MG IM6 2026 Review Australia: Is This New Chinese Electric Car Really a BMW iX Family SUV Rival?

The electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up globally, and in Australia, buyers are spoiled for choice like never before. While Tesla has long dominated the EV conversation with the Model Y and Model 3, and German brands such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz continue to push luxury credentials, a new challenger has emerged — and it’s not from Europe or the US.

Meet the MG IM6 2026, a bold new premium electric SUV designed to shake up the segment. Sold and marketed under MG — a mainstream Chinese player — the IM6 is not just another affordable EV. Instead, it represents MG’s first real premium play, akin to what Lexus is for Toyota or Audi for Volkswagen.

On paper, the IM6 packs a serious punch. It comes loaded with tech features that rival, and sometimes exceed, offerings from traditional luxury brands. It’s ridiculously fast, spacious, and dripping with futuristic features like crabwalk tech, adaptive suspension, active noise cancellation, and seat-aware digital assistants.

But here’s the big question: Can MG’s IM6 really compete with established premium rivals like the Tesla Model Y Performance or BMW iX? After spending a week with the IM6 Performance variant, we break down its design, features, driving experience, practicality, and value.

2. Exterior Design & Road Presence

At first glance, the MG IM6 2026 doesn’t scream flamboyant or aggressive design. In fact, many might describe it as understated, or even “bland and blobby” compared to sharper German designs. Unlike the bold, confident creases of an Audi Q8 e-tron or the futuristic stance of a Tesla Cybertruck, the IM6 opts for rounded edges and soft curves, reminiscent of the pre-facelift Tesla Model Y.

Still, there are highlights worth appreciating:

• 20-inch alloy wheels give the SUV a sporty stance.
• A full-length insulated glass roof adds both elegance and brightness inside.
• Premium LED lighting setup on both ends ensures road presence at night.

While not universally loved, the design is practical. The aerodynamic form helps efficiency, and MG has clearly aimed for a safe, inoffensive aesthetic that won’t alienate mainstream buyers.

From the rear, however, design quirks become evident. At certain angles, the car’s soft lines almost look misaligned, drawing comparisons to accident damage. Yet, for buyers less concerned with visual flair and more with technology, comfort, and performance, the IM6’s styling may be a minor factor.

3. Interior, Comfort & Cabin Quality

Step inside, and the MG IM6 transforms from bland to brilliant. The cabin makes an immediate premium impression, with a futuristic layout, screens galore, and surprisingly plush materials.

Highlights include:

• Soft faux leather seats that are both stylish and exceptionally comfortable.
• A 26.3-inch display wall stretches across the dashboard, combining driver and infotainment information seamlessly.
• Customizable widgets and persistent menus that keep car controls accessible even when Apple CarPlay is active.
• Electronic door unlatching and pop-out handles that feel futuristic (though not always intuitive).
• Seat-aware digital assistant, capable of identifying where commands are coming from (e.g., rear-seat passengers can ask to close their window).

The rear seat is equally impressive:

• Flat EV floor ensures ample legroom and headroom for passengers.
• Laminated windows and a double-glazed roof keep the cabin cool during Australian summers.
• Cargo practicality includes a 32L frunk and 646L boot (expanding to 1,621L with seats folded).

Overall, the IM6’s cabin easily rivals German luxury EVs. In fact, the 20-speaker sound system, active noise cancellation, and premium screen tech are features you’d normally find in cars costing twice as much.

4. Performance & Driving Dynamics

The IM6 Performance variant is where things get truly jaw-dropping. Beneath the skin lies a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, producing:

• 578 kW of power
• 802 Nm of torque
• 0–100 km/h in 3.4 seconds — Ferrari territory

For context, that’s the same sprint time as the Ferrari Roma Spider, yet this is a five-seat family SUV.

But does all that power make it a true performance SUV? Not entirely. While acceleration is brutal, the IM6 doesn’t feel like an out-and-out performance machine. Instead, it delivers what luxury buyers want most: effortless power. Every press of the accelerator delivers seamless thrust, without fuss or drama.

The adaptive air suspension smooths out most road imperfections, though larger potholes can feel harsh. On highways, the car feels planted, quiet, and serene. Steering in normal mode is light and somewhat digital, but switching to sport mode adds weight and directness, enhancing driver confidence.

Still, some quirks remain:

• Overly intrusive safety beeps (e.g., school zone alerts in wrong locations).
• Complex tech that sometimes distracts from the driving experience.

That said, as a daily driver or long-distance cruiser, the IM6 excels. It’s not a BMW M car, but it doesn’t need to be.

5. Battery, Range & Charging

Range anxiety? Not here. The IM6 Performance packs a 100 kWh NCM battery with:

• WLTP range: 505 km
• Charging architecture: 800V
• Fast charging: up to 398 kW DC (faster than Australia’s current infrastructure)
• 30–80% charge in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions

This future-proofs the IM6 as Australia’s charging network expands.

Running costs are also highly competitive: electricity is significantly cheaper per km than petrol, making this SUV a long-term value play despite its higher upfront cost.

6. Safety

While yet to be officially crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, the IM6 is overflowing with safety features:

• Multiple airbags across cabin
• ABS, ESC, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, blind-spot detection
• Unique “digital chassis” monitoring rear steering and suspension in real time
• Innovative live rear camera toggle to compensate for tiny rear windscreen visibility

The approach is futuristic, but not flawless. For example, a simple digital rearview mirror would have been more effective than the toggle screen system.

7. Variants, Price & Value

The IM6 range in Australia includes:

• Single Motor Premium – AU$69,990 (slower charging, less power)
• Platinum – AU$76,990 (larger battery, faster charging)
• Performance – AU$80,990 (dual motors, full tech suite)

While $80k+ may raise eyebrows for a Chinese SUV, the sheer technology-to-dollar ratio is astonishing. Comparable German EVs with similar performance often cost $120k–$160k.

8. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Supercar-level acceleration (0–100 in 3.4s)
• Loaded with futuristic tech (seat-aware assistant, crabwalk, active noise cancellation)
• Spacious, premium-feeling cabin
• Competitive pricing vs Tesla and BMW rivals
• Future-proofed charging speeds

Cons:

• Exterior design lacks character and presence
• Some tech is over-engineered or unintuitive (door handles, alerts)
• Rear visibility is poor
• Warranty shorter than MG’s standard 10-year coverage (only 5 years)

9. Rivals Compared

10. Verdict – Should You Buy It?

The MG IM6 2026 is a remarkable achievement for a first attempt at a premium SUV. It may not have the design flair of a BMW or the brand prestige of a Tesla, but what it delivers is value, tech, and performance at a price that undercuts luxury rivals.

If you want a premium-feeling EV with supercar performance, futuristic features, and long-range practicality — without spending six figures — the IM6 is a compelling choice.

Should BMW and Tesla be worried? Absolutely.

7 Strong Reasons You Should Buy MG IM6

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