MG abandons low-cost cars with IM5 and IM6
- Published on 06/07/2026 14:12
- Modified on 06/07/2026 14:12
MG no longer wants to just sell affordable electric cars. The Chinese brand is now aiming for the premium market.
MG is changing its identity. After establishing itself in Europe with electric models that offer aggressive price/equipment ratios, the SAIC group’s brand is launching the IM5 and IM6 in France, a large sedan and a 100% electric SUV clearly positioned higher up the market. A question arises: what is MG doing in the premium market?
On paper, the offensive is serious. The MG IM5 and IM6 feature an 800-volt architecture, ultra-fast charging, a range that can exceed 600 km WLTP depending on the version, up to over 700 hp, four-wheel steering, large screens, ventilated and massage seats, and a very complete technological package. In short, MG ticks all the boxes for modern electric premium.
The price, again and always…
However, ticking boxes is not always enough to build an image. The premium market did not wait for MG to exist. Tesla has established its Model 3 and Model Y as global electric benchmarks. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi defend their legitimacy with decades of know-how, networks, image, and customer loyalty. Volvo, Lexus, Porsche, and Cadillac already occupy this terrain with well-established arguments in comfort, finish, safety, and performance. Even Japanese and Korean manufacturers, from Toyota to Hyundai, have learned to move upmarket methodically.
This is where MG’s gamble becomes interesting but risky. The brand has a clear advantage: offering a lot of technology at a price that should remain more aggressive than the European benchmarks. This is what has driven its success with the MG4, ZS, or MG5. However, convincing a premium customer relies not only on an impressive technical sheet. It also requires perceived value, impeccable quality, solid after-sales service, lasting image, and genuine trust over time.
The IM5 and IM6 could indeed make an impact if MG manages to lower prices without seeming to break the codes. However, they arrive in a segment where power, giant screens, and technological promises are no longer enough to impress. By targeting Tesla, BMW, or Mercedes, MG enters an arena where the brand image counts almost as much as the battery.
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The launch of the MG IM5 and IM6 in France marks an important milestone for the Chinese brand. It remains to be seen whether MG can truly become premium… or if it will remain, in the eyes of the public, an ambitious generalist trying to climb faster than its image.
This page is translated from the original post "MG délaisse les voitures à petit prix avec IM5 et IM6" in French.
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