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2025 LDV Terron 9 review

2025 LDV Terron 9 review

The Advertiser4 days ago
The first ever LDV Terron 9 dual-cab 4×4 ute is bigger than a Ford Ranger, cheaper than a Toyota HiLux and will spawn a near-identical twin in the upcoming MG U9 – so should you wait for the MG or go for the Terron 9, which is now in showrooms?
Search for the meaning of 'Terron' and you'll find it's "a block of sun-dried sod used as a construction brick" according to Texas folklore, or a 'clod' or 'lump' in Spanish. It's also a boy's name for "the earthy kid with their feet firmly planted on the ground".
This makes sense for a completely new dual-cab ute from LDV, which is a potential building block for a bigger range and more customers in Australia's booming ute market.
It's positioned above the existing T60 dual-cab in the LDV lineup in terms of both size and price, bringing a larger, more sophisticated option to the Chinese brand's local showrooms, with value-for-money pricing starting at $50,990 drive-away for ABN=holding buyers of the entry-level Origin variant tested here.
Being bigger than the T60 means the Terron 9 is also larger than the top-selling Ranger/HiLux cohort – but not as big as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The Terron 9s' closest-sized competitor is the GWM Cannon Alpha, which starts at $52,990 drive-away.
For just over $50k on the road, the Terron 9 comes with the obligatory 3500kg towing capacity as well as a spacious five-seat cabin, full-time four-wheel drive and one of the most powerful turbo-diesel engines in its class.
LDV claims the Terron 9 doesn't drive like a truck, despite offering benchmark towing capability and boasting an 1100kg payload – so let's see if the claim is true and if its feet are indeed "firmly planted on the ground".
The Terron 9 is available in two model grades: the entry-level Origin we're testing here, and the mechanically identical Evolve flagship.
Introductory pricing for ABN holders takes $1000 off the prices listed below, meaning that for business buyers the Origin will initially cost $49,990 drive-away (nationally) and the Evolve will cost $54,990 drive-away.
The GWM Cannon Alpha is its closest rival in terms of size and price, with equivalent diesel 4×4 versions starting at $52,990 drive-away. The MG U9, due in Australia later this year, is essentially the same vehicle as the Terron 9 (LDV and MG are both part of Chinese auto giant SAIC), but MG Motor Australia is yet to announce pricing and equipment for its first ute.
For further context, the 2025 LDV T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Above all, one word encapsulates the five-seat Terron 9 cabin: spacious.
Sturdy side steps lead you into the driver's seat – with A-pillar mounted grab handles aiding access if needed – where you'll find more than ample hip, shoulder and headroom thanks to a long 3300m wheelbase.
The cabin makes the most of the larger dimensions compared to the dominant Ranger and HiLux dual-cabs, and it plays to that strength with light colours for the headliner and seats, as opposed to the more dirt-resistant yet dungeon-like dark colours in most dual-cabs.
This includes the power-adjustable driver's seat and the manual-only front passenger seat, both of which are covered in grey patterned cloth trim which would not look out of place in a passenger SUV.
The seat material is good overall but looks somewhat generic – especially when looking at the plain front seatbacks from the second row – appearing neither high-end nor hard-wearing. It's much nicer than hard plastic on the seatbacks, admittedly.
We have few other criticisms about the well thought-out interior.
The higher 'mezzanine' style rear bench seat peers down on the front seats, reducing the ample headroom marginally, but still offering loads of shoulder, hip and legroom, even behind taller drivers.
Adding further rear-seat comfort, the 60:40-split and folding rear seatbacks are nicely reclined, and while there's no centre armrest to speak of, there are air vents in the rear of the centre console along with USB and USB-C charging ports, seatback map pockets and generous rear door bins.
There are also four ISOFIX child seat mounting points, while the curtain airbags stretch to the second row, too.
Further back, the tub measures a generous 1600mm long, 1500mm wide (1230mm between the wheel-arches) and 535mm deep, and comes with a standard spray-in bed liner and four tie-down points.
It's a well-finished tub with a one-touch tray-edge button to activate a soft opening, preventing it from suddenly dropping, and we could literally close it with one finger.
Up front, the driver's seat offers good comfort and support – it's not too hard, and not too soft – and the dash and console features a smart layout with loads of stowage space and charming design elements.
These include silver metal-like details on the huge centre console, and a silhouette of the ute appearing proudly in the centre of the dash, adding a sense of character.
The centre console lacks wireless charging (for the time being) in two obvious spaces for smartphones, but the Terron 9 does have wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It's a bit odd, too, that the protruding shelf for phones is fixed and doesn't fold to access the space below it, where the 12V outlet and USB ports face the front of the car and will be challenging for some people to locate.
Smart silver metal details surround the centre console-mounted drive mode controller and air vents, bookending the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which has a crisp display.
There are also broad silver bows on the door trims, and integrated silver push-buttons to open the door in place of traditional door pulls – another feature traditionally found in higher-end vehicles, not a $50k ute.
There are more physical buttons on the dash, too, with a smart row of silver textured switches for key features (demister, hazard lights, etc), enabling instant access to them instead of them being buried in the 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
The multimedia screen's graphics are smart and feature simple, clean icons for the built-in sat-nav, tyre pressure monitor and displays for individual drive modes, plus a dedicated off-road screen, too.
The screen also provides clean, clear images from the 360-degree parking camera, and the column-mounted gear selector and indicator stalks feel sturdy enough for a bona-fide ute.
The two-spoke steering wheel, with its thick rim and leather trim, gives off a quality feel and has silver main buttons within piano black surrounds – underlining the positive impressions before you take the Terron 9 for a drive.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 lineup is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched as standard to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system, including a locking rear differential.
In terms of power and torque, it out-punches almost every four-cylinder rival – including equivalent Rangers and HiLuxes. The top-shelf HiLux GR Sport ($74,310 plus on-roads) is the only four-cylinder dual-cab to offer more, at 165kW/550Nm.
Official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, matching the smaller LDV T60 but with a larger 80-litre fuel tank.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 cabin promises a polished drive, and our first taste-test both on a test track and a brief road jaunt reveals a composed driving experience to match the upmarket cabin's livability.
After you hit the engine start button to fire up the Terron 9, selecting Drive from the six-speed auto requires a pull of the column-shifter – which we duly knocked into Neutral in the first few metres of driving.
We didn't do it again, however, before pushing the Terron 9 around the former GM Holden proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria.
The beefy 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel outpunches a Bi-Turbo Ranger's stats (154kW/500Nm) and feels appropriately grunty, working well with the eight-speed auto to deliver a relatively smooth powertrain – especially in this class of ute.
The strong torque output, which peaks from a low 1500rpm, gives it effortless pace, and we found ourselves driving much faster than expected – and faster than some other dual-cabs we've driven at Lang Lang – while finding a natural rhythm around the demanding ride and handling circuit.
We didn't bother with the paddle shifters around the circuit, but they will come in handy for towing, because the Terron 9 holds the eight-speed auto's gear ratios and won't change up on you, even at the 4500rpm redline.
While it has a benchmark 3500kg braked tow rating – with a towbar included as standard equipment – and a substantial 1100kg payload, which give it all the tools to compete in the Australia's cut-throat ute knife-fight, the Terron 9 stands out as a dual-cab with excellent on-road composure and refinement.
Part of this comes from the single body-side panel, which is at odds with others – including the Ranger, HiLux and even LDV's own T60 – that have a tub separate to the body.
That body sits over a traditional ladder-frame chassis, which of course remains the preference for off-roaders, as does the Terron 9's load-bearing leaf-sprung rear suspension.
The integrated tub increases stiffness and translates to better road manners, backed by sharp electric steering and great handling and roadholding, making the Terron 9 truly SUV-like to drive.
It's tough to admit the PR messaging may be accurate, but it's difficult to argue with the well contained body roll, and minimal dive and squat under heavy braking and acceleration.
