IM5 Performance 2025

This review focuses on the top-tier IM5 Performance 2025 model. A new premium brand, IM (Intelligent Mobility), has officially launched in Australia. Crucially backed by SAIC, the parent company of MG, the brand’s inaugural model is the 2025 IM5, an electric sedan.

Physically, the IM5 is a nearly five-metre-long, four-door family sedan that lands squarely in the premium EV space. However, it arrives with a staggering proposition: a drive-away price of approximately $80,990, which consequently delivers a 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 3.2 seconds. In other words, this isn’t just a fast EV; it’s a supercar-killer for the price of a mid-spec BMW.

The Good	The Not-So-Good
Astonishing Straight-Line Performance	Over-reliance on Touchscreens
Agile Dynamics and Handling	Intrusive Safety Systems
Ultra-Fast Charging Capability	Narrow Boot Opening

What does the IM5 Performance 2025 look like?

The IM5 has a sleek “sloping fastback” design that gives it a coupe-like profile. At 4931mm long and 1960mm wide, it has a significant, low-slung presence. The design is clean and aerodynamic, achieving an exceptionally elegant but sporty look to it.

This premium feel is reinforced by laminated, sound-insulating glass on all four doors and a large panoramic glass roof that comes as standard.

What is the IM5 Performance 2025 like inside?

For enhanced comfort, the seats feature a 20mm layer of soft sponge for a genuine “sinking in” feeling. Furthermore, in the Performance trim, they are heated, ventilated, and even offer massage functions. As for the finishes, the IM5 interior uses high-quality “vegan leather” (synthetic) that feels premium and soft to the touch. Complementing this, the headliner is typically a suede-like microfiber, further adding to the luxury vibe.

 

Storage

This is one of the IM5’s main quirks. There is no traditional glove box in front of the passenger. Instead, storage is primarily focused in the centre, specifically featuring a deep armrest bin and cupholders. That said, it also comes with a small 18-litre “frunk” (front trunk) located under the bonnet conveniently for cable storage.

A unique feature is the “IM MAG Hub,” a series of magnetic spots on the dash and seatbacks, allowing you to attach accessories like phone or tablet holders.

Rear seat and boot space

Thanks to a long 2950mm wheelbase, the rear cabin is spacious, with “limousine-like legroom.” The outboard rear seats are heated, adding to the premium feel.

The boot is the car’s biggest practical weakness. While the cargo space itself is a deep 457 litres, it features a traditional sedan trunk opening, not a wide-opening liftback. This severely limits its practicality for loading bulky items. The rear seats do fold down, expanding the space to 1290 litres.

Technology and connectivity

Stepping inside the IM5 Performance is undoubtedly an ‘event’ and a ‘glimpse of 2030.’ Visually, the immediate focal point is the 26.3-inch panoramic dual-screen that spans two-thirds of the dashboard. Functionally, it combines the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system into one seamless unit.

Complementing this main display, a secondary 10.5-inch vertical touchscreen is mounted on the angled centre console for climate controls and other shortcuts. Consequently, in a move that defines its ‘software on wheels’ philosophy, there are no physical buttons for mirrors, air vents, or even the glovebox; instead, everything is controlled via the touchscreens.

Beyond the screens, the quality is a clear statement for SAIC’s premium brand, evidenced by soft materials and excellent fit and finish. Finally, the IM5 Performance is hardware-ready for Level 3 autonomous driving. To enable this, the roof features a prominent LiDAR unit (laser radar), supported by 11 high-definition cameras, 3 millimeter-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

One-Touch AI Features:

• One-Touch Parallel Parking: The car scans for a spot and parks itself with a single tap.
• One-Touch Reversing: If you drive down a narrow dead-end street, the car remembers the path and can autonomously reverse itself out up to 50 meters.
• Rainy Night Mode: In heavy rain/darkness, the side cameras project a crystal-clear, digitally enhanced view of your blind spots onto the main screen, highlighting cyclists or pedestrians that might be invisible in your mirrors.

