MG has thrown a beautifully designed, tech-laden cat amongst the NZ automotive pigeons. Forget what you think you know about the brand that brought affordable EVs to the masses; this is something entirely different. Say hello to the IM6, a premium, all-electric SUV that’s landing soon with a price tag that demands attention.
For years, MG has been the champion of accessible electric motoring in Aotearoa. The ZS EV and MG4 have become familiar sights, successfully convincing thousands of Kiwis to make the switch. But now, MG’s parent company is leveraging that success to introduce its premium electric arm: IM, or ‘Intelligent Mobility’. Announced today, the IM6 is the first model from this venture to hit our shores, and it’s being presented by MG Motor New Zealand with a clear mission: to offer a leap forward in premium electric motoring.
So, what is the IM6? It’s a sleek, coupe-styled SUV that looks like it’s driven straight off a motor show turntable. Based on the IM LS6 model available overseas, the IM6 ditches conservative family-hauler looks for a dramatic, aerodynamic silhouette that screams performance. The lines are fluid and muscular, with a fastback roofline that flows into a distinctive tail, all complemented by flush door handles and razor-thin lighting signatures. This is the “elevated design” the press release talks about, and it’s a world away from anything we’ve seen from the brand before in New Zealand.
The real story, however, might just be hidden under that stunning skin. The IM6 is poised to introduce some truly “innovative technology” to its price segment. The overseas model is built on a cutting-edge 800-volt architecture. For the uninitiated, that’s the same kind of high-voltage system found in the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT. What does it mean for you? Blisteringly fast charging. We’re talking potential charging speeds that could add hundreds of kilometres of range in the time it takes to grab a flat white. This technology alone could make the MG IM6 a game-changer, drastically reducing charging anxiety for Kiwi drivers on a long-haul road trip.
And then there’s the performance. While local specs are still under wraps, the top-tier versions of the IM LS6 in its home market are astonishingly quick. With a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, they boast outputs of over 500kW and can rocket from 0-100km/h in under 3.5 seconds. That’s not just fast for an SUV; that’s supercar territory. Even if the models we receive are tuned more for range and efficiency, the performance potential of this platform is immense.
Step inside, and the futuristic brief continues. The cabin of the IM6 is a masterclass in minimalist tech. The dashboard is dominated by a sweeping, pillar-to-pillar screen array that seamlessly integrates the driver’s display, central infotainment, and a passenger-side screen. Many overseas models also feature a controversial-but-cool yoke-style steering wheel, which opens up the view of the digital world ahead. While it remains to be seen if the yoke makes it to NZ, the focus on a clean, screen-centric experience is clear. High-quality materials and a spacious, light-filled cabin environment promise to make the IM6 a genuinely premium place to be, justifying its upmarket positioning.
This brings us to the most crucial number of all: the price. MG Motor New Zealand has announced that pricing for the all-new IM6 will start from an incredibly sharp $66,900 plus on-road costs. Let that sink in. For a premium electric SUV boasting a potential 800V architecture, groundbreaking technology, and head-turning design, that is an aggressive opening salvo. It places the MG IM6 squarely in contention with established favourites like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5, but with a feature set that could see it punching well above its weight.
Tarmac Takeaway
The IM6 represents a bold new chapter for MG, a second wave of electric innovation from a company that has already changed the game once. It’s a statement that premium technology, exciting design, and blistering performance don’t have to come with a six-figure price tag. While we await the full details on Kiwi specifications, battery options, and range, the initial announcement is more than enough to get excited about. MG is taking the fight to the premium segment, and the IM6 is its high-tech, beautifully styled weapon of choice.
For those eager to be at the front of the queue, MG Motor New Zealand has already opened a registration of interest portal. You can be one of the first to own an IM6 by visiting their website and putting your name down.