There are three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – and separate Standard, Sport and Comfort steering settings, but during our brief test we couldn't feel significant differences between them. More on that when we score a more extensive drive.
Adding 180kg of weight to the tray made no discernible impact from the driver's seat, too.
The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 265mm-wide Wanl Rangetour Plus highway tyres, and they work well with the accurate steering which has limited feel but is well weighted.
The Terron 9 has a comfortable yet pattery ride on pockmarked roads, taking the edge off bigger lumps and bumps on the surface below.
Yet the ride is compliant and the tyres remain well glued to the road, soaking up every bump and surface irregularity competently.
Changes of direction are accompanied by well managed body roll as the Terron 9 gets on its way with minimal fuss – even if it can take a little while to settle over mid-corner bumps in longer bends.
It's clear this is no rickety agricultural ute with added passenger car features, but a mature, properly executed dual-cab designed for daily driving.
That's no surprise given LDV commercial brand's Terron 9 is twinned with the MG U9 – which arrives later this year – and there are several dynamically capable MGs in Australian showrooms.
The cabin is well insulated from the outside – although there was noticeable wind noise – and given the good driving position and composure, this makes the LDV comfortable and easy to both drive and passenger in.
Front and rear vision is excellent and the clear digital instruments work well, while the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) weren't overly intrusive on our road loop, where the adaptive cruise control was effective and easy to operate.
At slower speeds, the standard 360-degree camera and just 2.75 steering turns lock-to-lock combines with light low-speed steering to make parking easy.
It might have civilised road manners, but the Terron 9 has full-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear-diff for hardcore off-road work, where the ADAS suite includes hill-descent control and hill-start assist.
We didn't get the chance to take the Terron 9 properly off-road, but while it can't match the Ford's 800mm water wading depth, its approach and departure angles of 29 and 25 degrees respectively give it competitive geometries – on paper at least – with both the Ranger and Cannon Alpha.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron is offered in two model grades, the Origin and Evolve, with additional equipment for the Evolve limited to larger alloy wheels and cabin upgrades.
Both have the same 2.5-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet, paired with an eight speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range ratios.
2025 LDV Terron 9 Origin equipment highlights:
The Evolve adds:
The Terron 9 does not yet have an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating, which will take it off the consideration list for some fleet buyers, but the vehicle will be rated later this year.
The LDV T60 was the first dual-cab ute in Australia to achieve a five-star safety rating back in 2017.The Terron 9's safety equipment comprises seven airbags including for the driver and front passenger, plus a front centre airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags covering the front and second rows.
Other ADAS functions include the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB), plus adaptive radar cruse, lane-keep assist, rear AEB with cross-traffic alert, and door opening warning.
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 has a seven-year, 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and comes with five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
There is currently no capped-price service program for the Terron 9, but we expect this to change.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron 9 is a great value, well-executed dual-cab 4×4 ute that offers more payload, tow caopacity and cabin space per dollar than most rivals. Despite its affordability, it doesn't feel cheap, thanks to well thought-out design details such as gas bonnet struts – something you won't see in any current Ranger.
There are minor compromises – such as the lack of a second-row armrest, wireless phone charging and, for the time being, an ANCAP rating to independently verify its safety credentials, although its extensive list of ADAS features and seven airbags should give it top marks.
We also haven't taken the LDV properly off the beaten track to see whether it can back up its on-road civility with bush-bashing brutishness.
But it has almost all of the equipment to give it solid off-road capability, so the Terron 9 should be on the shopping list for Australians looking for an affordable, well-equipped and comfortable dual-cab 4×4 ute.
Interested in buying a LDV Terron 9? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the LDV Terrain 9 showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The first ever LDV Terron 9 dual-cab 4×4 ute is bigger than a Ford Ranger, cheaper than a Toyota HiLux and will spawn a near-identical twin in the upcoming MG U9 – so should you wait for the MG or go for the Terron 9, which is now in showrooms?
Search for the meaning of 'Terron' and you'll find it's "a block of sun-dried sod used as a construction brick" according to Texas folklore, or a 'clod' or 'lump' in Spanish. It's also a boy's name for "the earthy kid with their feet firmly planted on the ground".
This makes sense for a completely new dual-cab ute from LDV, which is a potential building block for a bigger range and more customers in Australia's booming ute market.
It's positioned above the existing T60 dual-cab in the LDV lineup in terms of both size and price, bringing a larger, more sophisticated option to the Chinese brand's local showrooms, with value-for-money pricing starting at $50,990 drive-away for ABN=holding buyers of the entry-level Origin variant tested here.
Being bigger than the T60 means the Terron 9 is also larger than the top-selling Ranger/HiLux cohort – but not as big as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The Terron 9s' closest-sized competitor is the GWM Cannon Alpha, which starts at $52,990 drive-away.
For just over $50k on the road, the Terron 9 comes with the obligatory 3500kg towing capacity as well as a spacious five-seat cabin, full-time four-wheel drive and one of the most powerful turbo-diesel engines in its class.
LDV claims the Terron 9 doesn't drive like a truck, despite offering benchmark towing capability and boasting an 1100kg payload – so let's see if the claim is true and if its feet are indeed "firmly planted on the ground".
The Terron 9 is available in two model grades: the entry-level Origin we're testing here, and the mechanically identical Evolve flagship.
Introductory pricing for ABN holders takes $1000 off the prices listed below, meaning that for business buyers the Origin will initially cost $49,990 drive-away (nationally) and the Evolve will cost $54,990 drive-away.
The GWM Cannon Alpha is its closest rival in terms of size and price, with equivalent diesel 4×4 versions starting at $52,990 drive-away. The MG U9, due in Australia later this year, is essentially the same vehicle as the Terron 9 (LDV and MG are both part of Chinese auto giant SAIC), but MG Motor Australia is yet to announce pricing and equipment for its first ute.
For further context, the 2025 LDV T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Above all, one word encapsulates the five-seat Terron 9 cabin: spacious.
Sturdy side steps lead you into the driver's seat – with A-pillar mounted grab handles aiding access if needed – where you'll find more than ample hip, shoulder and headroom thanks to a long 3300m wheelbase.
The cabin makes the most of the larger dimensions compared to the dominant Ranger and HiLux dual-cabs, and it plays to that strength with light colours for the headliner and seats, as opposed to the more dirt-resistant yet dungeon-like dark colours in most dual-cabs.
This includes the power-adjustable driver's seat and the manual-only front passenger seat, both of which are covered in grey patterned cloth trim which would not look out of place in a passenger SUV.
The seat material is good overall but looks somewhat generic – especially when looking at the plain front seatbacks from the second row – appearing neither high-end nor hard-wearing. It's much nicer than hard plastic on the seatbacks, admittedly.
We have few other criticisms about the well thought-out interior.
The higher 'mezzanine' style rear bench seat peers down on the front seats, reducing the ample headroom marginally, but still offering loads of shoulder, hip and legroom, even behind taller drivers.
Adding further rear-seat comfort, the 60:40-split and folding rear seatbacks are nicely reclined, and while there's no centre armrest to speak of, there are air vents in the rear of the centre console along with USB and USB-C charging ports, seatback map pockets and generous rear door bins.
There are also four ISOFIX child seat mounting points, while the curtain airbags stretch to the second row, too.
Further back, the tub measures a generous 1600mm long, 1500mm wide (1230mm between the wheel-arches) and 535mm deep, and comes with a standard spray-in bed liner and four tie-down points.
It's a well-finished tub with a one-touch tray-edge button to activate a soft opening, preventing it from suddenly dropping, and we could literally close it with one finger.
Up front, the driver's seat offers good comfort and support – it's not too hard, and not too soft – and the dash and console features a smart layout with loads of stowage space and charming design elements.
These include silver metal-like details on the huge centre console, and a silhouette of the ute appearing proudly in the centre of the dash, adding a sense of character.
