Used MG IM5: Buyer's Guide
Welcome to the buyer's guide for the MG IM5, a significant new contender in the premium electric vehicle market. It's a car that puts technology first, wrapping you in a minimalist, high-quality cabin while offering a class-leading WLTP range of up to 441 miles. Backed by a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the IM5 is the authoritative choice for the discerning EV buyer.
Used MG IM5 Popular Trims
Standard Range: The definitive starting point, offering the core technological package including the incredible 26.3-inch seamless display, wireless phone charging, and a very competitive 304-mile range.
Long Range: The pick of the range. This model's 441-mile WLTP range is a class-leading figure, making it the most practical and versatile option for the majority of buyers wanting to tackle long-distance road trips.
Performance: A true performance car in saloon clothing. The dual-motor setup delivers incredible acceleration (0-62mph in 3.2s), making it a credible rival to high-performance EVs from Tesla and Porsche.
Used MG IM5 Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options
Running Costs:
Offers a WLTP range of 304 miles.
Running Costs:
The most efficient model, with a class-leading WLTP range of 441 miles.
Running Costs:
A 357-mile range is excellent for a car with this level of power.
Used MG IM5 Practicality
The IM5's liftback design gives it a crucial practicality advantage over its saloon-shaped rivals, blending a sleek look with user-friendly features.
Hatchback Boot: The 457-litre boot is not only large, but the hatchback opening makes it far easier to load bulky items than in a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6. The total space expands to 1,290 litres with the seats folded.
800V Architecture: This is a key technical advantage, allowing for significantly faster charging times (30-80% in just 15 minutes) than 400V rivals.
Rear Seat Comfort: The IM5 offers more rear legroom than key competitors, and the seats can recline, allowing passengers to relax in first-class comfort.
Clever Storage: A small 18-litre 'frunk' is perfect for storing charging cables, while magnets on the seat backs and boot floor are a clever touch for securing items.
Used MG IM5 Key Features
Key Features:
800V electrical architecture for ultra-fast charging
96.5 kWh battery option (Long Range model)
26.3-inch seamless infotainment display with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 CPU
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Fixed panoramic glass roof
Desirable Options:
Performance dual-motor all-wheel-drive system
Platinum trim with enhanced interior materials and finishes
Used MG IM5 Reliability Rating
As a brand-new model from the 'Intelligent Mobility' brand, the IM5 is built with the latest technology and is backed by SAIC, one of the world's largest car manufacturers. It comes with the reassurance of a comprehensive manufacturer warranty, including 8 years for the battery.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
Infotainment System: Spend time exploring the dual-screen setup. Check for any software glitches or translation errors in the interface and test the responsiveness of the lower 10.5-inch touchscreen.
Wireless Connectivity: Connect your phone wirelessly to both Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the dual charging pads to ensure they work seamlessly.
ADAS Controls: Test the advanced driver-assistance systems and the ease of deactivating them via the dedicated shortcut button.
Build Quality: Although reports are positive, check the interior fit and finish carefully, paying attention to the alignment of panels and the quality of the materials.
Used MG IM5 Safety Rating
The MG IM5 was awarded a full 5-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in 2025, confirming its position as one of the safest cars in its class. It achieved high scores across the board, including an impressive 87% for its Safety Assist systems, which include a sophisticated Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system as standard.
Awards for the Used MG IM5
As a brand-new model for 2025, the MG IM5 is a strong contender for major 'Car of the Year' and 'EV of the Year' awards, thanks to its class-leading range and technology.
Who is the Used MG IM5 Best For?
Tech-savvy buyers who want the longest possible range, the fastest charging speeds, and the latest in-car hardware.
Drivers looking for a practical and safe premium EV that offers a decisive technological and functional advantage over its rivals.
Style-conscious individuals who appreciate a comfortable, refined, and minimalist driving environment that stands out from the crowd.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
Tesla Model 3: The IM5's 800V architecture gives it a significant charging speed advantage, and its hatchback design is more practical.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: The IM5 offers a more premium-feeling interior and a larger, more user-friendly infotainment screen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used MG IM5
What is the real-world range of the MG IM5 Long Range model?
