2026 MG IM5 Review - MG’s BEST Car Yet?

The 2026 MG IM5 is easily the most advanced car MG has ever launched in the UK. While the badge may still be associated with budget-friendly hatchbacks and SUVs, the IM5 pushes the brand firmly into premium EV territory with huge range figures, ultra-fast charging and technology levels that rival cars costing far more.

Originally developed under the IM Motors brand in China, the IM5 arrives with one clear mission: challenge the likes of the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 whilst undercutting some of them on price. And on paper at least, it looks seriously impressive.

Prices & Range

The IM5 line-up starts at £39,950 for the Standard Range model. That gets you rear-wheel drive, a 75 kWh battery, 304 miles of WLTP range and a respectable 0–62 mph time of 6.8 seconds.

The Long Range version is likely to be the star of the range. Starting from £45,495, it combines rear-wheel drive with a larger 100 kWh battery, boosting WLTP range to an impressive 441 miles while also dropping the 0-62 mph time to 4.9 seconds.

At the top sits the Performance AWD model. With 742 PS and all-wheel drive, it launches from 0–62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. Despite the huge power output, it still manages up to 357 miles of WLTP range. Pricing starts at £48,995.

Considering the performance and technology on offer, the IM5 looks aggressively priced against its key rivals.

The wheels on this Performance model are much easier on the eye than on the lower trim levels

Charging & Long-Distance Ability

One of the biggest headlines is charging speed. The IM5 is on an 800v platform which supports up to 350–396 kW DC rapid charging, depending on charger capability, allowing a claimed 10–80% charge in around 17 minutes under ideal conditions. That immediately places it among the fastest-charging EVs on sale in the UK.

An 11 kW onboard AC charger is fitted as standard, while a heat pump also comes included across the entire range — something many premium rivals still charge extra for. Combined with the Long Range model’s massive 441-mile WLTP figure, the IM5 could become one of the best motorway EVs in its price bracket.

Better still is the real-world efficiency, I've had between 3.8-4.2 miles per kWh on every trip I’ve made so far, averaging 3.9 mls/kWh overall during my time with the car (with the vast majority of my 450 miles in the car coming on the Motorway) - and that’s with climate control active at all times, driving in my normal way.

Interior & Technology

Inside is where the IM5 really tries to separate itself from previous MG products. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 26.3-inch ultra-HD infotainment display, supported by a secondary 10.5-inch touchscreen handling climate and vehicle controls. It gives the cabin a very futuristic feel, although some drivers may find the touchscreen-heavy setup distracting compared with physical buttons.

Material quality also appears to be a major step forward for MG. Double-layer acoustic glass aims to improve refinement, while the panoramic glass roof helps make the cabin feel airy and modern. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included, alongside advanced AI voice controls and driver monitoring systems.

There’s also rear-wheel steering fitted as standard across the range, which is unusual at this price point and should help make the IM5 feel more manoeuvrable in tighter urban environments. Practicality is decent too. Boot space stands at 457 litres, plus there’s an additional 18-litre front trunk for charging cables or smaller items. Towing capacity is rated at up to 1,500 kg.

Boot space is very useable in the IM5

Driving Experience

Unlike some rivals that focus heavily on sporty handling, the IM5 appears to prioritise refinement and comfort. I tested the Long Range version of the car and, for me, it felt like an almost perfect long-distance mile muncher. Quiet, comfortable, and refined. That means softer suspension tuning, strong motorway refinement and a calmer driving experience than something like the BMW i4 which is more of a “driver’s car”.

Steering is nicely weighted, pedal feel is neatural, and acceleration, despite being lightning fast, is not jarring as it can be in some quick EVs. There has clearly been a great deal of R&D energy put into this car and it shows behind the wheel.

The rear-wheel steering should make the car feel surprisingly agile at lower speeds (but be careful of those kerbs!), while the Performance AWD model delivers truly supercar-level acceleration in a straight line. For most buyers, though, the Long Range version that I tested probably makes the most sense overall. It offers more than enough performance, the best efficiency potential, super-fast charging and the huge 441-mile WLTP range and all at a very sensible price.

Just for context, I say all of this as the owner of a 2025 Tesla Model 3, largely regarded as the overall leader in this particular clubhouse. If you think I;ve gone stark raving mad, I can only suggest that you test drive both as each one has it’s own distinct pros and cons. For me the Tesla is the more dynamic, but the aforementioned positives of this.

Warranty & Ownership

MG’s warranty offering has historically been one of the brand’s strongest selling points, and that could be particularly important for buyers considering a relatively new and highly advanced EV platform like the IM5.

However, it’s always worth reading the fine print carefully. Warranty lengths can sound impressive in marketing material, but owners should pay close attention to servicing requirements, battery coverage terms, mileage limitations, and what is or isn’t included under the main vehicle warranty. It should also be noted that MG dealerships often don’t perform incredibly well in owner surveys.

For many buyers, reassurance around long-term reliability and after-sales support will matter just as much as charging speeds and performance figures.

Rivals

• Tesla Model 3

  • Still the benchmark for charging infrastructure and software integration. Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a huge advantage for long-distance travel but you won’t reach the kind of rapid charging speeds that can be delivered by the IM5.

• BMW i4

  • The sharper driver’s car of the group with more engaging handling and a more premium badge image - don’t expect such great real world efficiency numbers though.

• Polestar 2

  • Offers a minimalist Scandinavian design approach with a premium-feeling interior - A solid contender.

• Hyundai Ioniq 6

  • One of the most efficient EVs currently on sale and another excellent long-distance electric cruiser, 800v platform means ultra rapid charging is possible - just read up on ICCU failures before you part with your cash.

Verdict

The 2026 MG IM5 feels like a major turning point for MG in the UK market. Rather than simply competing on price alone, the IM5 brings genuinely cutting-edge EV technology, massive range potential and ultra-fast charging speeds into a price bracket normally occupied by far less ambitious cars.

The Long Range model in particular looks incredibly compelling, combining luxury-level refinement, serious range, and strong performance at a price that could undercut several premium rivals by thousands.

There are still question marks surrounding long-term reliability, touchscreen-heavy controls, and whether buyers are ready to spend nearly £50,000 on an MG badge. But purely as an EV product, the IM5 appears to be one of the most impressive electric saloons arriving in 2026.

Pros

✓ Outstanding charging speeds
✓ Huge official range in Long-Range version and good real-world efficiency
✓ Excellent value for money
✓ Quiet and refined motorway cruiser

Cons

✗ MG reliability reputation remains uncertain
✗ Heavy reliance on touchscreen controls
✗ Rear visibility could be better, much better…
✗ Not as engaging to drive as the BMW i4