2026 IM6 Performance AWD Review

The IM6 promises a mix of premium power, refined comfort and a splash of shock value. Does it deliver?   

There are moments when a car catches you off guard. Not because it’s outrageously styled or shouting about what it is; rather you don’t immediately know just what it is. That was my first reaction to the IM6 Performance.  

At a glance, it looks… interesting. In motion, it becomes clearer. And when an Aston Martin DBX cruised past me, prompting a genuine “wait, was that another IM6?”, the penny dropped. The IM6 doesn’t just borrow from the mainstream electric SUV playbook, it takes a confident swing at premium design, blending softened Aston-like curves with Tesla-style minimalism and an unapologetically tech-heavy execution. The result? Something genuinely different in a sea of increasingly same-same SUVs.

What is the IM6 exactly?  

IM is MG’s premium sub-brand under the SAIC Motor umbrella, and while calling it “premium MG” undersells what’s going on here, it also explains something important; this car benefits from MG’s existing trust in New Zealand. Had IM arrived as a standalone Chinese brand, it may have risked being lumped into the ever-growing pile of “yet another new EV”. But under MG, a brand that’s already proven itself on NZ roads, it feels far more grounded, credible, and considered. And after a week behind the wheel, credibility is exactly what the IM6 delivers.  

Some will call the IM6’s design odd. I’ll say this: I like it. The silhouette leans closer to an Aston Martin DBX than a Tesla Model Y, with flowing curves, softened edges, and a clean yet distinctive profile. It’s not aggressive, not boxy, and not overtly futuristic. Instead, it feels thought-through, modern, and refreshingly different. What stood out most wasn’t just the look, but the reaction it got. The most common comment I received was: “That’s actually quite cool… what is it?” And in today’s saturated SUV market, that’s a compliment.  

Premium inside?  

Open the door and the IM6 instantly establishes its intent: this is premium, and it wants you to know it. The example I drove featured the Raphael Beige interior, and while it undeniably brightens the cabin and enhances the sense of space (especially paired with the panoramic glass roof) it’s not a choice I’d personally make. It marks easily. Very easily. Wet wipes quickly became part of my daily essentials. That aside, the materials, finish, and overall ambience are excellent. This isn’t “premium for a Chinese EV”, it’s simply premium, full stop.  

The seats deserve special mention. They’re soft yet supportive, with extensive adjustability that allows you to dial them in exactly how you want. Add heated, cooled, and massage functions, and long-distance drives stop feeling like a chore and start feeling like an invitation. Comfort-wise, these are some of the best seats I’ve sat in, regardless of price point. 

The sound system is genuinely impressive as well. It delivers strong, punchy bass without drowning out vocals, and stays clean at volume, the kind of setup that makes podcasts just as enjoyable as blasting music on an empty stretch of road.  

Tech Overload 

The IM6 goes all in on technology… perhaps a little too confidently at times. Virtually all physical buttons have been removed, which means routine tasks like climate control or seat adjustment require touchscreen interaction. While the display is large, crisp, and generally responsive, there’s no escaping the fact that looking down to adjust basic functions is distracting. I quickly learned to set everything up before departure and leave it alone while driving, not an ideal long-term solution.  

The absence of a physical start/stop button also feels strange. Instead, the vehicle either powers down when locked, or requires navigating deep into the infotainment menus to find the “turn vehicle off” option. Logical for an EV, perhaps, but not intuitive. Similarly, volume control exists only on the steering wheel. Fine once you adapt, but again, another reminder that minimalism doesn’t always equal usability.  

One of the biggest learning curves was the gear selector stalk. More than once, muscle memory had me reaching for it as an indicator. Oops. It turns out the stalk also controls adaptive cruise functions. Once you get used to it, it works well. But the initial confusion is real, and MG may have slightly over-engineered this particular interface. 

On the plus side, storage is generous, especially in the boot, with plenty of usable space. The frunk, however, is small and tightly packaged, best reserved for charging cables rather than luggage.  

