MG IM Brand Arrives in UK: New IM L6 SUV and IM5 Saloon Electric Cars for Salary Sacrifice
Source: MG Motors Newsroom
MG Motor UK has launched its most ambitious challenge to premium electric vehicle dominance with the arrival of the IM brand - a sophisticated new marque targeting Tesla's stronghold in the executive EV market. The IM L6 electric SUV and IM5 saloon represent MG's first serious attempt to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, bringing advanced autonomous driving technology and ultra-rapid charging capabilities to UK roads through September 2025.
For companies operating electric car schemes, the IM brand could provide compelling alternatives to Tesla's dominance in the premium salary sacrifice market, potentially offering similar technology at more competitive pricing through company electric car schemes.
What is the IM Brand and Why MG is Launching it in the UK
The IM name stands for 'Intelligent Mobility' and represents SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle division, developed in partnership with technology giants Alibaba and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. While IM Motors operates as a standalone brand in China, these vehicles will be sold through MG's established UK dealer network under MG badging, capitalising on MG's growing reputation for value-driven electric vehicles.
The strategic decision to bring IM technology to the UK reflects MG's ambition to move beyond its current positioning in the affordable EV market. The IM6 SUV is described as MG's first real onslaught on the premium market, targeting top-sellers such as the Tesla Model Y, while offering the technological sophistication expected from premium electric vehicles.
This premium positioning creates new opportunities for salary sacrifice electric car schemes, particularly for companies seeking Tesla alternatives that offer similar performance and technology at potentially more competitive pricing through electric car salary sacrifice arrangements.
IM L6 Electric SUV: Taking on the Tesla Model Y
Technical Specifications and Performance
The IM6 (known as IM L6 in some markets) is a mid-size electric SUV that delivers up to 767bhp in high-spec variants, achieving 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds. This performance places it firmly in Tesla Model Y Performance territory whilst offering distinctive styling that sets it apart from the increasingly common Tesla silhouette on UK roads.
The IM6 features 800V fast-charging architecture capable of adding significant range in just 15 minutes, addressing one of the key concerns for company car drivers who frequently travel long distances. With a maximum range of 388 miles for the Long Range model, the IM6 matches or exceeds many current premium EVs available through electric car scheme UK programmes.
Tesla Model Y Comparison for Salary Sacrifice
Current Tesla Model Y salary sacrifice costs typically range from £472-600 per month depending on specification and employee tax bracket. The IM6 is priced from £47,995 for the Long Range variant, increasing to £52,995 for the Launch Edition, positioning it competitively against Tesla's pricing structure.
For employees considering premium SUVs through company electric car schemes, the IM6 offers several advantages:
Advanced Technology: The IM AD intelligent driving system includes LIDAR, 12 cameras, 5-millimetre wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors, enabling Level 3 autonomous functions on expressways
Charging Speed: Maximum charging speeds of up to 396kW enable 10%-80% charging in just 17 minutes
Premium Interior: A 26.3-inch infotainment display stretches across most of the dashboard, complemented by a 10.5-inch centre console touchscreen
Practical Benefits: Four-wheel steering system and one-touch autonomous parking functions enhance urban usability
IM5 Electric Saloon: Challenging the Tesla Model 3
Range and Efficiency Leadership
The IM5 saloon offers a maximum official range of 442 miles from its 100kWh lithium ion battery, with 800V charging architecture enabling 10-80% charging in just 17 minutes. This exceptional range places it among the longest-range electric vehicles available in the UK, addressing range anxiety concerns for company car drivers.
The IM5 is available in three configurations: a 75kWh Standard Range model with 304 miles range, a 100kWh Long Range with 441 miles range, and a Performance variant delivering 357 miles range with all-wheel drive.
Executive Car Market Positioning
At 4.93 metres long, the IM5 is around twenty centimetres longer than the Tesla Model 3, positioning it between the Model 3 and Model S. This size advantage provides additional rear passenger space, making it particularly suitable for executive users who frequently carry passengers.
Pricing starts at £39,450 for the Standard Range IM5, rising to £48,495 for the Performance model, offering competitive positioning against Tesla Model 3 alternatives in the salary sacrifice market.
Corporate Fleet Implications
For companies operating electric car salary sacrifice schemes, the IM5 offers several corporate benefits:
Cost Effectiveness: Starting below £40,000 avoids the Expensive Car Supplement, maximising tax benefits for both employers and employees
Professional Image: Executive sedan styling maintains corporate presence whilst demonstrating environmental commitment
Technology Integration: Level 3 autonomous capabilities can reduce driver fatigue on long business journeys
Service Network: Backed by MG's established UK dealer network with nationwide coverage
Technology and Autonomous Driving Capabilities
Image Source: MG News
IM AD System vs Tesla Autopilot
The IM AD intelligent driving system represents a significant technological advancement, incorporating LIDAR, 12 cameras, 5-millimetre wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors to enable Level 3 autonomous functions. This compares favourably with Tesla's current Autopilot system, which primarily relies on cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
Level 3 Autonomy: IM vehicles can be driven autonomously on expressways and semi-autonomously on city streets, surpassing Tesla's current Level 2 capabilities
Sensor Redundancy: Multiple sensor types provide greater reliability and safety margins compared to camera-only systems
Business Benefits: Reduced driver fatigue and enhanced safety on motorway journeys benefit company car users
Advanced Charging Technology
MG's parent company SAIC has developed solid-state battery technology jointly with Chinese battery specialist Jiangsu Qingtao, offering more than double the energy density at 368 watts per kilogram. While initial UK models will use conventional lithium-ion batteries, this technology pathway suggests future developments could further enhance the IM brand's competitive position.