The centre console lacks wireless charging (for the time being) in two obvious spaces for smartphones, but the Terron 9 does have wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It's a bit odd, too, that the protruding shelf for phones is fixed and doesn't fold to access the space below it, where the 12V outlet and USB ports face the front of the car and will be challenging for some people to locate.
Smart silver metal details surround the centre console-mounted drive mode controller and air vents, bookending the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which has a crisp display.
There are also broad silver bows on the door trims, and integrated silver push-buttons to open the door in place of traditional door pulls – another feature traditionally found in higher-end vehicles, not a $50k ute.
There are more physical buttons on the dash, too, with a smart row of silver textured switches for key features (demister, hazard lights, etc), enabling instant access to them instead of them being buried in the 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
The multimedia screen's graphics are smart and feature simple, clean icons for the built-in sat-nav, tyre pressure monitor and displays for individual drive modes, plus a dedicated off-road screen, too.
The screen also provides clean, clear images from the 360-degree parking camera, and the column-mounted gear selector and indicator stalks feel sturdy enough for a bona-fide ute.
The two-spoke steering wheel, with its thick rim and leather trim, gives off a quality feel and has silver main buttons within piano black surrounds – underlining the positive impressions before you take the Terron 9 for a drive.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 lineup is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched as standard to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system, including a locking rear differential.
In terms of power and torque, it out-punches almost every four-cylinder rival – including equivalent Rangers and HiLuxes. The top-shelf HiLux GR Sport ($74,310 plus on-roads) is the only four-cylinder dual-cab to offer more, at 165kW/550Nm.
Official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, matching the smaller LDV T60 but with a larger 80-litre fuel tank.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 cabin promises a polished drive, and our first taste-test both on a test track and a brief road jaunt reveals a composed driving experience to match the upmarket cabin's livability.
After you hit the engine start button to fire up the Terron 9, selecting Drive from the six-speed auto requires a pull of the column-shifter – which we duly knocked into Neutral in the first few metres of driving.
We didn't do it again, however, before pushing the Terron 9 around the former GM Holden proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria.
The beefy 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel outpunches a Bi-Turbo Ranger's stats (154kW/500Nm) and feels appropriately grunty, working well with the eight-speed auto to deliver a relatively smooth powertrain – especially in this class of ute.
The strong torque output, which peaks from a low 1500rpm, gives it effortless pace, and we found ourselves driving much faster than expected – and faster than some other dual-cabs we've driven at Lang Lang – while finding a natural rhythm around the demanding ride and handling circuit.
We didn't bother with the paddle shifters around the circuit, but they will come in handy for towing, because the Terron 9 holds the eight-speed auto's gear ratios and won't change up on you, even at the 4500rpm redline.
While it has a benchmark 3500kg braked tow rating – with a towbar included as standard equipment – and a substantial 1100kg payload, which give it all the tools to compete in the Australia's cut-throat ute knife-fight, the Terron 9 stands out as a dual-cab with excellent on-road composure and refinement.
Part of this comes from the single body-side panel, which is at odds with others – including the Ranger, HiLux and even LDV's own T60 – that have a tub separate to the body.
That body sits over a traditional ladder-frame chassis, which of course remains the preference for off-roaders, as does the Terron 9's load-bearing leaf-sprung rear suspension.
The integrated tub increases stiffness and translates to better road manners, backed by sharp electric steering and great handling and roadholding, making the Terron 9 truly SUV-like to drive.
It's tough to admit the PR messaging may be accurate, but it's difficult to argue with the well contained body roll, and minimal dive and squat under heavy braking and acceleration.
There are three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – and separate Standard, Sport and Comfort steering settings, but during our brief test we couldn't feel significant differences between them. More on that when we score a more extensive drive.
Adding 180kg of weight to the tray made no discernible impact from the driver's seat, too.
The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 265mm-wide Wanl Rangetour Plus highway tyres, and they work well with the accurate steering which has limited feel but is well weighted.
The Terron 9 has a comfortable yet pattery ride on pockmarked roads, taking the edge off bigger lumps and bumps on the surface below.
Yet the ride is compliant and the tyres remain well glued to the road, soaking up every bump and surface irregularity competently.
Changes of direction are accompanied by well managed body roll as the Terron 9 gets on its way with minimal fuss – even if it can take a little while to settle over mid-corner bumps in longer bends.
It's clear this is no rickety agricultural ute with added passenger car features, but a mature, properly executed dual-cab designed for daily driving.
That's no surprise given LDV commercial brand's Terron 9 is twinned with the MG U9 – which arrives later this year – and there are several dynamically capable MGs in Australian showrooms.
The cabin is well insulated from the outside – although there was noticeable wind noise – and given the good driving position and composure, this makes the LDV comfortable and easy to both drive and passenger in.
Front and rear vision is excellent and the clear digital instruments work well, while the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) weren't overly intrusive on our road loop, where the adaptive cruise control was effective and easy to operate.
At slower speeds, the standard 360-degree camera and just 2.75 steering turns lock-to-lock combines with light low-speed steering to make parking easy.
It might have civilised road manners, but the Terron 9 has full-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear-diff for hardcore off-road work, where the ADAS suite includes hill-descent control and hill-start assist.
We didn't get the chance to take the Terron 9 properly off-road, but while it can't match the Ford's 800mm water wading depth, its approach and departure angles of 29 and 25 degrees respectively give it competitive geometries – on paper at least – with both the Ranger and Cannon Alpha.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron is offered in two model grades, the Origin and Evolve, with additional equipment for the Evolve limited to larger alloy wheels and cabin upgrades.
Both have the same 2.5-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet, paired with an eight speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range ratios.
2025 LDV Terron 9 Origin equipment highlights:
The Evolve adds:
The Terron 9 does not yet have an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating, which will take it off the consideration list for some fleet buyers, but the vehicle will be rated later this year.
The LDV T60 was the first dual-cab ute in Australia to achieve a five-star safety rating back in 2017.The Terron 9's safety equipment comprises seven airbags including for the driver and front passenger, plus a front centre airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags covering the front and second rows.
Other ADAS functions include the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB), plus adaptive radar cruse, lane-keep assist, rear AEB with cross-traffic alert, and door opening warning.
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 has a seven-year, 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and comes with five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
There is currently no capped-price service program for the Terron 9, but we expect this to change.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron 9 is a great value, well-executed dual-cab 4×4 ute that offers more payload, tow caopacity and cabin space per dollar than most rivals. Despite its affordability, it doesn't feel cheap, thanks to well thought-out design details such as gas bonnet struts – something you won't see in any current Ranger.
There are minor compromises – such as the lack of a second-row armrest, wireless phone charging and, for the time being, an ANCAP rating to independently verify its safety credentials, although its extensive list of ADAS features and seven airbags should give it top marks.
We also haven't taken the LDV properly off the beaten track to see whether it can back up its on-road civility with bush-bashing brutishness.
But it has almost all of the equipment to give it solid off-road capability, so the Terron 9 should be on the shopping list for Australians looking for an affordable, well-equipped and comfortable dual-cab 4×4 ute.
Interested in buying a LDV Terron 9? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the LDV Terrain 9 showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The first ever LDV Terron 9 dual-cab 4×4 ute is bigger than a Ford Ranger, cheaper than a Toyota HiLux and will spawn a near-identical twin in the upcoming MG U9 – so should you wait for the MG or go for the Terron 9, which is now in showrooms?
