Is the MG IM5 Really an MG? Untangling the Story Behind the Badge
If you’ve been following the electric car revolution, you’ve probably noticed a new name popping up: the MG IM5. But here’s the twist—this car isn’t your typical MG. In fact, it’s not even built by the same folks who made the classic V8 ZT saloon back in 2003. So, what’s really going on with the IM5, and does it deserve that iconic octagonal badge? Let’s dig in.
What Makes the MG IM5 Stand Out in a Crowded EV Market?
The electric car market in Europe is getting crowded, fast. Policymakers are scrambling to protect homegrown brands, but Chinese automakers are charging in with cars that are both affordable and packed with tech. The MG IM5 is a perfect example. On paper, it’s a hatchback (though it looks like a saloon) that’s priced to compete with the Tesla Model 3. Yet, it promises the interior space of a Volkswagen ID 7 and technology you’d expect to find in something like a Porsche Taycan—think 800-volt architecture and, in the top trim, a jaw-dropping 742bhp.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the IM5 isn’t just another MG. It’s actually a rebranded version of the L6, a car built by Intelligence in Motion (IM), a Shanghai-based brand that’s a collaboration between SAIC (MG’s parent company), Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. This joint venture has only been around since 2020, but it’s already making waves.
Does Badge Engineering Matter Anymore?
Let’s be honest—badge engineering used to be a dirty word. But in today’s market, where cost and capability often trump brand loyalty, does it really matter? The IM5 is only lightly reworked for Europe, and if you look closely, you won’t even find a traditional MG logo—just a stylized ‘MG’ in IM’s own typeface on the bootlid. It’s a subtle nod to the brand’s heritage, but also a sign that the lines are blurring between old and new.
And it’s not just MG. Take BYD, for example. Three years ago, hardly anyone in the UK had heard of them. Now, they’re outselling Honda and Mazda, with UK sales in the first quarter of 2025 already topping their entire 2024 total. The takeaway? If the car is good and the price is right, buyers will come—regardless of what’s on the badge.
Why Is MG Moving Upmarket With the IM5?
MG has built its recent success on value-focused models, so why the sudden shift to something more premium? The answer is twofold. First, the Chinese domestic EV market has become so competitive that profit margins are razor-thin. Europe, on the other hand, still offers higher margins, especially for more luxurious models like the IM5.
Second, there’s a strategic play at work. According to MG Motor UK boss Guy Pigounakis, corporate fleet buyers are increasingly looking for plush, long-range electric cars with serious power. The IM5 Performance ticks all those boxes, boasting a 100kWh battery, 396kW peak charging, and a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds. That’s supercar territory, wrapped in a practical five-door shell.
How Does the IM5 Stack Up Against Rivals Like Tesla and Volkswagen?
Let’s talk numbers. The IM5 starts at under £40,000, putting it squarely in Tesla Model 3 territory. But it’s not just about price. The IM5 offers more space than the Model 3, and its tech package is arguably more advanced. That 800-volt platform? It’s something you’d usually only find in high-end cars like the Porsche Taycan, allowing for ultra-fast charging and improved efficiency.
Of course, the Model 3 isn’t perfect—owners have reported issues with build quality and aftersales support. The IM5 has a real opportunity here. If it can deliver on driving dynamics and everyday usability, it could carve out a serious niche for itself.
What’s the Real-World Appeal for Private Buyers?
For private buyers, the IM5 is a compelling proposition. It’s more luxurious than anything MG has offered since its EV reboot, and it’s priced to undercut many established rivals. The interior is spacious, the tech is cutting-edge, and the performance figures are genuinely impressive. It’s not just a car for company fleets—it’s a real contender for anyone looking to make the switch to electric without sacrificing comfort or excitement.
The Bottom Line: Should You Care About the MG IM5’s Origins?
At the end of the day, most buyers care about value, capability, and reliability—not the fine print of corporate partnerships or badge engineering. The MG IM5 is a bold move for the brand, signaling a push upmarket and a willingness to challenge the best from Tesla, Volkswagen, and beyond. If the car lives up to its promise, it could be a game-changer—not just for MG, but for the entire European EV landscape.
So, is the IM5 really an MG? Maybe, maybe not. But in a world where the best car wins, that might not matter as much as it used to. Keep an eye on this one—it could surprise you.