Chinese spec IM5

[KeithS]

As you can see from this short video, the differences between the model we get and what they sell in China isn't as big as I thought.
Yes they have full length screen running across the entire dashboard, and lidar technology with higher levels of autonomy, also linked to a yoke drive by wire (presumably) steering wheel.
However the trim materials remain the same, as does the interior architecture.
Given what some of the Chinese rivals offer over there, this model could fall behind the competition...

 

[salty]

The screen looks the same as the UK's car, to me.
The yoke steering wheel or the higher levels of autonomy doesn't bother me at all. Quite happy with the UK's model.

 

[NikLiverpool]

IMs are not the only Chinese brand that have very different specs in China compared to what they offer here.
Before I moved my interest on the IM6 I was thinking about the BYD sealion7. The specs in China are vastly different compared to the one brought to the UK.
Lidar, FSD options etc. The UK spec is quite stripped down compared to the Chinese one.
Xpeng too; G6 being only RWD while in China there is an AWD and a performance version too.
The list goes on and on..

 

[tsedge]

Isn't this an earlier concept video from a while back?

In the main the actual vehicle it is pretty similar to Uk - biggest differences will be in the software side. The Chinese get the Oppo smartphone integration, which is pretty cool.

 

[salty]

IMs are not the only Chinese brand that have very different specs in China compared to what they offer here.
Before I moved my interest on the IM6 I was thinking about the BYD sealion7. The specs in China are vastly different compared to the one brought to the UK.
Lidar, FSD options etc. The UK spec is quite stripped down compared to the Chinese one.
Xpeng too; G6 being only RWD while in China there is an AWD and a performance version too.
The list goes on and on..

Wonder why? Do they think oh it's only the Brits, they'll buy owt.

 

[Everest]

The Chinese model seems to have more thigh on show than the UK versions - guess that's a cultural thing

 

[NikLiverpool]

Wonder why? Do they think oh it's only the Brits, they'll buy owt.

All export models are like this; not UK only.
I reckon they are milking it. Stripped down versions, easier and cheaper to produce and sold on a premium compared to the brutal price war that happens in China right now.
Easy money...

 

[tsedge]

I think both the Oppo integration and self-driving Lidar systems are not legal in the UK, so that's the most likely reason they are not included.

In general the UK export spec is higher than the normal Chinese-spec (prestige variants aside) because of the all safety kit required here and also we are generally a high spec market, certainly compared to some (eg France) where people seem happier having very low spec models available.

The germans used to refer to us as "Treasure Island" due to all the high spec BMW and Mercedes company car drivers buy over here.

 

[KeithS]

Lidar is fitted to some Uk cars, such as LOTUS ELETRA/EMEYA ranges. The problem we have in the UK is the strict legislation surrounding autonomous functionality. For example it was only ‘relatively’ recently that on UK motorways the ‘eyes on, hands off’ feature became legal. Ford were one of the first to exploit this on their Mach E model.
I believe we are waiting for legislation changes to allow for level 3 for speeds upto 37mph.
The treasure island saying referred to the RHD surcharge manufacturers applied to UK cars.
Although you right in saying our cars are to higher spec than in other European markets, although they are catching up.
For the avoidance of misunderstanding, the IM ranges, for the money, come well equipped for the segment- Model 3/BYD SEAL especially with the enormous discounts that have been quoted.
The auto park, rear wheel steering, and even the crab mode being stand out features.
At the same time the IM5 is almost as large as cars from the sector above. To that end I do wonder if they had gone upmarket in terms of cabin materials and equipment, whether they could have challenged the Merc EQE or BMW i5, or as I’ve said before the EV I have the Genesis Electrified G80.
Also as I ve said before MG UK and probably their bosses in China, decided that size aside the car may not have had the fundamentals to do so. I know as far as MG UK Customer Service and the dealer network are concerned, they were not upto it!

 

[MrBeach68]

I think the chinese version has massaging seats front and rear.