The MG IM5 Long Range offers a highly competitive driving range, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.
Official WLTP Range: The Long Range model has an official WLTP range of 441 miles from its 96.5 kWh battery.
Real-World Estimate: In real-world driving conditions, you can expect a range of around 325 miles, which is still very impressive for its class.
Efficient Performance: The car's aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.226, helps to maximise its efficiency and range.
How long does it take to charge the MG IM5 using a public DC fast charger?
The MG IM5 utilises an advanced 800V electrical architecture, allowing for incredibly fast charging times.
Rapid Charging: When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in approximately 15 minutes.
Adding Range Quickly: This means you can add around 260 miles of range in just 17 minutes, making long journeys convenient.
AC Charging: For home charging, the 11kW onboard AC charger can fully replenish the battery overnight.
Does the MG IM5 come with a warranty for its battery?
Yes, like all new electric vehicles, the MG IM5 will come with a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty that covers the high-voltage battery.
Standard Warranty: Expect a battery warranty that covers the battery for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Health Guarantee: The warranty will guarantee that the battery retains a certain percentage of its original capacity (usually around 70%) during the warranty period.
Peace of Mind: This provides long-term peace of mind regarding the health and longevity of the vehicle's most important component.
Is the MG IM5 compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the MG IM5 offers excellent smartphone integration as standard across the range.
Wireless Connectivity: The advanced MBUX infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to connect your phone without cables.
Large Screen Display: Your phone's apps are displayed on the large 26.3-inch seamless infotainment screen for easy and safe use while driving.
Dual Charging Pads: The car also features two wireless charging pads in the front, so you can keep your device topped up on the move.
What is the insurance group for the new MG IM5?
The insurance group for the MG IM5 reflects its position as a premium, high-performance electric vehicle.
Insurance Bands: The IM5 range is expected to fall into insurance groups 46 to 50.
Top-Tier Group: The Long Range and Performance models are quoted as being in the highest insurance group, Band 50.
Specialist Quotes: Due to the car's newness, some mainstream insurance providers may have difficulty providing quotes initially, so it is worth checking with specialist EV insurers.
Can the rear seats in the MG IM5 be reclined for extra comfort?
Yes, the MG IM5 is designed with passenger comfort in mind, and the rear seats have a reclining function.
Enhanced Comfort: The ability to recline the rear seatbacks allows passengers to find a more relaxed and comfortable seating position, which is ideal for longer journeys.
Spacious Cabin: The car's long wheelbase and airy cabin, enhanced by a standard fixed glass roof, provide generous legroom and headroom for rear occupants.
Additional Amenities: Rear passengers also benefit from their own air vents, a USB-C port, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
How does the VED tax for the MG IM5 work from April 2025?
From April 2025, the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rules for electric vehicles like the MG IM5 are changing.
First Year Rate: New zero-emission cars registered on or after April 1, 2025, will be liable for a first-year tax payment of £10.
Standard Rate: From the second year onwards, the car will be subject to the standard annual VED rate, which is currently £195.
Expensive Car Supplement: As the IM5 has a list price of over £40,000, it will also be subject to the 'expensive car supplement' of £425 per year for five years, from the second to the sixth year of registration.
Does the MG IM5 have a front storage area or 'frunk'?
Yes, the MG IM5 does have a small storage area under the bonnet, often referred to as a 'frunk'.
Frunk Capacity: The front trunk has a capacity of 18 litres.
Ideal for Cables: While small, it is the perfect place to store the car's charging cables, keeping them separate from your luggage in the main boot.
Main Boot Space: The main boot offers a generous 457 litres of space, which expands to 1,290 litres with the rear seats folded down.
What advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) does the MG IM5 have?
The MG IM5 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, powered by an NVIDIA Orin X chip.
Standard Safety: All models come with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, and a Speed Limit Information Function as standard.
Enhanced Assistance: Higher specification models will offer more advanced features, likely including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Easy Deactivation: For drivers who prefer less intervention, there is a quick way to disable most of the ADAS features via a single button.
