IM Motor launches IM5 & IM6 in Australia's EV market

IM Motor has launched the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV in Australia, marking the brand's entry into the country's premium EV segment.

The launch centres on driving technology rather than cabin features alone. Both models use an intelligent digital chassis and four-wheel steering system designed to change how the vehicles respond on the road.

That focus reflects a broader shift in the car industry as software takes a larger role in vehicle design. In recent years, carmakers have highlighted infotainment systems, connectivity and driver assistance. IM Motor, however, is positioning software as a tool for shaping steering, handling and braking behaviour as well.

The IM5 is positioned as the more driver-focused model. The larger IM6 targets buyers seeking a premium SUV that blends performance, comfort and practicality.

Both models include four-wheel steering, intended to improve low-speed manoeuvrability in urban settings and add stability at higher speeds. The system forms part of a broader chassis set-up that links several vehicle systems to adjust responsiveness and balance.

Higher-specification versions of the IM5 and IM6 also use an 800V silicon-carbide electrical architecture. According to IM Motor, the set-up supports the electric powertrain and enables faster charging.

Technology focus

The arrival of the two models gives Australian buyers another option in a premium EV market that has become more crowded as established manufacturers and newer entrants expand their line-ups. It also adds another brand to the wider MG and SAIC umbrella in Australia.

IM is a premium electric vehicle sub-brand launched by MG Motor in Australia. The brand sits under SAIC and is structured as a joint venture between SAIC, ZJ Hi Tech and Alibaba.

The vehicles also include advanced computing, intelligent cabin technology and driver assistance systems. Software therefore plays a role not only in entertainment and connectivity, but also in vehicle operation.

Dimitri Andreatidis, Marketing Director, IM Motor Australia, outlined the company's position on that approach.

"We see technology as an opportunity to enhance the driving experience, rather than add unnecessary complexity. The digital chassis gives us greater control over how the IM5 and IM6 respond, with its benefits evident in the steering, handling and overall balance of both vehicles. Our focus has been on applying technology in a way that enhances performance and everyday usability, while ensuring the IM5 and IM6 remain engaging, intuitive and genuinely enjoyable to drive," he said.

Market entry

The Australian premium EV market has drawn growing attention from manufacturers trying to distinguish their products beyond battery range and acceleration figures. IM Motor's pitch places greater emphasis on cornering response, braking feel and manoeuvrability, areas more commonly associated with mechanical engineering than digital features.

That strategy may help the brand stand out in a category where many vehicles now offer similar screen-based interfaces and connected services. It also shows how carmakers are increasingly using software to shape attributes drivers experience more directly from behind the wheel.

For MG Motor, the introduction of IM broadens its presence in Australia beyond its existing range. The company has expanded rapidly in the local market since its arrival and now operates through more than 110 dealer partners nationwide.

Globally, MG is backed by SAIC Motor, one of China's largest automotive groups. The launch of IM in Australia gives SAIC another route into the upper end of the electric vehicle market through a brand built around premium positioning and technology-led vehicle design.

The IM5 and IM6 have been introduced to give local buyers access to that approach, with the central selling point resting on how software and chassis systems influence the way the vehicles drive.