MG Motor announces Nov availability of IM6 electric SUV
Words NZ Autocar | Images MG Motor
The IM presented by MG Motor (IM) model range will be officially launching in New Zealand, after requests from local MG dealers.
Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia and New Zealand said: “The dealers expressed a strong desire to offer the new IM6 as part of the MG portfolio, so based on their keen interest we are making the bold step to introduce the stunning new SUV.
“The IM6 set a new benchmark in attainable dream cars, combining AI enhanced engineering, exhilarating performance, and elegant design.
“The response so far has shown that New Zealand drivers are ready for the future, and IM is the brand to deliver it.”
From November, prospective owners can experience the IM6 first-hand.
There are three IM6 models, Premium, Platinum and Performance, ranging in price from the mid-60k to late 80k region. The latter comes standard with air suspension and adaptive damping, for enhanced driving performance and comfort. These items are also available for the Platinum variant as optional extras.
IM vehicles run an 800v system (actually 875v), meaning fast charging. Hyperchargers can add 300km of (NEDC) range in 15 minutes.
Automated driving
IM’s intelligent driving system, IM AD (Assisted Driving) system offers safe driving even in the most complex real-world conditions.
It is capable of L2, L3, and L4 levels of intelligent driving simultaneously. It can navigate intersections even in the absence of lane markings, perform smooth lane changes, and offer automated parking aid into 300 different types of parking spaces.
Premium features
IM6 features include a 10.5-inch central touchscreen, a 26.3-inch infotainment display and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin has fully collapsible chairs, luxury seat finishes, smart device magnets and a 20-speaker surround sound system. Rear passengers have ample stretch room thanks to a 2950mm wheelbase.
AI aids
The IM6 is equipped with AI technology that elevates the driving performance. Functions such as Proactive Vision Supplement System (PVSS), Rainy Night Mode and One Touch AI Chauffeur utilise the car’s 360-degree cameras to assist or perform tasks on the driver’s behalf. A real-time view of driving blind spots is a standard feature.
The MG iSMART mobile app allows owners to control key functions remotely, while they can also monitor charge, check vehicle location and plan routes from their smartphone.
Turning assistance
The first-generation IM Digital Chassis offers four-wheel steering across the entire product line-up. This delivers a smaller turning circle at low speed as well as increased stability and safety during motorway lane changes. The technology offers up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation. The result is that it feels more like a compact hatch to turn and park, facilitating urban progress. Its turning circle is 10.2m.
At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in with the fronts, improving stability, cornering performance, and overall handling.
Battery
The IM6 Platinum, with its 100kWh NMC battery pack, has a range of up to 670km NEDC. It can charge from 30-80 per cent in just over 15min. IM6 Performance uses the same pack. The Premium specification features 400V power and a 75kWh LFP battery pack.
IM6 power
The IM6 uses an 800V ‘Hurricane’ motor. For the Premium model, output is 217kW and 450Nm, the rear driver offering a sprint time to 100 of 6.8sec. In the Platinum model, still a single-motor rear-drive variant, output rises to 300kW and 500Nm, for a sprint time of 5.4sec. Performance, the AWD model, has output of 572kW and 802Nm, for a claimed 0-100 time of 3.4sec.
Pricing
The entry-level IM6 Premium has a $66,900 ask before ORCs, while the Platinum goes for $77,900 plus on roads. IM6 Performance costs $89,900 plus ORCs.
And if you are wondering whether we’ve made a mistake calling it an SUV, that’s what the makers say it is. Looks more like a coupe-style sedan to us, especially with ground clearance stated as low as 145mm in some articles. However, MG reckons it’s an SUV so there you go. And that probably explains why the IM5 saloon is conspicuous by its absence for New Zealand.