Search for the meaning of 'Terron' and you'll find it's "a block of sun-dried sod used as a construction brick" according to Texas folklore, or a 'clod' or 'lump' in Spanish. It's also a boy's name for "the earthy kid with their feet firmly planted on the ground".
This makes sense for a completely new dual-cab ute from LDV, which is a potential building block for a bigger range and more customers in Australia's booming ute market.
It's positioned above the existing T60 dual-cab in the LDV lineup in terms of both size and price, bringing a larger, more sophisticated option to the Chinese brand's local showrooms, with value-for-money pricing starting at $50,990 drive-away for ABN=holding buyers of the entry-level Origin variant tested here.
Being bigger than the T60 means the Terron 9 is also larger than the top-selling Ranger/HiLux cohort – but not as big as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The Terron 9s' closest-sized competitor is the GWM Cannon Alpha, which starts at $52,990 drive-away.
For just over $50k on the road, the Terron 9 comes with the obligatory 3500kg towing capacity as well as a spacious five-seat cabin, full-time four-wheel drive and one of the most powerful turbo-diesel engines in its class.
LDV claims the Terron 9 doesn't drive like a truck, despite offering benchmark towing capability and boasting an 1100kg payload – so let's see if the claim is true and if its feet are indeed "firmly planted on the ground".
The Terron 9 is available in two model grades: the entry-level Origin we're testing here, and the mechanically identical Evolve flagship.
Introductory pricing for ABN holders takes $1000 off the prices listed below, meaning that for business buyers the Origin will initially cost $49,990 drive-away (nationally) and the Evolve will cost $54,990 drive-away.
The GWM Cannon Alpha is its closest rival in terms of size and price, with equivalent diesel 4×4 versions starting at $52,990 drive-away. The MG U9, due in Australia later this year, is essentially the same vehicle as the Terron 9 (LDV and MG are both part of Chinese auto giant SAIC), but MG Motor Australia is yet to announce pricing and equipment for its first ute.
For further context, the 2025 LDV T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Above all, one word encapsulates the five-seat Terron 9 cabin: spacious.
Sturdy side steps lead you into the driver's seat – with A-pillar mounted grab handles aiding access if needed – where you'll find more than ample hip, shoulder and headroom thanks to a long 3300m wheelbase.
The cabin makes the most of the larger dimensions compared to the dominant Ranger and HiLux dual-cabs, and it plays to that strength with light colours for the headliner and seats, as opposed to the more dirt-resistant yet dungeon-like dark colours in most dual-cabs.
This includes the power-adjustable driver's seat and the manual-only front passenger seat, both of which are covered in grey patterned cloth trim which would not look out of place in a passenger SUV.
The seat material is good overall but looks somewhat generic – especially when looking at the plain front seatbacks from the second row – appearing neither high-end nor hard-wearing. It's much nicer than hard plastic on the seatbacks, admittedly.
We have few other criticisms about the well thought-out interior.
The higher 'mezzanine' style rear bench seat peers down on the front seats, reducing the ample headroom marginally, but still offering loads of shoulder, hip and legroom, even behind taller drivers.
Adding further rear-seat comfort, the 60:40-split and folding rear seatbacks are nicely reclined, and while there's no centre armrest to speak of, there are air vents in the rear of the centre console along with USB and USB-C charging ports, seatback map pockets and generous rear door bins.
There are also four ISOFIX child seat mounting points, while the curtain airbags stretch to the second row, too.
Further back, the tub measures a generous 1600mm long, 1500mm wide (1230mm between the wheel-arches) and 535mm deep, and comes with a standard spray-in bed liner and four tie-down points.
It's a well-finished tub with a one-touch tray-edge button to activate a soft opening, preventing it from suddenly dropping, and we could literally close it with one finger.
Up front, the driver's seat offers good comfort and support – it's not too hard, and not too soft – and the dash and console features a smart layout with loads of stowage space and charming design elements.
These include silver metal-like details on the huge centre console, and a silhouette of the ute appearing proudly in the centre of the dash, adding a sense of character.
The centre console lacks wireless charging (for the time being) in two obvious spaces for smartphones, but the Terron 9 does have wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It's a bit odd, too, that the protruding shelf for phones is fixed and doesn't fold to access the space below it, where the 12V outlet and USB ports face the front of the car and will be challenging for some people to locate.
Smart silver metal details surround the centre console-mounted drive mode controller and air vents, bookending the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which has a crisp display.
There are also broad silver bows on the door trims, and integrated silver push-buttons to open the door in place of traditional door pulls – another feature traditionally found in higher-end vehicles, not a $50k ute.
There are more physical buttons on the dash, too, with a smart row of silver textured switches for key features (demister, hazard lights, etc), enabling instant access to them instead of them being buried in the 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
The multimedia screen's graphics are smart and feature simple, clean icons for the built-in sat-nav, tyre pressure monitor and displays for individual drive modes, plus a dedicated off-road screen, too.
The screen also provides clean, clear images from the 360-degree parking camera, and the column-mounted gear selector and indicator stalks feel sturdy enough for a bona-fide ute.
The two-spoke steering wheel, with its thick rim and leather trim, gives off a quality feel and has silver main buttons within piano black surrounds – underlining the positive impressions before you take the Terron 9 for a drive.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 lineup is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched as standard to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system, including a locking rear differential.
In terms of power and torque, it out-punches almost every four-cylinder rival – including equivalent Rangers and HiLuxes. The top-shelf HiLux GR Sport ($74,310 plus on-roads) is the only four-cylinder dual-cab to offer more, at 165kW/550Nm.
Official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, matching the smaller LDV T60 but with a larger 80-litre fuel tank.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 cabin promises a polished drive, and our first taste-test both on a test track and a brief road jaunt reveals a composed driving experience to match the upmarket cabin's livability.
After you hit the engine start button to fire up the Terron 9, selecting Drive from the six-speed auto requires a pull of the column-shifter – which we duly knocked into Neutral in the first few metres of driving.
We didn't do it again, however, before pushing the Terron 9 around the former GM Holden proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria.
The beefy 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel outpunches a Bi-Turbo Ranger's stats (154kW/500Nm) and feels appropriately grunty, working well with the eight-speed auto to deliver a relatively smooth powertrain – especially in this class of ute.
The strong torque output, which peaks from a low 1500rpm, gives it effortless pace, and we found ourselves driving much faster than expected – and faster than some other dual-cabs we've driven at Lang Lang – while finding a natural rhythm around the demanding ride and handling circuit.
We didn't bother with the paddle shifters around the circuit, but they will come in handy for towing, because the Terron 9 holds the eight-speed auto's gear ratios and won't change up on you, even at the 4500rpm redline.
While it has a benchmark 3500kg braked tow rating – with a towbar included as standard equipment – and a substantial 1100kg payload, which give it all the tools to compete in the Australia's cut-throat ute knife-fight, the Terron 9 stands out as a dual-cab with excellent on-road composure and refinement.
Part of this comes from the single body-side panel, which is at odds with others – including the Ranger, HiLux and even LDV's own T60 – that have a tub separate to the body.
That body sits over a traditional ladder-frame chassis, which of course remains the preference for off-roaders, as does the Terron 9's load-bearing leaf-sprung rear suspension.
The integrated tub increases stiffness and translates to better road manners, backed by sharp electric steering and great handling and roadholding, making the Terron 9 truly SUV-like to drive.
It's tough to admit the PR messaging may be accurate, but it's difficult to argue with the well contained body roll, and minimal dive and squat under heavy braking and acceleration.
There are three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – and separate Standard, Sport and Comfort steering settings, but during our brief test we couldn't feel significant differences between them. More on that when we score a more extensive drive.
