MG brought the IM5 electric sedan and IM6 crossover (pictured above) to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, previewing a sedan and crossover duo aimed directly at the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
The two models rely on 75- and 100-kWh battery packs and 800-volt architectures and promise north of 700 hp in dual-motor Performance flavors and 3.2-second launches from 0 to 62 mph.
The brand also previewed a boxy, compact SUV for weekend adventurers.
For MG enthusiasts all over the globe, the brand's motto had been "safety fast" for generations.
But in the 21st century—and some two decades after the brand was purchased along with Rover in a slightly bungled deal by SAIC that saw the Roewe brand replace the latter—MG can also stand for "safety even faster."
MG used the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed to bring its latest models to its historic homeland, including the MG IM5 sedan and MG IM6 SUV, which is more a crossover companion to the sedan model.
Remind you of any other automaker's lineup?
While the sedan was almost lost in a sea of new and similar-looking electric sheetmetal, the MG IM6 was definitely not.
But first, what does MG's modern electric sedan offer these days?
Actually quite a bit, starting with 75- and 100-kWh batteries, and 800-volt architectures, along with 10% to 80% state of charge blasts in just 17 minutes.
How About Dual-Motor Performance IM6?
Performance on paper seems suitably ludicrous (751 hp) in Performance flavor, while the larger battery promises 441 miles in the WLTP cycle for those concerned more about driving distances.
"Exhilarating performance and dynamic handling, which MG will always have a passion for, comes with a digital chassis and truly potent acceleration from the powerful electric Hurricane motor with 0-100 km/h achieved in just 3.2 seconds for MG IM5, and 3.5 seconds for MG IM6," the automaker said.
While the base single-motor IM6 model produces just 291 hp, there is a spicier RWD version with 402 hp on tap. And we are still talking about single-motor versions.
The dual-motor Performance IM6 flavor, on the other hand, is ready to let you handle 742 hp in case you're really in a hurry.
Last time we checked, there was nothing exactly like that stateside, even in vehicles that aren't the eight-year-old Tesla Model 3.
On the inside, the IM5 promises a 26.3-inch infotainment display and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while also offering autonomous driving capabilities for parking maneuvers helped by rear-wheel steering technology.
Cyber X Concept: A Retro 4x4
With a starting price of $52,400 for the 75-kWh LFP battery version, the IM5 appears to tick a lot of boxes that haven't been ticked by EV makers stateside—who have generally avoided challenging the Model 3 directly.
"MG has made EV ownership accessible, exciting, and different with the MG Cyberster convertible leading the way for the brand," said David Allison, Head of Product and Planning for MG UK.
"But now, we're seeking to deliver technology leadership and innovation with MG IM, engaging with customers aspiring for the future, today."
The more curious part of MG's plans shown at Goodwood was the Cyber X concept, channeling a boxy, retro 4x4 from the 1970s that MG enthusiasts will definitely not remember from MG dealerships of the time.
But times do have to change, and MG is changing with them.
Given how seamlessly MG brought the MG Cyberster roadster to market, we wouldn't rule out a small but boxy urban runabout in a few years that could sell well in Europe, going up against the latest retro-flavored offerings from Rivian.
"This compact, all-electric urban explorer captures the creative spirit of MG's emerging 'Cyber' sub-brand combining rugged styling with a city-focused edge," the automaker noted.
Just how much ruggedness the driving surfaces of Chinese and British cities will need in the coming years is perhaps a separate question, but it's clear the adventure SUV weekend lifestyle has been making its way to the Middle Kingdom in recent years.
MG now faces pressure from much newer brands, including Xiaomi, who have their own takes on Tesla's most popular models, and the manufacturing volumes to bring them to market rather quickly.
So despite being in China for nearly 20 years now, MG will soon be forced to play catchup to brands that were making phones and tablets just a couple of years ago. We think this is an apt demonstration of "China speed."
Can MG regain its past glories in the UK with its new electric offerings, or will it be overshadowed by other EV players? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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