IM6 or Model Y?

[MikeJS]

Tbf, the annual service is more of an inspection in years 1,3,5 etc.

i.e.money making for the dealer……….

 

[NikLiverpool]

On the other hand though an inspection may help you to avoid long term bigger issues.
Let me give you an example. As you may be aware Tesla's approach on the matter is that you do not need to do regular servicing. Their plan is essentially a non obligatory AC filter replacement every two years and an (again) non obligatory brakes inspection every 4 years.
Their claim is that if the car has an issue it will let you know and you then book it.

In my case the car had a very slow coolant leak. The main coolant that feeds motors, battery and Car Computer.
I did the 2 year AC filter and the 4 year break inspection. But that is what they do. They do not check for anything else unless you specifically ask for it. So the leak carried on.
3 months ago I notice a pool under the car and when I started it a warning on the screen that full power not available.
Long story short I ended up paying 1k in repairs (out of warranty) for an issue that if was picked up in the first place would have cost far less and would still be under warranty.
And I was quite lucky since there was still enough coolant to drive the car to the service centre. I was told by the engineers there that there was a chance, although unlikely, of frying up computer, battery and motors and the car ending up being a write off.

 

[LenEV2016]

On the other hand though an inspection may help you to avoid long term bigger issues.
Let me give you an example. As you may be aware Tesla's approach on the matter is that you do not need to do regular servicing. Their plan is essentially a non obligatory AC filter replacement every two years and an (again) non obligatory brakes inspection every 4 years.
Their claim is that if the car has an issue it will let you know and you then book it.

In my case the car had a very slow coolant leak. The main coolant that feeds motors, battery and Car Computer.
I did the 2 year AC filter and the 4 year break inspection. But that is what they do. They do not check for anything else unless you specifically ask for it. So the leak carried on.
3 months ago I notice a pool under the car and when I started it a warning on the screen that full power not available.
Long story short I ended up paying 1k in repairs (out of warranty) for an issue that if was picked up in the first place would have cost far less and would still be under warranty.
And I was quite lucky since there was still enough coolant to drive the car to the service centre. I was told by the engineers there that there was a chance, although unlikely, of frying up computer, battery and motors and the car ending up being a write off.

I don't disagree an inspection is a bad thing but the cost should reflect what it is, over £100+ for a pollen filter and a look round is money making

 

[NikLiverpool]

120£ at Tesla for just that....(although every 2 years and non obligatory with no impact at warranty).

 

[LenEV2016]

120£ at Tesla for just that....(although every 2 years and non obligatory with no impact at warranty).

Invalidate the warranty with MG if you don't get it done though, so no choice really

 

[salty]

Invalidate the warranty with MG if you don't get it done though, so no choice really

So got you by the short and curlys.
Although don't know why you wouldn't get it done. As it also renews your AA membership, which is easily worth about
£150 or more. To me it's a no brainer.

 

[LenEV2016]

So got you by the short and curlys.
Although don't know why you wouldn't get it done. As it also renews your AA membership, which is easily worth about
£150 or more. To me it's a no brainer.

I agree re the inspection I'd prefer it done, but AA is roughly £5.50 a month so £90 for a look and a pollen filter.

Cupra is every two years and also includes breakdown cover, they do sting you for the big service though!!

 

[salty]

I agree re the inspection I'd prefer it done, but AA is roughly £5.50 a month so £90 for a look and a pollen filter.

Cupra is every two years and also includes breakdown cover, they do sting you for the big service though!!

£90 AA would be the basic roadside assistant. (I think) The AA with your MG is the all singing all Dancing one. Roadside
Assistance. Recovery, Relay, Home start
etc. Like I say, they've got you by the knackers. Up to if you have it done. Although pretty sure most would.

 

[LenEV2016]

£90 AA would be the basic roadside assistant. (I think) The AA with your MG is the all singing all Dancing one. Roadside
Assistance. Recovery, Relay, Home start
etc. Like I say, they've got you by the knackers. Up to if you have it done. Although pretty sure most would.