Adding 180kg of weight to the tray made no discernible impact from the driver's seat, too.
The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 265mm-wide Wanl Rangetour Plus highway tyres, and they work well with the accurate steering which has limited feel but is well weighted.
The Terron 9 has a comfortable yet pattery ride on pockmarked roads, taking the edge off bigger lumps and bumps on the surface below.
Yet the ride is compliant and the tyres remain well glued to the road, soaking up every bump and surface irregularity competently.
Changes of direction are accompanied by well managed body roll as the Terron 9 gets on its way with minimal fuss – even if it can take a little while to settle over mid-corner bumps in longer bends.
It's clear this is no rickety agricultural ute with added passenger car features, but a mature, properly executed dual-cab designed for daily driving.
That's no surprise given LDV commercial brand's Terron 9 is twinned with the MG U9 – which arrives later this year – and there are several dynamically capable MGs in Australian showrooms.
The cabin is well insulated from the outside – although there was noticeable wind noise – and given the good driving position and composure, this makes the LDV comfortable and easy to both drive and passenger in.
Front and rear vision is excellent and the clear digital instruments work well, while the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) weren't overly intrusive on our road loop, where the adaptive cruise control was effective and easy to operate.
At slower speeds, the standard 360-degree camera and just 2.75 steering turns lock-to-lock combines with light low-speed steering to make parking easy.
It might have civilised road manners, but the Terron 9 has full-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear-diff for hardcore off-road work, where the ADAS suite includes hill-descent control and hill-start assist.
We didn't get the chance to take the Terron 9 properly off-road, but while it can't match the Ford's 800mm water wading depth, its approach and departure angles of 29 and 25 degrees respectively give it competitive geometries – on paper at least – with both the Ranger and Cannon Alpha.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron is offered in two model grades, the Origin and Evolve, with additional equipment for the Evolve limited to larger alloy wheels and cabin upgrades.
Both have the same 2.5-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet, paired with an eight speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range ratios.
2025 LDV Terron 9 Origin equipment highlights:
The Evolve adds:
The Terron 9 does not yet have an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating, which will take it off the consideration list for some fleet buyers, but the vehicle will be rated later this year.
The LDV T60 was the first dual-cab ute in Australia to achieve a five-star safety rating back in 2017.The Terron 9's safety equipment comprises seven airbags including for the driver and front passenger, plus a front centre airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags covering the front and second rows.
Other ADAS functions include the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB), plus adaptive radar cruse, lane-keep assist, rear AEB with cross-traffic alert, and door opening warning.
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 has a seven-year, 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and comes with five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
There is currently no capped-price service program for the Terron 9, but we expect this to change.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron 9 is a great value, well-executed dual-cab 4×4 ute that offers more payload, tow caopacity and cabin space per dollar than most rivals. Despite its affordability, it doesn't feel cheap, thanks to well thought-out design details such as gas bonnet struts – something you won't see in any current Ranger.
There are minor compromises – such as the lack of a second-row armrest, wireless phone charging and, for the time being, an ANCAP rating to independently verify its safety credentials, although its extensive list of ADAS features and seven airbags should give it top marks.
We also haven't taken the LDV properly off the beaten track to see whether it can back up its on-road civility with bush-bashing brutishness.
But it has almost all of the equipment to give it solid off-road capability, so the Terron 9 should be on the shopping list for Australians looking for an affordable, well-equipped and comfortable dual-cab 4×4 ute.
Interested in buying a LDV Terron 9? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the LDV Terrain 9 showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The first ever LDV Terron 9 dual-cab 4×4 ute is bigger than a Ford Ranger, cheaper than a Toyota HiLux and will spawn a near-identical twin in the upcoming MG U9 – so should you wait for the MG or go for the Terron 9, which is now in showrooms?
Search for the meaning of 'Terron' and you'll find it's "a block of sun-dried sod used as a construction brick" according to Texas folklore, or a 'clod' or 'lump' in Spanish. It's also a boy's name for "the earthy kid with their feet firmly planted on the ground".
This makes sense for a completely new dual-cab ute from LDV, which is a potential building block for a bigger range and more customers in Australia's booming ute market.
It's positioned above the existing T60 dual-cab in the LDV lineup in terms of both size and price, bringing a larger, more sophisticated option to the Chinese brand's local showrooms, with value-for-money pricing starting at $50,990 drive-away for ABN=holding buyers of the entry-level Origin variant tested here.
Being bigger than the T60 means the Terron 9 is also larger than the top-selling Ranger/HiLux cohort – but not as big as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The Terron 9s' closest-sized competitor is the GWM Cannon Alpha, which starts at $52,990 drive-away.
For just over $50k on the road, the Terron 9 comes with the obligatory 3500kg towing capacity as well as a spacious five-seat cabin, full-time four-wheel drive and one of the most powerful turbo-diesel engines in its class.
LDV claims the Terron 9 doesn't drive like a truck, despite offering benchmark towing capability and boasting an 1100kg payload – so let's see if the claim is true and if its feet are indeed "firmly planted on the ground".
The Terron 9 is available in two model grades: the entry-level Origin we're testing here, and the mechanically identical Evolve flagship.
Introductory pricing for ABN holders takes $1000 off the prices listed below, meaning that for business buyers the Origin will initially cost $49,990 drive-away (nationally) and the Evolve will cost $54,990 drive-away.
The GWM Cannon Alpha is its closest rival in terms of size and price, with equivalent diesel 4×4 versions starting at $52,990 drive-away. The MG U9, due in Australia later this year, is essentially the same vehicle as the Terron 9 (LDV and MG are both part of Chinese auto giant SAIC), but MG Motor Australia is yet to announce pricing and equipment for its first ute.
For further context, the 2025 LDV T60 Max Plus lineup is currently being offered from $45,490 drive-away for ABN holders.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
Above all, one word encapsulates the five-seat Terron 9 cabin: spacious.
Sturdy side steps lead you into the driver's seat – with A-pillar mounted grab handles aiding access if needed – where you'll find more than ample hip, shoulder and headroom thanks to a long 3300m wheelbase.
The cabin makes the most of the larger dimensions compared to the dominant Ranger and HiLux dual-cabs, and it plays to that strength with light colours for the headliner and seats, as opposed to the more dirt-resistant yet dungeon-like dark colours in most dual-cabs.
This includes the power-adjustable driver's seat and the manual-only front passenger seat, both of which are covered in grey patterned cloth trim which would not look out of place in a passenger SUV.
The seat material is good overall but looks somewhat generic – especially when looking at the plain front seatbacks from the second row – appearing neither high-end nor hard-wearing. It's much nicer than hard plastic on the seatbacks, admittedly.
We have few other criticisms about the well thought-out interior.
The higher 'mezzanine' style rear bench seat peers down on the front seats, reducing the ample headroom marginally, but still offering loads of shoulder, hip and legroom, even behind taller drivers.
Adding further rear-seat comfort, the 60:40-split and folding rear seatbacks are nicely reclined, and while there's no centre armrest to speak of, there are air vents in the rear of the centre console along with USB and USB-C charging ports, seatback map pockets and generous rear door bins.
There are also four ISOFIX child seat mounting points, while the curtain airbags stretch to the second row, too.
Further back, the tub measures a generous 1600mm long, 1500mm wide (1230mm between the wheel-arches) and 535mm deep, and comes with a standard spray-in bed liner and four tie-down points.
It's a well-finished tub with a one-touch tray-edge button to activate a soft opening, preventing it from suddenly dropping, and we could literally close it with one finger.
Up front, the driver's seat offers good comfort and support – it's not too hard, and not too soft – and the dash and console features a smart layout with loads of stowage space and charming design elements.
These include silver metal-like details on the huge centre console, and a silhouette of the ute appearing proudly in the centre of the dash, adding a sense of character.
