IM not confirmed for NZ; ZS EV replacement also on hold

MG’s premium sibling, IM Motors, is set to launch into the Australian market at next week’s Melbourne Motor Show, but New Zealand appears not to be part of initial plans.

In Australia, the luxury sub-brand will offer the IM5 sedan and the IM6 SUV, models known overseas as the IM L6 and LS6, respectively. These vehicles represent MG’s ambitious step into the premium electric vehicle market following the recent launch of the MG Cyberster roadster, marking a significant move upmarket for a brand locally known for affordable hatchbacks and compact SUVs.

IM Motors, short for ‘Intelligence in Motion’, is a joint venture between MG’s parent company, Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor, and tech firm Alibaba.

Both vehicles measure around five metres in length, placing them in a similar category to the BMW 5 Series and BMW X5, notably larger than current local EV favourites such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Australian outlets have suggested the IM5 sedan could be priced between approximately NZ$75,000 and NZ$100,000, with the IM6 SUV expected in a similar range.

Flagship versions of the IM5 and IM6 offer impressive performance, with dual electric motors delivering up to 579kW. The IM5 sedan claims a 0-100km/h acceleration of just 2.74 seconds, while the SUV manages the sprint in 3.48 seconds. Both models feature a 100kWh battery pack running on a 900-volt architecture, promising driving ranges of up to 850km under China’s ambitious CLTC lab testing conditions.

A semi-solid-state battery option offering a range close to 1000km may also become available.

MG Motor New Zealand has indicated they are closely observing developments with the brand but has yet to confirm it for the local market.

“‘IM presented by MG’ represents an exciting step forward in innovation and design. It’s early days for the brand, and while we don’t have any announcements for the New Zealand market at this stage, we’ll be watching with interest and continuing to explore future opportunities.”

ZS EV replacement not crossing the Tasman yet

Similarly, MG New Zealand has ‘yet to schedule’ the MG S5 EV for our market. The car, a small-to-mid-size electric SUV replacing the ZS EV in some markets, will also debut at the Melbourne show.

“The all-new MG S5 EV is a stylish and dynamic new model, and we’re excited to see it showcased as part of the MG Australia line-up,” the company said in its statement. “Here in New Zealand, the MG S5 EV is not currently scheduled for release—but as always, we’re keeping an eye on market interest and customer demand.”

MG is not alone in holding back on the currently struggling NZ EV market. Deepal and Xpeng, despite their launch in Australia, seem slow to land here, while LDV chose not to launch an electric version of its Deliver7 van despite launching it in Australia last year.