

The new Amalfi replaces the Roma, bringing a fresh design and the promise of more accessible performance. It will break cover in public for the first time at Goodwood.

Everything you need to know about the Ferrari Amalfi

Ferrari F80

The LaFerrari's successor is virtually a Le Mans hypercar for the road, taking components from the marque's 499P racer to put out 1184bhp. Priced from £3 million and limited to 799 examples – all sold – it will run up the Goodwood hillclimb course.

Everything you need to know about the Ferrari F80

GMA T33

Gordon Murray previously used the Goodwood Members’ Meeting to unveil the T33, but now is the general public’s chance to see it in the metal. Priced from £1.37 million and positioned as a more practical foil to the T50, it too packs a naturally aspirated V12, here kicking out 607bhp and revving out to 11,100rpm. Just 100 will be built, although there will be spin-off models, such as a Spider and a more aggressive, track-focused S variant.

Everything you need to know about the GMA T33

GMA T33 Spider

Weighing just 18kg more than its coupé counterpart, the T33 Spider promises a more visceral experience, thanks to its Targa-style roof and air intake scoop positioned just proud of the roll bar. It will be on display to the general public for the first time at this year’s Festival of Speed.

Everything you need to know about the GMA T33 Spider

Honda 0 Series SUV

This blocky MPV-like SUV serves as our first look at Honda’s rebirth for the electric age. Named the 0 Series to represent the brand starting afresh, it ushers in a dramatic new look and promises major developments in both efficiency and practicality. The Festival of Speed will mark its first appearance in Europe.

Everything you need to know about the Honda 0 Series SUV

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate

One of our favourite hot hatches is about to bow out, but not before receiving a special-edition variant commemorating its 28-year production run. It’s painted in the Type R’s signature Championship White shade, with contrasting red racing stripes recalling its trademark interior colour. Only 40 will be built, of which a quarter are bound for the UK. Goodwood may just be your best chance to see one before they’re all gone.

Everything you need to know about the Honda Civic Type R Ultimate

Honda Prelude

Honda’s sporting coupé returns with Civic underpinnings, a 181bhp hybrid powertrain and even a simulated sequential gearbox. The production car isn’t due until later this year, but Goodwood will be the first chance to spot it on the move, as it takes to the hillclimb.

Everything you need to know about the Honda Prelude

Honda Super EV Concept

Honda has shown off its vision of a small, fun-to-drive EV at the Festival of Speed. Named the Super EV Concept, it previews a rival for the Hyundai Inster and Fiat 500e, and has already been tested in the UK. 

Everything you need to know about the Honda Super EV Concept

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Hyundai revealed the hot Ioniq 6 N at this year’s Festival of Speed, having hinted at the model since it unveiled the RN22e concept car three years ago. The BMW M3 rival will packs 641bhp and brings major styling tweaks such as a huge rear spoiler, wider arches and a more aggressive-looking front fascia. It is said to be "more sophisticated" than the smaller Ioniq 5 N.

Everything you need to know about the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N

Jaecoo 5

This Range Rover Evoque rival will be the second car in Jaecoo's UK line-up, bringing a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine at launch with an electric sibling to follow. The 5 made its debut at Goodwood.

Everything you need to know about the Jaecoo 5

Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition

This special-edition Defender harks back to Land Rover’s Camel Trophy 4x4s, with chunky steelie-style wheels, a choice of Sandy Yellow or Forest Green paintwork and even the option of an intake snorkel. It will be seen in public for the first time at Goodwood.

Everything you need to know about the Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition

Lanzante 95-59

Petersfield-based hypercar specialist Lanzante reveals its first bespoke model at the Festival of Speed. Based on an existing McLaren platform and penned by former McLaren designer Paul Howse, it packs 700bhp per tonne and has a McLaren F1-style three-seat cockpit.

Lanzante 95-59 is 850bhp three-seat homage to McLaren F1

Maserati MCPura

The Maserati MC20 has been renamed the MCPura as part of its mid-life update. The styling is subtly tweaked, with a reshaped grille and front diffuser, plus a new twin-spoke wheel design. 

Everything you need to know about the Maserati MCPura

McLaren W1

McLaren's striking new flagship picks up the mantle from the P1 and F1 with an electrified 4.0-litre V8 that sends 1258bhp to its rear wheels. Just 399 examples will be built.

Everything you need to know about the McLaren W1

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Europe’s longest-range and most efficient electric car is due to arrive in the UK imminently, with prices starting from £45,615. But Goodwood will be your first chance to see one on the move in Britain, because the EV will be taking to the hill as part of the First Glance group.

Everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz CLA

MG Cyberster Black

This special-edition roadster matches deep-black paintwork with chrome accents.

Read our MG Cyberster review

MG CyberX

A boxy 4x4, this radical concept car hints at MG’s plans to expand into new segments and punch upmarket. The Festival of Speed host its European debut and could bring more news about any plans to build the model.

Everything we know about the MG CyberX

MG IM5

MG has launched a new sub-brand in the UK that will rival Tesla with a high-tech saloon and crossover. The new IM 5 saloon gets an official range of 442 miles from a 100kWh battery pack and its 800V electricals allow a 10-80% recharge in 17min, according to MG.