The centre console lacks wireless charging (for the time being) in two obvious spaces for smartphones, but the Terron 9 does have wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It's a bit odd, too, that the protruding shelf for phones is fixed and doesn't fold to access the space below it, where the 12V outlet and USB ports face the front of the car and will be challenging for some people to locate.
Smart silver metal details surround the centre console-mounted drive mode controller and air vents, bookending the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which has a crisp display.
There are also broad silver bows on the door trims, and integrated silver push-buttons to open the door in place of traditional door pulls – another feature traditionally found in higher-end vehicles, not a $50k ute.
There are more physical buttons on the dash, too, with a smart row of silver textured switches for key features (demister, hazard lights, etc), enabling instant access to them instead of them being buried in the 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
The multimedia screen's graphics are smart and feature simple, clean icons for the built-in sat-nav, tyre pressure monitor and displays for individual drive modes, plus a dedicated off-road screen, too.
The screen also provides clean, clear images from the 360-degree parking camera, and the column-mounted gear selector and indicator stalks feel sturdy enough for a bona-fide ute.
The two-spoke steering wheel, with its thick rim and leather trim, gives off a quality feel and has silver main buttons within piano black surrounds – underlining the positive impressions before you take the Terron 9 for a drive.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 lineup is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matched as standard to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system, including a locking rear differential.
In terms of power and torque, it out-punches almost every four-cylinder rival – including equivalent Rangers and HiLuxes. The top-shelf HiLux GR Sport ($74,310 plus on-roads) is the only four-cylinder dual-cab to offer more, at 165kW/550Nm.
Official combined fuel consumption is 7.9L/100km, matching the smaller LDV T60 but with a larger 80-litre fuel tank.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 cabin promises a polished drive, and our first taste-test both on a test track and a brief road jaunt reveals a composed driving experience to match the upmarket cabin's livability.
After you hit the engine start button to fire up the Terron 9, selecting Drive from the six-speed auto requires a pull of the column-shifter – which we duly knocked into Neutral in the first few metres of driving.
We didn't do it again, however, before pushing the Terron 9 around the former GM Holden proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria.
The beefy 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel outpunches a Bi-Turbo Ranger's stats (154kW/500Nm) and feels appropriately grunty, working well with the eight-speed auto to deliver a relatively smooth powertrain – especially in this class of ute.
The strong torque output, which peaks from a low 1500rpm, gives it effortless pace, and we found ourselves driving much faster than expected – and faster than some other dual-cabs we've driven at Lang Lang – while finding a natural rhythm around the demanding ride and handling circuit.
We didn't bother with the paddle shifters around the circuit, but they will come in handy for towing, because the Terron 9 holds the eight-speed auto's gear ratios and won't change up on you, even at the 4500rpm redline.
While it has a benchmark 3500kg braked tow rating – with a towbar included as standard equipment – and a substantial 1100kg payload, which give it all the tools to compete in the Australia's cut-throat ute knife-fight, the Terron 9 stands out as a dual-cab with excellent on-road composure and refinement.
Part of this comes from the single body-side panel, which is at odds with others – including the Ranger, HiLux and even LDV's own T60 – that have a tub separate to the body.
That body sits over a traditional ladder-frame chassis, which of course remains the preference for off-roaders, as does the Terron 9's load-bearing leaf-sprung rear suspension.
The integrated tub increases stiffness and translates to better road manners, backed by sharp electric steering and great handling and roadholding, making the Terron 9 truly SUV-like to drive.
It's tough to admit the PR messaging may be accurate, but it's difficult to argue with the well contained body roll, and minimal dive and squat under heavy braking and acceleration.
There are three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – and separate Standard, Sport and Comfort steering settings, but during our brief test we couldn't feel significant differences between them. More on that when we score a more extensive drive.
Adding 180kg of weight to the tray made no discernible impact from the driver's seat, too.
The standard 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 265mm-wide Wanl Rangetour Plus highway tyres, and they work well with the accurate steering which has limited feel but is well weighted.
The Terron 9 has a comfortable yet pattery ride on pockmarked roads, taking the edge off bigger lumps and bumps on the surface below.
Yet the ride is compliant and the tyres remain well glued to the road, soaking up every bump and surface irregularity competently.
Changes of direction are accompanied by well managed body roll as the Terron 9 gets on its way with minimal fuss – even if it can take a little while to settle over mid-corner bumps in longer bends.
It's clear this is no rickety agricultural ute with added passenger car features, but a mature, properly executed dual-cab designed for daily driving.
That's no surprise given LDV commercial brand's Terron 9 is twinned with the MG U9 – which arrives later this year – and there are several dynamically capable MGs in Australian showrooms.
The cabin is well insulated from the outside – although there was noticeable wind noise – and given the good driving position and composure, this makes the LDV comfortable and easy to both drive and passenger in.
Front and rear vision is excellent and the clear digital instruments work well, while the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) weren't overly intrusive on our road loop, where the adaptive cruise control was effective and easy to operate.
At slower speeds, the standard 360-degree camera and just 2.75 steering turns lock-to-lock combines with light low-speed steering to make parking easy.
It might have civilised road manners, but the Terron 9 has full-time four-wheel drive and a locking rear-diff for hardcore off-road work, where the ADAS suite includes hill-descent control and hill-start assist.
We didn't get the chance to take the Terron 9 properly off-road, but while it can't match the Ford's 800mm water wading depth, its approach and departure angles of 29 and 25 degrees respectively give it competitive geometries – on paper at least – with both the Ranger and Cannon Alpha.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron is offered in two model grades, the Origin and Evolve, with additional equipment for the Evolve limited to larger alloy wheels and cabin upgrades.
Both have the same 2.5-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet, paired with an eight speed automatic and a full-time four-wheel drive system with low-range ratios.
2025 LDV Terron 9 Origin equipment highlights:
The Evolve adds:
The Terron 9 does not yet have an ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating, which will take it off the consideration list for some fleet buyers, but the vehicle will be rated later this year.
The LDV T60 was the first dual-cab ute in Australia to achieve a five-star safety rating back in 2017.The Terron 9's safety equipment comprises seven airbags including for the driver and front passenger, plus a front centre airbag, front side airbags, and curtain airbags covering the front and second rows.
Other ADAS functions include the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB), plus adaptive radar cruse, lane-keep assist, rear AEB with cross-traffic alert, and door opening warning.
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The Terron 9 has a seven-year, 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and comes with five years of 24/7 roadside assistance.
There is currently no capped-price service program for the Terron 9, but we expect this to change.
To see how the LDV Terron 9 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool
The LDV Terron 9 is a great value, well-executed dual-cab 4×4 ute that offers more payload, tow caopacity and cabin space per dollar than most rivals. Despite its affordability, it doesn't feel cheap, thanks to well thought-out design details such as gas bonnet struts – something you won't see in any current Ranger.
There are minor compromises – such as the lack of a second-row armrest, wireless phone charging and, for the time being, an ANCAP rating to independently verify its safety credentials, although its extensive list of ADAS features and seven airbags should give it top marks.
We also haven't taken the LDV properly off the beaten track to see whether it can back up its on-road civility with bush-bashing brutishness.
But it has almost all of the equipment to give it solid off-road capability, so the Terron 9 should be on the shopping list for Australians looking for an affordable, well-equipped and comfortable dual-cab 4×4 ute.
Interested in buying a LDV Terron 9? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the LDV Terrain 9 showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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2025 MG IM5: Quick drive
2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