The current 800V architecture already delivers exceptional charging performance, with 396kW peak charging speeds enabling 10-80% charging in just 17 minutes, significantly faster than most current competitors including Tesla's Supercharger network.
UK Market Impact and Salary Sacrifice Availability
Timeline and Dealer Integration
Both IM5 and IM6 models are available to order now and due to arrive in showrooms in September 2025. This timeline aligns with the typical planning cycles for company electric car scheme renewals, allowing businesses to evaluate these Tesla alternatives for their 2025-2026 vehicle programmes.
MG's established UK dealer network provides confidence for corporate buyers, with nationwide service coverage and parts availability supporting fleet operations. This infrastructure advantage over newer Chinese brands entering the UK market reduces operational risks for companies considering these vehicles through electric car schemes.
Corporate Sales Strategy
The IM brand launch coincides with growing corporate interest in Tesla alternatives, particularly as supply chain concerns and pricing pressures affect traditional premium EV choices. Tesla currently dominates salary sacrifice markets, with the Model Y and Model 3 ranking first and fourth respectively in popularity, creating significant opportunities for competitive alternatives.
Market Timing: Launch timing allows companies to evaluate alternatives during 2025 vehicle programme planning
Pricing Advantage: Competitive pricing structure potentially offers better value through salary sacrifice arrangements
Technology Differentiation: Advanced autonomous driving capabilities provide compelling business case for corporate adoption
Salary Sacrifice Benefits
Cost Comparison with Premium EVs
With the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate for electric vehicles, salary sacrifice electric car schemes offer substantial savings. Based on typical salary sacrifice calculations:
IM5 Standard Range (£39,450):
Estimated monthly sacrifice: £380-450 depending on specification
Tax savings for higher-rate taxpayers: £152-180 per month
Net cost: £228-270 per month
IM6 Long Range (£47,995):
Estimated monthly sacrifice: £460-540 depending on specification
Tax savings for higher-rate taxpayers: £184-216 per month
Net cost: £276-324 per month
These projections compare favourably with current Tesla salary sacrifice costs, potentially offering similar technology and performance at reduced monthly costs through electric car salary sacrifice arrangements.
MG IM Models with the The Electric Car Scheme
When IM Models Will Be Available
With showroom availability confirmed for September 2025, IM models are expected to be available through The Electric Car Scheme from Q4 2025. This timeline allows companies to incorporate these Tesla alternatives into their vehicle choice lists for 2026 renewals.
Early adoption benefits for companies include:
Competitive positioning against Tesla-dominated fleets
Advanced technology demonstration for corporate sustainability programmes
Potential cost savings compared to traditional premium EV options
Enhanced employee satisfaction through expanded choice
Why Businesses Should Consider These Electric Cars
The IM brand addresses several challenges companies face with current premium EV options:
Supply Chain Resilience: MG's established UK operations provide greater supply security than direct Tesla ordering
Technology Leadership: Level 3 autonomous capabilities exceed current Tesla Autopilot functionality
Cost Management: Competitive pricing structure potentially reduces total fleet costs
Corporate Image: Premium positioning supports executive car policies whilst demonstrating environmental leadership
Service Confidence: Nationwide MG dealer network provides comprehensive support infrastructure
Challenges and Considerations
Market Perception and Brand Premium
While the IM brand offers impressive technology and specifications, it faces the challenge of establishing premium credibility in a market dominated by Tesla. Early reviews have highlighted some concerns about ride quality and software integration, suggesting the brand may need time to refine its offering for European tastes.
However, MG emphasises that current test vehicles are pre-production models with software updates planned before customer deliveries, indicating ongoing development to address initial concerns.
Service and Support Infrastructure
Some industry observers have raised concerns about MG's current reliability ratings and dealer network satisfaction. Companies considering IM vehicles through company electric car schemes should evaluate local dealer support and service capacity before committing to fleet adoption.
Competitive Landscape Impact
The IM brand launch signals intensifying competition in the premium EV market, potentially benefiting corporate buyers through:
Increased choice in electric car salary sacrifice schemes
Competitive pricing pressure on existing premium brands
Accelerated technology development across the sector
Enhanced service standards as brands compete for corporate business
A Strategic Alternative for UK Businesses
MG's IM brand represents a significant development in the UK's premium electric vehicle landscape, offering sophisticated alternatives to Tesla's market dominance. With the IM L6 SUV and IM5 saloon combining exceptional range, ultra-rapid charging, and advanced autonomous driving technology, these vehicles provide compelling options for companies operating electric car schemes.
The combination of competitive pricing, advanced technology, and MG's established UK presence creates opportunities for businesses seeking Tesla alternatives in their salary sacrifice programmes. Level 3 autonomous capabilities and comprehensive sensor suites position IM vehicles at the forefront of automotive technology, whilst the 20-50% savings available through salary sacrifice electric car arrangements make premium EVs accessible to a broader range of employees.
As the IM brand prepares for its September 2025 UK launch, companies should evaluate these vehicles' potential contribution to their sustainability goals and employee satisfaction programmes. The convergence of advanced technology, competitive pricing, and established support infrastructure positions the IM brand as a credible challenger in the premium electric vehicle market.
For businesses ready to explore Tesla alternatives in their company electric car scheme, the IM brand's arrival provides an opportune moment to reassess fleet strategies and employee benefit offerings. With The Electric Car Scheme expected to offer these vehicles from late 2025, companies can begin evaluating their suitability for 2026 vehicle programmes whilst benefiting from the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate that makes electric vehicle salary sacrifice particularly attractive.
Ready to explore premium electric vehicle alternatives for your company? Contact The Electric Car Scheme today to discover how the new IM range could enhance your employee benefits whilst supporting your sustainability objectives.
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Last updated: 28/07/2025
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