 

Engine and drivetrain

The IM5 Performance’s staggering acceleration comes from a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain dubbed the “Hurricane motor.” It produces a ludicrous 572 kW of power and 802 Nm of torque—more power than a Lamborghini Revuelto.

This is all fed by a large 100 kWh battery. The car is built on a “quasi 900 volt” architecture, enabling a maximum DC fast charging speed of 396 kW. The official WLTP range for the Performance model is 575 kilometres.

What’s the IM5 Performance 2025 like to drive?

I’d describe acceleration is described as “exhilarating” and “brain-scrambling,” truly at a hypercar level. However, the IM5 is not just quick off the mark. It features a sophisticated chassis, starting with air suspension and continuously controlled damping, allowing it to switch from a “plush, comfortable cruiser” to a “taut sports sedan.”

Its “true secret weapon” is rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn opposite the front, giving the large sedan the agility of a small hatchback. At high speeds, they steer in line with the front, providing “immense, unshakable stability.”

Safety features

The IM5 has been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating as of mid-2025. It comes standard with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (Car-to-Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction, and Backover)
• A comprehensive Lane Support System (Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Emergency Lane Keeping)
• Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• A 360-degree HD camera and a Driver Monitoring System
• A centre airbag for front-occupant protection

 

Owner benefits

The IM5 is sold with the “full backing of the now established MG network.” This includes a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the vehicle.

However, the high-voltage battery is covered for 7 years or 150,000 km, and the complex air suspension and rear-wheel-steering components are covered for 5 years / unlimited km. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000 km.

Final thoughts

The 2025 IM5 Performance is a technological marvel that completely resets the performance-for-price conversation, offering acceleration figures once exclusive to million-dollar exotics. It’s an almost unbelievable package for $81,000.

However, it is an unapologetically futuristic and all-digital car that makes demands on its driver. It is an experience from 2030 available today, for better or for worse. It’s not just fast; it’s aggressively clever.

Specification	Details
Model	IM IM5 Performance (AWD)
Model Price	~$80,990 + on-road costs
Engine	Dual Electric Motors (Front + Rear)
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Battery Capacity / type	100 kWh / Ternary Lithium (NCM)
Voltage / Capacity	800V Architecture / 100 kWh
Power	572 kW (Combined System Output)
Torque	802 Nm (Combined System Output)
Range (WLTP) / ADR	~575 km (WLTP)
Economy / efficiency	~17.4 kWh/100km (Estimated)
Fast Charge / Home	Max 396 kW DC (10-80% in ~15 mins) / 11 kW AC
Safety	Not yet rated (Targeting 5-Star ANCAP/EuroNCAP)
CO2 Emissions	0 g/km
0-100kmh / Top Speed	3.2 seconds / 268 km/h
Servicing	12 months / 20,000 km (Estimated)
Warranty	7 Years / Unlimited km
Roadside Assist	7 Years Roadside Assistance
Specification	Details
Overall Length	4931 mm
Wheelbase	2950 mm
Width	1960 mm (excluding mirrors)
Height	1474 mm
Wheels	20-inch Alloy
Tyres	Front: 245/40 R20 / Rear: 275/35 R20
Max ground clearance	120 mm
Wading Depth	Not Published
Approach	Not Published
Rampover	Not Published
Departure angle	Not Published
Turning Circle (Kerb to Kerb)	~9.98 m (Active Rear-Wheel Steering)
Boot Min	457 L
Boot Max	1290 L
Kerb Weight	2250 kg
Battery weight	Not Published
Payload (kg)	~390 kg
GVM (kg)	~2640 kg
GCM	Not Published
Towing Capacity	1500 kg (Braked)
Tow Ball rating	Not Published

For more specifications you can find the IM5 Performance 2025 here: Specification Sheet