My Experience with the IM5 Visit at MG Sydney Alexandria Flagship Store
I visited the MG Sydney Alexandria Flagship Store on Saturday, 21 June. This was the only MG store I found in Sydney that had both the IM5 and IM6 available for display and test drives.
The IM5 was displayed alongside other, more affordable MG models, which diminished the premium feel of the car. The sales staff appeared disengaged, mostly sitting at their desks and waiting for customers to approach them. When I did engage with them, it became clear they had limited knowledge about the IM5. They were unfamiliar with key features such as the dash cam, sentry mode, battery capacity, and the unique selling points of the IM5. They also could not confirm whether the car supported over-the-air (OTA) updates or explain other important features.
There was a female staff member whose role seemed to be greeting customers. When I asked to see the IM5, she simply pointed me in its direction and handed me a printed brochure.
When I requested a test drive, I was told that only the IM6 was available for test drives. Unfortunately, the manager or supervisor—who is required to authorise test drives—was not present, as they had the day off. This meant I was unable to test drive the IM5.
Regarding pricing, I was quoted approximately $80,000 drive-away for the mid-range IM5. The staff mentioned that three cars had already been booked the previous day and suggested I should place a deposit immediately if I wanted to secure a spot in the queue. I found it surprising that customers would be expected to commit to an $80,000 premium vehicle without the opportunity for a test drive.
Additionally, the staff tried to upsell me on the MG5 EV for $55,000, claiming it had similar features to the IM5, but with a longer warranty. They emphasised that the IM5 was new, had limited stock, and an uncertain delivery timeline of 12 to 16 weeks.
In summary, I did not feel valued as a potential premium car buyer. The sales team lacked product knowledge and initiative, rarely engaging with customers unless approached. The absence of the manager on a busy Saturday further limited my experience, as test drives could not be arranged. Overall, this experience raises concerns about the customer service standards at this flagship store and what might be expected at other MG locations
