MG has revealed the production-ready IM5 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed –  a compact electric saloon gunning for the BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, and Polestar 2. 

It forms part of MG’s new ‘Intelligence in Motion’ (IM) line-up and represents a shift towards more technically ambitious EVs – think of the IM cars as MG’s Polestar. Somewhat confusingly, the octagon logo has been sidelined for new IM branding, despite still carrying the name.

Naturally, the range-topping IM5 Performance is the variant we’re most interested in. It produces a Porsche Taycan Turbo S baiting 740bhp and 802Nm of torque from a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup – comfortably making the IM5 the most powerful EV available under £50,000. With a kerb weight of 2,298kg, MG claims a 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds, placing it in direct competition with Hyundai’s newly launched 641bhp Ioniq 6 N and the recently revised Tesla Model 3 Performance. Top speed is quoted at 167mph.

Underpinning the car is an 800V electrical architecture combined with a 100kWh battery (96.5kWh usable), with 357 miles of WLTP combined range. MG also claims 435 miles ‘in city use’. A 350kW charger can replenish it from 10 to 80 per cent in 17 minutes. 

Beyond the headline power output, rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension are standard on the Performance model, along with MG’s latest ‘digital chassis’ and an assisted driving system developed in partnership with Chinese AI firm Momenta. The system enables features such as lane centring, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking.

The two other models in the IM5 line-up feature a 75kWh or 100kWh battery, both with rear-wheel drive. The entry-level IM5 75 Standard Range offers 304 miles of WLTP range, 291bhp, and charges from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes (with access to a 350kW charger). Above that sits the IM5 100 Long Range, capable of 441 miles on the WLTP combined test and knocks out 401bhp. 10-80 charging takes as little as 17 minutes. Both models are built on the same digital platform and include the full suite of assisted driving functions.

Inside, the IM5 features a 26.3-inch curved ultra-HD display and a secondary 10.5-inch touchscreen. A panoramic roof and 20-speaker audio system (including ceiling-mounted ‘Sky Speakers’) are standard across the range, while upper trims add an augmented reality head-up display, carbon-fibre detailing, and sport seats. The turning circle is just under 10 metres.

UK pricing starts at £39,450 for the Standard (75kWh) model, rising to £44,995 for the Long Range (100kWh), and £48,495 for the Performance. The related IM6 SUV, also shown at Goodwood, shares the same platform and powertrain and is expected to sit slightly above the IM5 in MG’s line-up. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year. 

There is no word at this time whether the 740bhp motors will find their way into the MG Cyberster.