Market for the IM5 and comparators

[Bam Bam]

Interesting that some recent reviews are comparing the IM5 to the Model S and the Taycan, rather than the model 3 which was the original comparison (given the price).

If it is really a cut above the Model 3 but for less money then it would be very compelling. The problem is that people who spend a lot on cars often do it for the brand and IM/MG aren't a recognised brand.

Always tough to break in, but we will see if they manage.

What do we think the profile of buyers will be, a mixture of...
1. Younger adults who are doing well for themselves and open to new brands
2. Older people who prioritise having something different to the usual

 

[salty]

Both of the above.
Younger adults. Who like the model 3. And there are lots. But don't want to run with the Crowd. But they tend to be tad, badge orientated.
Older adults for the same reasons as above, except, usually open to different brands. And want value for money.
You'll always get badge snobs, even Skodas still got it. More fool them.
If I was in the market for Performance EV saloon of that type, I would go for the MG.

 

[Everest]

I would have thought that depreciation is going to be an issue for an unknown brand, compared to Tesla and Porsche. And "IM = Intelligence in Motion" sounds like you're having a brainwave when sat on the loo to anyone with a medical background Not as bad as "Build Your Dreams" or "Life's Good" I suppose.

 

[salty]

Depreciation is very bad on both Teslas and Porsche EVs. Can't see them being any worse than, those Two. And hopefully they'll be called MGs, when they come here.

 

[LenEV2016]

Interesting that some recent reviews are comparing the IM5 to the Model S and the Taycan, rather than the model 3 which was the original comparison (given the price).

If it is really a cut above the Model 3 but for less money then it would be very compelling. The problem is that people who spend a lot on cars often do it for the brand and IM/MG aren't a recognised brand.

Always tough to break in, but we will see if they manage.

What do we think the profile of buyers will be, a mixture of...
1. Younger adults who are doing well for themselves and open to new brands
2. Older people who prioritise having something different to the usual

The will need to dramatically improve the dealer/aftersales experience if they want to move up a few levels from the current range, budget service with budget cars is fine, budget service with cars above the luxury tax bracket won't work

 

[bobtherock]

I hear September launch so I'm guessing demos won't get to dealers until a week or so before?

 

[Sloucher]

A couple of days after I booked my test drive I was contacted by the dealer to inform me that they were due to have the first deliveries mid-September. I'm not sure how much credence to give that as I was promised a similar delivery date three years ago for my MG4 (same dealer) and eventually had to travel 70 miles to a different dealer to test drive and eventually buy the car.

Regarding the OP's question, I'm an older buyer looking to buy my first premium advertised car now I can eventually afford one.

 

[LenEV2016]

Interesting that some recent reviews are comparing the IM5 to the Model S and the Taycan, rather than the model 3 which was the original comparison (given the price).

If it is really a cut above the Model 3 but for less money then it would be very compelling. The problem is that people who spend a lot on cars often do it for the brand and IM/MG aren't a recognised brand.

Always tough to break in, but we will see if they manage.

What do we think the profile of buyers will be, a mixture of...
1. Younger adults who are doing well for themselves and open to new brands
2. Older people who prioritise having something different to the usual

I didn't realise how big it is, looking on the website it is about the same size as the ID7 and 20cm longer than the model 3 and the BYD Seal that will be why they are comparing it to the model S and the performance version to the Taycan.

The model 3 would certainly still win in terms of costs, performance and efficiency but I think it will take Tesla a while to recover from Musk's involvement with Trump

 

[salty]

I didn't realise how big it is, looking on the website it is about the same size as the ID7 and 20cm longer than the model 3 and the BYD Seal that will be why they are comparing it to the model S and the performance version to the Taycan.

The model 3 would certainly still win in terms of costs, performance and efficiency but I think it will take Tesla a while to recover from Musk's involvement with Trump

Never thought of that. That's probably another reason. Why some folk would leave, Tesla. And try the, IM/MG.
Whatever the reason.
Musk/Better value/Fancy a change.
It's a result for SAIC.

 

[Everest]

Never thought of that.

You didn't notice those stickers you can buy on Amazon, then?

 

[Jymbob]

Spare a thought for the 50 or so people according to the UK baby names data who have named their kid "Elon" in the last decade - no sticker for that!

 

[salty]

Spare a thought for the 50 or so people according to the UK baby names data who have named their kid "Elon" in the last decade - no sticker for that!

No words, for that.

 

[Everest]

no sticker for that

always the deed poll service

 

[KeithS]

Compared to the same model in China, MGUK are launching a stripped out version of the IM5.
The latest version of the car (identified externally by the badge mounted on the bonnet) has a full width screen along the entire dashboard, and a yoke style steering wheel, has a much higher spec, including Lidar for autonomous driving, and other niceties like message seats etc etc.
This would place the IM5 directly in competition with other cars that match it's dimensions - BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and the current car i drive, the Genesis Electrified G80.
My guess, given the economy mind set at MG UK, they felt that would be too far upmarket, especially given the budget nature of customer service within the current dealer network. I've said before with products like the Cyberster, those customers are simply not going to accept the decidedly average level of service, both from the dealers and MG UK, and presumably the cost of launching IM as a premium stand alone would be too costly and risky. So what we are left with, is stripped out versions with some strange MG IM badging!

 

[Sloucher]

Where did you see that the MBUK IM5 will be "stripped out"? Would honestly like to know, as the IM5 is on my list of cars to replace my existing vehicle.

Other than changing the yoke style steering wheel to something more conventional, what other differences are there between the Chinese IM L5 and the IM5 model about to be released in the UK? Well, all the reviews I've seen so far seem to indicate there aren't any major differences, other than tweaks to suit European roads and some internal styling differences.


To quote:

• UK/European Tuning:
  While the core platform and technology are shared, the UK and European versions (IM5) have undergone some local tuning, particularly in areas like steering and suspension, to better suit European driving conditions and preferences.
  
  
• Noteworthy Differences:
  The main difference is the branding and where they are sold. The IM5 also features a slightly different interior layout and infotainment system compared to the L5, although the core technology and features are largely the same.
  

 

[tsedge]

Yes we don’t get everything the Chinese do, but they are more tech obsessed and I'm actually pleased we don’t get Lidar, since it adds an ugly hump to the car and probably wouldn't be well calibrated for UK roads.

I wouldn't describe it as "stripped out", in fact all models get generous equipment. No, not every last system you might want, but that's how they keep the price down by being selective.

For better or worse, this is the configuration that MGUK think will sell well here. We will see if they are right.

 

[GranTurismoEra]

Too far up market and option heavy and you'll barely sell 300 cars per year. Not worth the headache. Pricing is already at the limit. Also Chinese market is mostly urban environments. People don't really drive cross country with their superior train network.

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/ev-breakthrough-may-already-be-a-flop-why-mg-and-im-motors-semi-solid-state-electric-car

 

[Sloucher]

Too far up market and option heavy and youll barely sell 300 cars per year. Not worth the headache. Pricing is already at the limit. Also Chinese market is mostly urban environments. People dont really drive cross country with their superior train network.

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/ev-breakthrough-may-already-be-a-flop-why-mg-and-im-motors-semi-solid-state-electric-car

I'm just going to point out that was an Australian point of view where distances are more relevant than in China - or the UK.