Perth Now

time7 hours ago

  • Perth Now

2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 'Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?' you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Automatic LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors Electronic park brake with auto hold Semi-autonomous parking assist Hands-free power tailgate Proximity entry and start Panoramic glass roof Rear privacy glass 26.3-inch touchscreen 10.5-inch touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB digital radio Leatherette upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Heated rear seats 12-way power driver's seat 6-way power passenger seat 60:40 split/fold rear seats with adjustable backrest 3 x ISOFIX child-seat anchor points 256-colour ambient lighting 50W ventilated wireless phone charger 20-speaker sound system Road Noise Control 3 x USB-C outlets (2 x front, 1 x rear) Dual-zone climate control Heat pump The Platinum RWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels Hankook iOn high-performance EV tyres The Performance AWD adds: The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention monitoring Lane-keep assist Emergency lane-keep assist Intelligent Lane Change Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Front and rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Tyre pressure monitoring Front, side and curtain airbags Far-side airbag Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. 2025 MG IM5: Quick drive Credit: CarExpert CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great deal. MORE: Explore the MG IM5 showroom Impressive performance for the price Slick technology Long list of standard equipment Physical switchgear almost non-existent Styling may polarise Not as spacious as its dimensions suggest

2025 MG IM5: Quick drive
2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

7NEWS

time7 hours ago

  • 7NEWS

2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. How much does the MG IM5 cost? Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What is the MG IM5 like on the inside? If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. 'Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?' you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool How does the MG IM5 drive? I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. What do you get? There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Tyre repair kit Automatic LED headlights Rain-sensing wipers Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors Electronic park brake with auto hold Semi-autonomous parking assist Hands-free power tailgate Proximity entry and start Panoramic glass roof Rear privacy glass 26.3-inch touchscreen 10.5-inch touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB digital radio Leatherette upholstery Heated and ventilated front seats Heated rear seats 12-way power driver's seat 6-way power passenger seat 60:40 split/fold rear seats with adjustable backrest 3 x ISOFIX child-seat anchor points 256-colour ambient lighting 50W ventilated wireless phone charger 20-speaker sound system Road Noise Control 3 x USB-C outlets (2 x front, 1 x rear) Dual-zone climate control Heat pump The Platinum RWD adds: 20-inch alloy wheels Hankook iOn high-performance EV tyres The Performance AWD adds: Pirelli P Zero tyres Is the MG IM5 safe? The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Adaptive cruise control Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention monitoring Lane-keep assist Emergency lane-keep assist Intelligent Lane Change Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Front and rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Tyre pressure monitoring Front, side and curtain airbags Far-side airbag Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. How much does the MG IM5 cost to run? MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the MG IM5 The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great deal. Pros Impressive performance for the price Slick technology Long list of standard equipment Cons Physical switchgear almost non-existent Styling may polarise Not as spacious as its dimensions suggest