Agree

 

[MaoDiggyMao]

I'm in a similar situation to NikLiverpool. I'm looking at the IM6 as a company car. And found this thread very informative!

I work as a field engineer and predominantly travel around the south east of England sometime other regions if coworkers are busy/on leave.

I have been with the company for 2 years and was supposed to get a company car after 3 months of starting, but due to a multitude of circumstances on the company's side, I have been on a rolling short term rental contract. I've had 2x Hyundai Tuscon, BMW 1 series, 2x MG HS, VW Passat, and now a Ford Kuga. So as you can guess I'm keen to finally get my 1st company car and no longer get buggered by the tax man.

I've narrowed down my choices to a VW ID.7 Tourer (Match Pro Plus) and the IM6. I've got a test drive of the ID.7 on 15/09/25, and I popped into the local MG dealership to view the IM6, and requested a test drive (which I think they may be reluctant to give as I let slip it is through Arval (who are terrible btw))

I am really leaning towards the IM6 because I like it's looks, I prefer the SUV height, it has the better range, bigger boot and some cool gimmicks/tech. However, the ID.7 has got some cooler stuff, like remote parking.

Can anyone shed some light on the comfort side though. I hear/read reviews that the drive comfort is lacking. You feel the bumps and dips in roads a lot apparently. Is it that noticeable? Is is something that can be rectified in the Custom settings? Unfortunately the option open to me in the standard long range trim so no sweet air suspension.

I noticed when viewing, it only has driver massage. No passenger. And there are are only three types, Lower, Upper and Wave. There are no intensity settings. The VW beats this hands down. What is the likelihood of a software update adding more options and intensity? And, before anyone asks, Yes the massage feature is important, I drive a lot and for long periods. My colleagues are about 20yrs my senior in this job and both have had back surgeries due to the driving. I would very much like to avoid that by combination of exercise and massage.

And lastly, as a follically challenged man, is the glass roof going to sunburn my head? or is it shaded in a way that would prevent that from happening?

Sorry for the long post!

 

[Bam Bam]

I'm in a similar situation to NikLiverpool. I'm looking at the IM6 as a company car. And found this thread very informative!

Great - welcome to the forum!

I've narrowed down my choices to a VW ID.7 Tourer (Match Pro Plus) and the IM6. I've got a test drive of the ID.7 on 15/09/25, and I popped into the local MG dealership to view the IM6, and requested a test drive (which I think they may be reluctant to give as I let slip it is through Arval (who are terrible btw))

Fair enough. Quite a competitive sector but go with what looks like a good deal when you make the choice.

And lastly, as a follically challenged man, is the glass roof going to sunburn my head? or is it shaded in a way that would prevent that from happening?

I would have expected that it would be UV protective glass, just like I thought that other car windows are supposed to be. Though looking it up apparently that might only apply to the windscreen and not the side windows! So you'll have to check about the panoramic roof.

 

[Les burrows]

Welcome to MGEVs @NikLiverpool, I assume you've seen this video.



@Miles Roberts CG might be able to help with a test drive.

Nice video, Miles. Great presentation and lots of interesting information; well done.
Les

 

[evets]

I don’t consider changing the cabin air filter annually excessive. I certainly appreciate clean air, and I have seen the old filters from many of my past cars, and they are all gross to be kind. The price of the ‘service’ is chump change. I looked up some prices.
Air filter - $13, £9.66, €11.17. - 1 year interval
Engine coolant - $21.14, £15.59, €18.03. - 4 year interval
Brake fluid - $21.14, £15.59, €18.03. - 2 year interval
Engine Drive Unit Fluid - $47.33, £34.9, €40.35 - 4 year intervals
Considering the service prices compared to the car price, and taking into account the cost of servicing an ICE car instead, it appears to me the service cost is just chump change.

 

[evets]

Great - welcome to the forum!

Fair enough. Quite a competitive sector but go with what looks like a good deal when you make the choice.