Everything you need to know about the new MG IM5 and IM6

Praga Bohema

This track-focused but road-legal supercar will take to the Goodwood hillclimb in a bid to topple some of the world’s biggest marques. Packing 700bhp and weighing just 982kg, it’s in with a fair chance.

Everything we know about the Praga Bohema

Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault's tribute to the original 5 Turbo is every bit as ludicrous, employing a pair of rear-mounted in-wheel motors for a combined output of 533bhp. It is priced from £140,000 and 1980 examples will be built, in reference to the original 5 Turbo's launch year. A static design model will be displayed at the Festival of Speed.

Everything you need to know about the Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Lexus 'LFR'

A new V8 Lexus supercar was officially show for the first time in prototype form – and it previews a rival the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT.

The GT Concept is the homologated variant of the incoming GT3 GR hardcore racer – itself revealed in concept form in 2022 – and both took to the hillclimb.

The road-going GT3 GR is likely to wear a Lexus badge, rather than a Toyota one, in keeping with the premium brand’s history of large-engined sports cars, including the LFA, LC 500 and RC F.

As such, it is thought to preview what could be the spiritual successor to the acclaimed LFA – and may take the LFR name.

All we know about the new Lexus flagship

It’s fairly tall. And quite large. Not quite Range Rover large, maybe, but on the way. The new Porsche Cayenne EV – in which I’m about to take to the Goodwood Festival of Speed's hillclimb at full speed – is the biggest Porsche they make. 

We’re sitting high. You might imagine that cars with three-second 0-60mph potential ought to be squeezed right down onto the road, but not this one. From my vantage point I look forward along the track, down the tree-lined avenue to the first double-apex right-hander, wondering what this Cayenne’s body roll will feel like when we get there at full noise. 

Actually, I guess I’ve already got an idea. This is a Porsche, and a fat-tyred Porsche with latest-gen active dampers at that. I’ll back it to stay planted in a 1g corner.

There are other good reasons for this Cayenne’s height. For one, we’re sitting on top of a 100kWh-plus traction battery. And despite what I understand to be an output of more than 1000 horses from its two-motor set-up, this machine is also claimed to be a competent off-roader, which means it needs ground clearance.

My driver is Gabriela Jilková, a successful GT racer from the Czech Republic who does a lot of development driving for Porsche, especially in fast stuff. She’s keen to move up the ranks from GT4 racing if the chance comes. Which it’s bound to do.

'Quick Gabi', as she’s known, looks small yet very much at home in the Cayenne EV’s big, bolstered seat, but as we ease quietly up to the line, she’s already wearing that expression of calm concentration you see on the faces of serious racing drivers accustomed to the tension of a full-on start. 

Suddenly we’re at the head of the queue. The Taycan ahead disappears around the track’s double right-hander and now it’s our turn. This may be an EV but we’re hearing the Cayenne’s optional synthesised V8 burble at proper volume. And here, it seems entirely appropriate.

The Goodwood starter gives us the thumbs-up. I expect extremely hard acceleration but what I get is an explosion. My head hits the restraint behind, I’m depressed several inches into upholstery that previously felt firm and my innards are rapidly rearranged. The loads are all instant, yet it’s surprisingly quiet in here. 

Nobody will yet tell me how much torque this thing has, but it’s got to be four figures of foot-pounds. Even though it’s all deployed at once via four fat 22in Pirelli P Zeros, there’s barely a squeak of wheelspin. That’s what electronics can do. 

The trees either side are a blur, and we’ve got to be doing 90mph when we turn in to that first double-apex. Gabi dabs the brakes – I think – though retardation probably comes as much from this EV’s powerful regenerative braking. We clip the grass apexes twice and then the awesome acceleration begins again.

Out of the trees, the track straightens and widens. I glimpse thousands of blurred faces either side as our Cayenne bolts past the big house on the left and under the bridge at a speed that in other hands might seem deeply crazy.

There’s time for a lightning glance at Gabi – still ice cool, making tiny, timed steering movements – and then we’re approaching Molecomb, the reverse camber left-hander hidden beyond a little brow that has been the ruin of many a worthy Goodwood entrant over the years.

Not this time. We storm through it as if on rails, my body pinned into the seat. As we burst into sunlight, I’m aware again of crowds in stands on either side. Then we see the famed Flint Wall straight ahead. 

It looks like a serious obstacle at first sight, but when you get there, it’s a fast, precise, right-then-left jink, easy for Gabi and the Cayenne. Transitions like that can upset high-riding cars, but the Porsche is planted like a sports car. This is a sports car.

The rest of the run is easy, a big left and right, and then we’re back under the shade of the trees. Up a shaded tunnel we go, flashing across the finish line. This may well be the quickest electric minute of my life.

I’ve made an agreement with myself to glance at the speedo as we finish, but of course I forget. It's hard to remember stuff in an environment like this but our speed has got to be 100mph-plus. Gabi says 115mph. I see the blurred face of the finish-line marshal and then it’s over. 

Speed bleeding away, we ease up to the marshalling loop at the top of the hillclimb, where you wait for other runners in your batch to congregate for the dog-slow return to the pits. “Good,” says Gabi with a contented smile. “Fantastic,” say I.