2025 MG IM5: Quick drive
2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

The Advertiser

time8 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

2025 MG IM5: Quick drive

MG IM5 Pros MG IM5 Cons The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. "Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?" you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: The Platinum RWD adds: The Performance AWD adds: The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great Explore the MG IM5 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG IM5 Pros MG IM5 Cons The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. "Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?" you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: The Platinum RWD adds: The Performance AWD adds: The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great Explore the MG IM5 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG IM5 Pros MG IM5 Cons The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. "Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?" you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: The Platinum RWD adds: The Performance AWD adds: The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great Explore the MG IM5 showroom Content originally sourced from: MG IM5 Pros MG IM5 Cons The MG IM5 may have an MG Motor badge on its tailgate, but this is no ordinary MG. Parent company SAIC Motor established IM Motors in 2020, in a joint venture with Alibaba and ZJ Hi Tech. IM Motors is SAIC Motor's premium electric vehicle (EV) brand, targeting the likes of Zeekr. Like that formerly EV-only brand, it's also venturing into combustion-powered territory back home in China – it's launching its first extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which feature a petrol engine as a generator. But the debut IM models for Australia are all-electric: the MG IM5 liftback, known in China as the IM L6; and the MG IM6 SUV, known in China as the IM LS6. We had the opportunity to test out the technology of the IM5 at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, though we didn't get to drive the vehicle on regular roads. Fortunately, we also secured a drive of the IM6 prior to launch, allowing us to test it on actual roads. You can read that review here. Unusually, MG has chosen to price the IM5 and IM6 identically – something that's sure to skew the sales ratio even more in favour of the IM6, we imagine, given our SUV-hungry market. The IM5's two most obvious rivals are the (admittedly smaller) BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The BYD is priced between $46,990 and $61,990 before on-road costs, while the Tesla is priced between $54,900 and $80,900 before on-roads. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool If the exterior is curvy, the interior takes it to another level. There's a very soft, organic look to the cabin, with nary a straight line to be seen – even the stitching details on the dashboard look wavy. This is supported by lots of softly padded surfaces, including the dash, doors and sides of the centre console. It's like sitting in a big leatherette marshmallow and for those who like a more traditional, rectilinear look inside, it's a bit much. A Highland Grey interior colour way is standard, though Dover Beige is a $990 option. This lightens up the interior even more, though we're concerned about how susceptible it may be to dirt – particularly the trim on the centre console. The cabin is already bathed with light thanks to the expansive fixed glass roof. The company claims this has a double silver layer that results in 99 per cent ultraviolet rejection and 79 per cent infrared rejection. The tinting is quite dark, but an accessory sunshade is still available. It was a rainy day at the event, so it's hard to tell how the roof will cope with bright sunshine. Go ahead and check out that interior image and try and find a button inside the IM5's interior. I'll wait. In true modern Chinese (or Tesla) fashion, buttons have been discarded like relics. There are two touchscreens and if you don't want to use those, there's a voice assistant. The steering wheel has a pair of slide wheels but lacks the traditional array of switchgear you'll find in most cars. There's no climate control array, though some shortcuts for HVAC settings are anchored to the bottom of the lower screen. Technically, there are a handful of buttons – the door handles, for example, have been replaced with buttons. But even things like controlling the direction of airflow through the front vents must be done through a touchscreen. Tesla fans, among others, will have no issue, but a lot of consumers will find this confounding – can't a handle be a handle, and a button be a physical button? It all worked fine in a parking-lot tech demo, but I'll be keen to get one of these out in the real world to see if this buttonless strategy works. "Alright, so there are no buttons. There's no cassette player either, grandpa, so tell us how the tech works?" you may well ask. Quite well, is the answer. The upper screen, which incorporates a traditional touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, features an app menu and camera views as you'd expect as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower screen features a menu of apps as well, plus functions like the climate control and parking systems. The interfaces look crisp and modern, and swipe shortcuts. There's so much to pore over in these screens, but we had limited time in which to explore. There's also iSmart connectivity, allowing you to access vehicle information and control certain features like the climate control via a smartphone app. Everything feels well screwed together, and the doors close with a solid thunk even though the glass is frameless. The IM5's seats are cushy and comfortable, and feature heating, ventilation and power adjustment up front. They're not finished in leather, however, with leatherette the only upholstery available across the lineup. Storage includes bottle holders in the doors, a centre console bin, and a handy shelf under the centre console that you could use for a handbag. For such a large vehicle, though, space efficiency is so-so. The IM5 has a 2950mm long wheelbase, but rear seat accommodation is somewhat compromised. With the front seats lowered to a comfortable position, toe room in the rear is significantly impacted and it feels a bit squeezy. Headroom, however, is quite good for someone around 180cm or tall, despite the rakish roofline. You'll find rear air vents and map pockets plus a single USB-C outlet and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Oddly, we couldn't find any heated seat controls, despite this feature being standard. The rear bench also splits and folds 60/40, and has an adjustable backrest. If you like the design of the IM5's interior but want more space, the IM6 has a virtually identical interior and an identical price tag. We can see a lot of buyers being tempted. The IM5's sedan-like styling conceals a hatchback-style tailgate, but don't go thinking this is a huge load-lugger. Open the tailgate – the button is concealed as part of the IM logo – and you'll find a load bay that's surprisingly narrow. MG claims cargo space of 457 litres, expanding to 1290L with the rear seats folded. There's also an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Well, technically, there's an 18L storage compartment under the bonnet. But don't take that heading literally, and you're looking at a choice of three powertrain configurations. The base IM5 Premium RWD uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a 400V electrical architecture, resulting in slower charging speeds than the others which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery and an 800V electrical architecture. MG quotes 20 minutes to charge the IM5 Premium RWD from 30 to 80 per cent using a DC fast-charger, against 15.2 minutes for the Platinum and Performance variants. All IM5s feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, with a maximum output of 6.6kW. MG doesn't quote total system power and torque outputs for the flagship Performance AWD, which is the only variant with two electric motors. It's also the only variant with standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping, though you can option air springs on the Platinum. All IM5s feature four-wheel steering and four-piston front brake calipers from Continental with ventilated discs at all four wheels. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool I'd love to tell you how it drives, but that will need to wait until we get one through the garage. I sure can tell you how it parks, though. Our driving experience was limited to one loop around a boat terminal, which wasn't enough to get much of a feeling for the IM5's ride quality or handling. The steering in Comfort mode is light but not completely vacant. There are selectable drive modes, allowing you to adjust aspects of the drive like the steering and throttle response. All IM5s ride on double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, but the flagship Performance also features standard air suspension and Continuously Controlled Damping. Typically, if you want a sedan with air suspension you're looking at spending well over $100,000 for something with a three-pointed star on the grille, so it's great to see this technology at a more accessible price point. We also got to experience the brutal acceleration of the Performance, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Sadly, this was with somebody else behind the wheel, but the IM5 rocked me back in the softly padded passenger seat and, while I could hear the tyres scrambling for grip on the wet pavement, the electric liftback tracked straight. Double-layered glass is used for all the windows for sound insulation. And if this thicker glass doesn't cut out sound enough for you, there's a standard (unbranded) 20-speaker sound system including four 'sky speakers' mounted up higher, as well as active noise cancellation. We're keen to take this car to a poorly surfaced road with a high speed limit and see how all of this works in cutting out sound, but in low-speed driving the IM5 was hushed. Our tech demo involved five stages in a rainy parking lot, allowing us to test the vehicle's AI Chauffeur technology and check out all its cameras, which are impressively high-resolution. Semi-autonomous parking assist technology is nothing new, but the IM5's is some of the best we've experienced. Some systems can be slow and dim-witted when it comes to detecting parking spots, but the IM5 identifies spots quickly. In one demonstration, we had to use the system to reverse into a spot on the right-hand side of a 'street' that had vehicles parked on the other side. Each time, the vehicle got unnervingly close to a vehicle on the left-hand side, but manoeuvred into position with no sweat – well, at least not from the vehicle. There's also a one-touch pull-out function to help get you out of a spot, and the IM5 can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking. What's more unique and impressive is the reverse tracking function, which allows you to press a button and have the vehicle reverse back for the last 100m – handy if you accidentally drove down a tight alley and lack the confidence to make your way back. One function that is impressive but has less of an obvious practical use is the IM5's ability to use its four-wheel steering to crab. No, it won't throw a pot into the water to catch crustaceans, but it will turn all four wheels in the same direction at the same time at speeds under 18km/h. This function is accessible by entering the Driving menu on the lower screen and pressing a button that's supposed to look like a crab. The car then gives you a dynamic checklist of criteria that need to be met before crab mode can work. As you turn the wheel, it shows you the angle of your wheels on the upper screen. Don't move the wheel too much, and you'll feel the car crab across the road. It's unusual, and especially disconcerting when you're reversing – you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction from which you'd normally do. The four-wheel steering has a more obvious practical benefit in that it gives this car a turning radius of just 4.99m, something that the company says makes it as manoeuvrable as a small hatchback. And indeed, even in a limited demonstration we could see how nimble this big car was in tight quarters. There's up to 12 degrees of rear wheel steering. It might be easy to steer, but the IM5 isn't easy to see out the back of. The rear window is more like an ovoid porthole, and there's no digital rear-view mirror – baffling for such a tech-rich car in 2025. You can touch one of the wheel toggles to provide a camera view on the touchscreen, but this isn't good enough. But all is not lost for the IM5 in the visibility stakes, as despite missing out on a digital rear-view mirror it has something no rivals can match: Rainy Night Mode. This projects camera footage on the upper screen that has been enhanced and reprocessed to be made clearer, making it handy if, for example, your windows are fogged up. Sadly, we didn't get an opportunity to test this because it was daytime, but it's an intriguing idea. There are three variants in the MG IM5 lineup. 2025 MG IM5 Premium RWD equipment highlights: The Platinum RWD adds: The Performance AWD adds: The IM5 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment across the range includes: Its suite of active safety and driver assist technology is powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors, nine high-definition cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, one positioning unit and one inertial measurement unit. MG's IM models are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, though if you don't service within MG's network this drops down to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (or five years/160,000km if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes). The battery warranty is eight years, 160,000km no matter how you use it. The air suspension and four-wheel steering systems are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. There's a capped-price servicing program that spans five years/100,000km, with servicing required every 12 months or 20,000km. To see how the MG IM5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The IM5 is an intriguing addition to the local EV market. Most buyers will go for the IM5's sibling, the IM6 SUV. That's fine, but for those of us who prefer a traditional sedan or liftback, the IM5 offers a compelling alternative to similarly sized petrol and hybrid vehicles. The exterior is more attractive than the IM6, though the interior is almost identically styled (ie: polarising) even if it has inferior packaging. But that rear hatch arguably makes the IM5 more versatile than the rival Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal sedans, even if the load bay is rather skinny. And unlike the Tesla, you get a proper digital instrument cluster. We still have a lot of questions about the driving experience. How does it handle? Are the driver-assist features well-calibrated, or will they drive you apoplectic with rage? How is energy efficiency and range in real-life driving? All those questions couldn't be answered in a parking lot demonstration. What we did learn, however, is that the IM5 has some clever technology, a distinctive interior, and sharp pricing. On a spec sheet, it looks fabulous. But we need to get one through our garage to see how it fares in the real world. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new MG IM5. Click here to get a great Explore the MG IM5 showroom Content originally sourced from:

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