Rear visibility is…basically non-existent. Fortunately, MG knows this, and smartly integrates a rear-view camera that can replace the mirror view at the flick of a scroll wheel. It’s genuinely excellent, clearer than any traditional mirror, and quickly becomes second nature. Blind-spot cameras activate on indication, the infotainment flashes visual warnings, and mirror alerts back everything up. It’s comprehensive, confidence-boosting, and very well executed.  

Comfort first  

From the driver’s seat, the IM6 feels calm, composed, and deceptively relaxed. Until you unleash it. The Performance variant is AWD, producing a blistering 0–100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds, and oh yes, it feels every bit that quick. There’s no torque delay, no build-up, no hesitation. Just instant, stomach-lifting acceleration that reminds you this thing is packing serious firepower. But this isn’t a sports SUV.  

The Continuously Controlled Damping and air suspension deliver a plush, floaty ride that soaks up potholes and rough roads with ease. It’s tuned for comfort, not corner carving, which is exactly how it should be treated.  

In Sport mode, throttle response is extremely sensitive. Almost too sensitive. Plant your foot hard and the front end becomes light. Not unstable, but keen to do its own thing. It’s thrilling, but you’ll want to stay respectful. Most of the time, Comfort mode is the sweet spot. Eco, as expected, dulls things down significantly. Thanks to rear-wheel steering, the IM6 feels surprisingly nimble around town. Parking is easier than you’d expect for something of this size, and general handling is relaxed and confidence-inspiring.  

ADAS: at times annoying  

To achieve its safety ratings, the IM6 comes loaded with ADAS tech, and like many modern vehicles, that means occasional frustration. Lane assist is generally well-behaved but can be inconsistent, particularly on Auckland’s creatively marked roads. The driver attention system was the most irritating, repeatedly telling me I wasn’t watching the road even when I clearly was. That one got switched off early. Adaptive cruise control, however, worked smoothly and predictably, once you learn how to operate it. I really should have spent more time reading the ‘how to’ guide than fumbling through trial and error.  

Range numbers  

Over my week with the IM6, I averaged 22.1kWh/100 km; and that included enthusiastic driving. That’s impressive given the vehicle’s size, comfort bias, and outright performance. With a 100kWh battery, real-world range is excellent. We tiki-toured all over West and East Auckland, getting through the week without needing to recharge. Charging capability is where the IM6 truly future-proofs itself. With a maximum 396kW DC fast-charging capability, it’s ready for ultra-rapid infrastructure as it becomes available. Realistically, on a 100kW charger, a 10–80 per cent charge would take around 40–45 minutes, still very competitive, while faster chargers will significantly reduce stopping time.  

Value & Verdict  

At $89,900, the IM6 Performance directly targets the Tesla Model Y Performance, and it does so with an entirely different philosophy. Where Tesla prioritises minimalist efficiency, the IM6 leans into comfort, technology, and indulgence, with performance as a very welcome bonus. The IM6 isn’t trying to be a sports SUV, it’s trying to bring the best of all worlds under one complete package. And honestly? It does a bloody good job.  

It’s fast when you want it, calm when you need it, and comfortable all the time. School runs, beach trips, daily commutes, or a weekend blast to Taupō, it handles them all with ease, space, and refinement. This is premium EV motoring done properly; just with a bit of shock-and-awe tucked under the right pedal.  

IM6 Performance AWD 

$89,900  /  23.4kWh/100km  /  0g/km
0-100 km/h 3.4s
Motor output  572kW
Max torque  872Nm
Battery  100kWh
Range  505km
Drivetrain  Single-speed auto / AWD
Front suspension  Wishbones / air springs
Rear suspension  Multilink / air springs
Turning circle  10.2m (2.2 turns)
Front brakes  Ventilated discs
Rear brakes  Discs
Stability systems  ABS, ESP, TV
Safety  AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB
Tyre size  f-235/45R21  r-265/40R21
Wheelbase  2950mm
L/W/H  4904 / 1988 / 1669mm
Track f-1698mm  r-1707mm
Luggage capacity f-32 r-646-1621L  
Tow rating  750kg (1500kg braked)
Service intervals 24 months / 30,000km
Warranty  7yrs / Unlimited km
ANCAP rating  ★★★★★ (2025)
Weight (claimed)  2861kg