- MG Motor NZ has announced the launch of the IM brand in New Zealand.
- IM presented by MG Motor is the Chinese company's premium brand.
- The first model sold here will be the IM6 coupe SUV.
MG Motor has announced the New Zealand launch of its new premium electric vehicle sub-brand, IM, with the introduction of the IM6 SUV here. The IM6 is set to become available at MG dealerships across the country later this year, with prospective owners able to experience the vehicle firsthand from November 2025, according to the company.
IM, which stands for 'Intelligence in Motion,' is a new premium electric vehicle sub-brand established by MG Motor, operating under SAIC Motor as a Joint Venture involving SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), ZJ Hi Tech, and Alibaba. The decision to launch the IM6 in New Zealand follows an "outstanding response" from local MG dealers who viewed the fully electric SUV at its Australasian unveiling.
Peter Ciao, Chief Executive Officer of MG Motor Australia and New Zealand, said that dealers expressed a strong desire to include the new IM6 in the MG portfolio, leading to the decision to introduce the SUV to the market.
"We’re proud to bring IM Presented by MG Motor to New Zealand, one of our first global markets," said Ciao.
"The IM6 sets a new benchmark in attainable dream cars, combining AI enhanced engineering, exhilarating performance, and elegant design. With magnetic accessory points thoughtfully spaced throughout the vehicle and customisable user interfaces for elevated cabin interaction, IM allows owners to create a truly personalised driving experience.
"The response so far has shown that New Zealand drivers are ready for the future, and IM is the brand to deliver it."
The IM6 incorporates a cutting-edge 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) platform in its power system, pushing the working voltage to 875 volts, among the highest in mass-production EVs today, offering a quasi-900V architecture designed for efficiency. Its 396kW ultra-fast charging capability can add 300km (NEDC) of range in approximately 15 minutes.
The vehicle's intelligent driving system, IM AD, aims to provide "safe, comfortable, and reliable driving in complex real-world conditions" and MG says it is among the first brands to achieve mass-production capabilities across Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 semi-autonomous driving simultaneously.
According to the company, the system has demonstrated its ability to adapt to New Zealand driving environments during local evaluation, including navigating intersections with poor lane markings, executing interactive lane changes smoothly by evaluating dynamic factors, and providing automated parking assistance for over 30 complex scenarios, adapting to local parking norms and identifying various ground surfaces and marking standards.
On the inside, the IM6 features a 10.5-inch central touchscreen and a 26.3-inch immersive infotainment display, along with "fully collapsible" chairs, luxury seat finishes, smart device mounting magnets, and 20 high-definition audio speakers. Rear passengers benefit from substantial legroom due to a 2,950mm wheelbase.
AI technology within the IM6 enhances driving performance through functions such as Proactive Vision Supplement System (PVSS), Rainy Night Mode, and One Touch AI Chauffeur, that utilise the car’s 360-degree cameras to assist or perform tasks for the driver, including providing real-time views of blind spots, identifying potential traffic risks, and aiding with parking.
The IM6 will be available in New Zealand three variants: IM6 Premium, IM6 Platinum, and IM6 Performance.
The IM6 Premium will be priced at $66,900 and features a 75kWh LFP battery with a rear-mounted 217kW/450Nm electric motor that will propel it to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a claimed WLTP range of 450km. The Premium's DC charging time from 30-80 percent is 20 minutes at 153kW.
The IM6 Platinum will cost $77,900 and gets a larger 100kWh NCM battery and a 300kW/500Nm electric motor, and will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. With a WLTP range of 555km, the Platinum's DC charging time from 30-80 percent is 15.2 minutes at 396kW.
Lastly, the top-tier IM6 Performance is priced at $89,900 and also uses the 100kWh NCM battery, but features an AWD drivetrain, with two electric motors delivering 572kW of power and 802Nm of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds. It has a WLTP range of 505km, with a DC charging time from 30-80 percent of 15.2 minutes at 396kW.
