The New Zealand new car market is getting another new jolt of electric excitement, but this time it’s coming from a familiar family. MG New Zealand has officially pulled the covers off its new, premium stablemate, IM Motors. Short for “Intelligent Motion,” the brand is making its Kiwi debut under the MG umbrella, promising a new level of technology, luxury, and dynamic performance, all set to be showcased in its launch model, the IM6 sedan-styled crossover SUV.
The brand is a relative newcomer, established in 2020 as a high-tech venture between automotive giant SAIC (the parent company of MG) and e-commerce and technology behemoth, Alibaba. This partnership is crucial. It represents a fusion of over four decades of SAIC’s hardware engineering and vehicle development prowess with Alibaba’s world-leading expertise in software, intelligent algorithms, and internet connectivity. The goal? To create a vehicle where hardware and software are not just connected, but seamlessly and intelligently integrated from the ground up.
This isn’t just a two-company show, either. IM has enlisted a “who’s who” of strategic partners, including Bosch, Continental, and CATL, the world’s largest battery supplier to name but a few. It’s a clear statement of intent, IM is here to play at the premium end of the market, and it’s bringing the best tech it can find to the party. The brand has already launched in Australia and will now be available through MG’s 20-strong dealership network across New Zealand.
Leading the charge into New Zealand is the IM6, a large and sleek sedan-styled crossover. Measuring over 4.9 metres long, its design prioritises a spacious and airy cabin, but its most impressive features aren’t immediately visible. While it possesses all the handsome static features and aesthetic appeal you’d expect from a modern premium vehicle, its real “secret weapon” lies beneath the skin – the Digital Chassis.
Think of it as the vehicle’s central nervous system. In most conventional cars, systems like steering, braking, suspension, and stability control (ESP) operate as individual units that communicate with each other, creating a slight but perceptible delay. The IM6, however, features a centralised “motion control module”, a domain controller that acts as the vehicle’s cerebrum. It integrates all these chassis systems into one cohesive unit.
The result is millisecond-level precise control over the car’s every move. This unified system doesn’t just react; it anticipates and orchestrates. According to IM, this redefines what’s possible, delivering a trifecta of benefits: next-level agility, enhanced comfort, and superior safety. It’s a drive, (they claim) that you’ve always dreamed of.
One of the most tangible benefits of this advanced chassis is something you’ll appreciate in the tightest of spaces, a four-wheel steering system. While not a new concept in the automotive world, IM proudly states that the IM6 is the only vehicle in New Zealand offering this feature for under NZ$100,000.
At low speeds, this system works wonders for manoeuvrability. By turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front, it dramatically shrinks the car’s turning circle. A demonstration video showcased the IM6, a large vehicle, executing a U-turn with the grace and radius of a small city car, handily out-manoeuvring a bunch of similarly sized SUVs. For Kiwi drivers navigating narrow city streets or cramped parking buildings, this feature alone could be a game-changer.
But the benefits aren’t limited to parking. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front making for a more secure and competent drive and it’ll also “crab” sideways, I’ll leave you to decide if this is something you want your car to do or not.
The Digital Chassis’s intelligence extends directly to ride comfort through an advanced air suspension system coupled with Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This isn’t just a simple “soft” or “firm” setting; it’s a dynamic system with two active and three passive levels of adjustment.
From an active standpoint, the driver can manually raise the car by 20mm for extra ground clearance (perfect getting in and out, for steep driveways or navigating rougher terrain). And when you’ve finished the grocery run, you can lower the rear suspension by 50mm while static, making it easier to load heavy items into the boot.
Passively, the system is always working. At high speeds, the vehicle automatically hunkers down, lowering its centre of gravity upto 30mm for better stability. This also reduces the car’s frontal area, which in turn minimises wind resistance and cabin noise. The most impressive party trick, however, might be the “Intelligent Comfort Stop” function. The system actively counteracts the forward pitching or “nodding” motion that occurs during braking, creating a remarkably serene and smooth stop. It’s the kind of subtle but deeply impressive feature that keeps your passengers comfortable and your coffee in its cupA vehicle’s ultimate measure of high-speed stability and evasive capability is often judged by the infamous “Elk Test” (or Moose Test). This gruelling manoeuvre simulates swerving to avoid an obstacle on the road and then immediately switching to the next lane, all at high speed. A higher successful entry speed indicates superior vehicle dynamics and control.
Options
The IM6 is launching with 3 options, ‘Premium’ with 75kWh LFP Battery (good for 450km range WLTP), 217kW of power, 450Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds – all for $66,900. Platinum, arguably the sweet spot, with 100kWh NCM Battery (good for 555km range WLTP), 300kW of power, 500Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds – $77,900. And ‘Performance’ with 100kWh NCM Battery (good for 505km range WLTP), 200/372kW (F/R) of power, 302/500Nm (F/R) of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds – $89,900.
In terms of distance, our drive was less impressive than the IM6’s list of features, we basically went from downtown Auckland, over the bridge and back. However, we did test the acceleration (gotta love the on-ramp lights), which certainly felt like a sub 4s stomach-churner. The Adaptive Cruise Control was simple to use and worked well and so too was the IM6’s tight U-turn circle and parking aids. The cabin is minimalistic, quiet and spacious too, with massage features and a most excellent audio system. Rest assured, I’ve put in for a follow up drive.
IM is making some bold claims. It’s not just launching a new car; it’s promising a redefinition of the driving experience itself. With the IM6, the brand is packaging a suite of high-end technologies (a centralised digital brain, four-wheel steering, and intelligent air suspension) into a premium vehicle that aims to be surprisingly accessible. Added to this, Agile handling, good range and advanced safety (with the likes of side slip stability control that’s 80% better that regular traction control), and you have “Intelligent Motion” for a respectable price.