I would have expected that it would be UV protective glass, just like I thought that other car windows are supposed to be. Though looking it up apparently that might only apply to the windscreen and not the side windows! So you'll have to check about the panoramic roof.

Here in Thailand, it appears that all new cars include UV reflective tinted window film, including the windscreen. I chose darker tint on the rear side windows. The glass roof is a nonissue folks, it’s so dark it’s barely transparent.

 

[MikeJS]

Can anyone shed some light on the comfort side though. I hear/read reviews that the drive comfort is lacking. You feel the bumps and dips in roads a lot apparently. Is it that noticeable? Is is something that can be rectified in the Custom settings? Unfortunately the option open to me in the standard long range trim so no sweet air suspension.

Unfortunately, it appears the only cars available for test drives atm (certainly in my area) are the ‘launch’ editions which will likely drive quite differently to the LR. I have a test drive booked for sun but will not make any decisions until I can drive a LR version.

 

[LenEV2016]

Unfortunately, it appears the only cars available for test drives atm (certainly in my area) are the ‘launch’ editions which will likely drive quite differently to the LR. I have a test drive booked for sun but will not make any decisions until I can drive a LR version.

I heard that also and the launch editions obviously have air suspension which will be different to the more standard cars

 

[NikLiverpool]

I don’t consider changing the cabin air filter annually excessive. I certainly appreciate clean air, and I have seen the old filters from many of my past cars, and they are all gross to be kind. The price of the ‘service’ is chump change. I looked up some prices.
Air filter - $13, £9.66, €11.17. - 1 year interval
Engine coolant - $21.14, £15.59, €18.03. - 4 year interval
Brake fluid - $21.14, £15.59, €18.03. - 2 year interval
Engine Drive Unit Fluid - $47.33, £34.9, €40.35 - 4 year intervals
Considering the service prices compared to the car price, and taking into account the cost of servicing an ICE car instead, it appears to me the service cost is just chump change.

These are quite good prices. Aussie ones (which will probably be closer to UK) as follows:

1 year: $323
2 year: $501
3 year: $323
4 year: $1,459!!!
5 year: $323

and so on.

I hope these will not be directly copied over to the UK otherwise it will be a major no go.

I'm in a similar situation to NikLiverpool. I'm looking at the IM6 as a company car. And found this thread very informative!

I work as a field engineer and predominantly travel around the south east of England sometime other regions if coworkers are busy/on leave.

I have been with the company for 2 years and was supposed to get a company car after 3 months of starting, but due to a multitude of circumstances on the company's side, I have been on a rolling short term rental contract. I've had 2x Hyundai Tuscon, BMW 1 series, 2x MG HS, VW Passat, and now a Ford Kuga. So as you can guess I'm keen to finally get my 1st company car and no longer get buggered by the tax man.

I've narrowed down my choices to a VW ID.7 Tourer (Match Pro Plus) and the IM6. I've got a test drive of the ID.7 on 15/09/25, and I popped into the local MG dealership to view the IM6, and requested a test drive (which I think they may be reluctant to give as I let slip it is through Arval (who are terrible btw))

I am really leaning towards the IM6 because I like it's looks, I prefer the SUV height, it has the better range, bigger boot and some cool gimmicks/tech. However, the ID.7 has got some cooler stuff, like remote parking.

Can anyone shed some light on the comfort side though. I hear/read reviews that the drive comfort is lacking. You feel the bumps and dips in roads a lot apparently. Is it that noticeable? Is is something that can be rectified in the Custom settings? Unfortunately the option open to me in the standard long range trim so no sweet air suspension.

I noticed when viewing, it only has driver massage. No passenger. And there are are only three types, Lower, Upper and Wave. There are no intensity settings. The VW beats this hands down. What is the likelihood of a software update adding more options and intensity? And, before anyone asks, Yes the massage feature is important, I drive a lot and for long periods. My colleagues are about 20yrs my senior in this job and both have had back surgeries due to the driving. I would very much like to avoid that by combination of exercise and massage.

And lastly, as a follically challenged man, is the glass roof going to sunburn my head? or is it shaded in a way that would prevent that from happening?

Sorry for the long post!

Good choice of contesters. Personally I would not go for a VW after having driven an ID3 as a rental and pulling my (long gone) hair out with the software....
As for the glass roof I will get a taste of it today but to be fair being driving a model 3 for 6 years and no hair and considering the subpar roof of the Tesla (1st gen) had no issues whatsoever.

 

[Alb]

I don’t consider changing the cabin air filter annually excessive. I certainly appreciate clean air, and I have seen the old filters from many of my past cars, and they are all gross to be kind.

Do MG fit a PM2.5 filter in your country?
I'd have thought that 100% essential.

 

[NikLiverpool]

Right. So back from the test drive.
Car was a white IM6 launch edition with grey interior. Had the chance to drive it around local roads and take it out on the motorway. Total duration I reckon almost an hour.

Positives:

1. The build quality is amazing. Great materials and the odd scratchy hard plastic in places you would never bother reaching.
2. Quiet!!! We had music switched off so me and my wife could hear the slightest noise. Perfect sound insulation.
3. The car is cavernous. I admit I am not the tallest person in the world (1.70) and after setting up the seat for me went on the back and I was sitting cross legged half lying. It is an amazing family car interior wise.
4. Feeling on the road. The car is a tank. Very wide but you don't feel it. The steering on the back wheels is amazing; takes sharp turns like a mini.
5. Seats very comfy. Tried the massage; quite good.
6. Software is quite alright actually. Tested the self driving on the motorway, auto lane change, parallel park, curb side park all worked really well.
7. I was a bit sceptical about the way the screens are placed. They are actually quite ergonomic. Loved the fact that when a car is on your side besides the orange light on the external mirror the screen also turns orangy on that side.
8. Visibility on the front and sides of the car is great. Even with chunky pillar on the front the presence of the small triangle mirror is so helpful.
9. The power is there. I thought the Tesla was fast but this is something else. I was driving on ECO and it would still go like bat out of hell. But only if I wanted too. I am not sure how to describe this; it felt so much more in control vs the acceleration of the Model Y.
8. Braking. I read reviews that the brakes feel spongy and underwhelmed. Not my impression. They were very good and responsive.

Negatives:

1. Boot space. Please hear me out this is against the model Y. The boot feels smaller on the IM6. It may have to do with the wheel arches or the shape of it but it feels smaller. Also the sub-boot space is smaller too and the froot is just for cables.
2. Apparently no compatibility with roof bars. This may be a problem since we do use our roof box quite often (2 young kids, dog quite a few things when we go on holiday). The sales person was not sure about it but by the looks of it and the fact that it has frameless doors and pano roof I cannot see how you could fit one.
3. Annual maintenance. No prices yet but will be probably around 15-20£ per month for the 4 years I am planning to keep the car.
4. Bing bongs. Quite a few of them. Especially every time I was looking at the front screen to check speed it would bong at me. Dead easy to switch off but then what is the point of having all these systems.
5. Back visibility non existent. You can't see poop. You can though easily activate the back camera on the screen.
6. No single pedal driving. Had the regen on the highest setting and still had to use the brakes. They blend in though very nicely and up to a point they act as regen and not friction brakes.


Wife loved it to bits. She is dead adamant that it is far better than the Model Y and she is confident that it can serve our family life really well.
I am more 50-50%. Will wait to see the offer from the dealer and then decide accordingly. I can say though without doubt that if someone does not want a Tesla I would not choose anything else besides the IM6.

Deliveries by the way should start middle November. There is a handful of cars across the country and are all used for test drives. Not enough even for static display.
Tried to get a quote for insurance to see where it stands from a comparison point of view. No chance. My insurer (admiral) does not generate a quote online; I have to call them. On a comparison site I got £2.5k annual. LOL

I am not sure I have anything else to add. If you want to ask anything else feel free
Hope to get the quote today so I can do some number crunching on the weekend and decide early next week. Have to one way or the other since I am tight with timeframes with Tesla and the FSD trasfer if I go down that path.

On a side note though; the Self Driving systems of the IM6 are on par with the Tesla ones as they are at the moment in the UK market. And they are free too.....



Decisions....decisions.....

 

[MikeJS]

Right. So back from the test drive.
Car was a white IM6 launch edition with grey interior. Had the chance to drive it around local roads and take it out on the motorway. Total duration I reckon almost an hour.

Positives:

1. The build quality is amazing. Great materials and the odd scratchy hard plastic in places you would never bother reaching.
2. Quiet!!! We had music switched off so me and my wife could hear the slightest noise. Perfect sound insulation.
3. The car is cavernous. I admit I am not the tallest person in the world (1.70) and after setting up the seat for me went on the back and I was sitting cross legged half lying. It is an amazing family car interior wise.
4. Feeling on the road. The car is a tank. Very wide but you don't feel it. The steering on the back wheels is amazing; takes sharp turns like a mini.
5. Seats very comfy. Tried the massage; quite good.
6. Software is quite alright actually. Tested the self driving on the motorway, auto lane change, parallel park, curb side park all worked really well.
7. I was a bit sceptical about the way the screens are placed. They are actually quite ergonomic. Loved the fact that when a car is on your side besides the orange light on the external mirror the screen also turns orangy on that side.
8. Visibility on the front and sides of the car is great. Even with chunky pillar on the front the presence of the small triangle mirror is so helpful.
9. The power is there. I thought the Tesla was fast but this is something else. I was driving on ECO and it would still go like bat out of hell. But only if I wanted too. I am not sure how to describe this; it felt so much more in control vs the acceleration of the Model Y.
8. Braking. I read reviews that the brakes feel spongy and underwhelmed. Not my impression. They were very good and responsive.

Negatives:

1. Boot space. Please hear me out this is against the model Y. The boot feels smaller on the IM6. It may have to do with the wheel arches or the shape of it but it feels smaller. Also the sub-boot space is smaller too and the froot is just for cables.
2. Apparently no compatibility with roof bars. This may be a problem since we do use our roof box quite often (2 young kids, dog quite a few things when we go on holiday). The sales person was not sure about it but by the looks of it and the fact that it has frameless doors and pano roof I cannot see how you could fit one.
3. Annual maintenance. No prices yet but will be probably around 15-20£ per month for the 4 years I am planning to keep the car.
4. Bing bongs. Quite a few of them. Especially every time I was looking at the front screen to check speed it would bong at me. Dead easy to switch off but then what is the point of having all these systems.
5. Back visibility non existent. You can't see poop. You can though easily activate the back camera on the screen.
6. No single pedal driving. Had the regen on the highest setting and still had to use the brakes. They blend in though very nicely and up to a point they act as regen and not friction brakes.


Wife loved it to bits. She is dead adamant that it is far better than the Model Y and she is confident that it can serve our family life really well.
I am more 50-50%. Will wait to see the offer from the dealer and then decide accordingly. I can say though without doubt that if someone does not want a Tesla I would not choose anything else besides the IM6.

Deliveries by the way should start middle November. There is a handful of cars across the country and are all used for test drives. Not enough even for static display.
Tried to get a quote for insurance to see where it stands from a comparison point of view. No chance. My insurer (admiral) does not generate a quote online; I have to call them. On a comparison site I got £2.5k annual. LOL

I am not sure I have anything else to add. If you want to ask anything else feel free
Hope to get the quote today so I can do some number crunching on the weekend and decide early next week. Have to one way or the other since I am tight with timeframes with Tesla and the FSD trasfer if I go down that path.

On a side note though; the Self Driving systems of the IM6 are on par with the Tesla ones as they are at the moment in the UK market. And they are free too.....



Decisions....decisions.....

Thank you for your thoughts. I have a test drive on Sun and currently drive an AWD Ioniq 5 which IS a large car so will see how it compares to that for feel. Re the rear view limitations - would this be improved if the rear headrests were removed? I intend to take my golf gear with me to test the boot size………...