Your Definitive Guide to the new MG IM5 Electric Car Lease

The MG IM5 electric Car Lease - Your Definitive Guide

The big news over the last 2 - 3 weeks in the electric car industry is the re-emergence of a financial grant provided by the Government to certain manufacturers. Unlike the original, and generous, electric grants afforded to brands back when EVs first started to be sold in the UK, the latest update is subject to specific conditions and criteria. 

As we have recently covered in e-car lease, there are still only a few vehicles within the UK car market which benefit from this new support. To be clear, the level of grant is now more conservative with Band 1 vehicles set at £3750 and Band 2 vehicles set at £1500. As at today (11 August 2025) there are still no confirmed Band 1 vehicles.

While many have debated the effectiveness and compatibility of the ECG for the UK, the fact is that it will be here until around 2027-2028, when the envisaged £650 million subsidy will end. But price and affordability aside, there are still other quandaries facing our industry development - speed of charge is just one of these metrics.

Do all EVs charge at the same rate?

As we move through 2025, the increasing quality of new EVs being produced is highlighting a clear divide between the charging capabilities of different cars. For many customers, the move into battery tech can be daunting, and even overwhelming, which is perhaps why this can sometimes be missed.

However, understanding your new car, like the upcoming MG IM5, is incredibly important as this will dictate your experience.  This is why car manufacturers, dealerships, leasing brokers and used car forecourts need to do better in how they convey their information to a potential driver.

Here at e-car lease, every quotation is accompanied by a simple document, the EVC™, which succinctly presents everything you need to know about your purported choice. Within this document is an analysis of the charging which we show as AC and DC.

Introducing the new MG IM5 Electric Car Lease

The DC, or direct current, is at the heart of this topic. Using our car in focus, the MG IM5, the Long Range and Performance are capable of 369kW DC. For a beginner, the obvious question is what does this really mean? The number shown in DC effectively relates to the UK's rapid and ultra-rapid network.

Our charge point location partners, Zap Map, define a rapid charger as 50kW - 149kW DC and ultra-rapid as anything over 150kW DC. While historically, many of the chargers were capable of around 50kW, this soon became outdated as car manufacturers began to innovate better batteries which can operate much more efficiently.

The bigger the DC shown on your car, the more charge your vehicle can draw in a quicker time period. However, the ability of your vehicle also has to be understood in context of the charger you use.

For example, the MG IM5 may be able to achieve a peak of 369kW, but this is contingent on your MG being connected to a charger which is able to provide this charge. At July 2025 the UK recorded some 17,000 devices in around 6,500 locations. The responsibility is therefore on the driver connecting their vehicle to the most suitable charger. For example, if you connect the IM5 to the chargers below, you would experience the following sessions going from 10-80%:

• 50kW - 85 minutes; 
• 150kW - 33 minutes; and

• 350kW - 18 minutes.

The fact that the IM5 can "peak" at 369kW is fundamentally an incredible facet. The argument against moving into a BEV is that the fuelling sessions are not on parity. Drivers at a petrol station would normally experience a 10 - 15 minute obligation and this could not be replicated with some historic batteries i.e. sub 100kW DC capability.

However as we see more EVs like the IM5, this belief now does not hold any weight. But a driver needs to understand this. Zap Map will help you in this matter, by allowing you to input your vehicle details, so that the app will highlight more suitable charging infrastructure.

However, a simple understanding by the customer, which can be achieved through innovations like the EVC™ which e-car lease adopt, does go a long way. And with the UK Government equally committing to improving charging infrastructure throughout the UK, this is an area which will improve in-line with the car and van, manufacturers.    

The new MG IM5 is described as the most technologically advanced saloon which is combining driving acumen, performance and exquisite design. This is very much a “state-of-art” vehicle, which will see the MG motor group move into an entirely new segment. With many years of EV experience, achieved via the MG4, MG5 and MGS5, the team are now pushing a more futuristic and prolific liftback saloon

Some of the key aspects include the one touch iAD system for the driver, which is a driver-focused screen capable of helping you do things like park the vehicle. The screen can park, pull out, reverse and kerbside park from a touch of a button. The Advanced Driver Assist on the vehicle includes cameras, radars and sensors, to ensure a safe and secure journey.

Even a rainy night mode exists to improve visibility for the driver and for any other cars or pedestrians in the surroundings. The IM5 is anything but a boring vehicle, with significant power, high-performance brakes with the Intelligent Comfort Stop and key aspects like the ultra-tight turning capability and advanced skid prevention. Between immersive screens, including the 26.3” immersive touchscreen, 10.5” central vertical display, 20-speaker sublime sound and ultra-soft leather, optimal comfort is guaranteed from the MG engineering team.                 

All the cars will include the same options it is just a case of choosing the right battery. Key specification includes the adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent speed limit assist.

One Touch iAD, LED headlights, privacy glass, front/rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable / heated / power-folding door mirrors, automatic flush door handles, 19” aero alloys, ventilated disc brakes, alarm, immobiliser, rainy night mode, emergency brake assist, leather seats, 12-way adjustable driver seat with lumbar support and seat memory, 6-way adjustable driver seat, climate control, heat pump, thermal insulated panoramic glassroof, 256-colour ambient lighting.

V2L charging, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power tailgate ,keyless entry, climatised armrest storage, 20 speak audio system 26.3” HD immersive infotainment, 10.5” HD central screen, navigation, ventilated wireless mobile phone charger ad the 360 degree camera with transparent chassis. The key colours include Artic White, Rembrandt Grey, Nevis Blue and Black Pearl. Interior options include the grey or the white. Head to the MG brand website to build it yourself.

In terms of battery options on the IM5 choose between: 

• Standard Range - from £39,450 with a usable battery of 73.5 kWh this RWD Saloon offers 217 kW (291hp), top speeds of 124 mph and 0-62 times of 6.8 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 215 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 295 miles (on a full charge) - 255 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 8 hours with the 150kW DC enabling 10-80% in 27 minutes. The IM5 has confirmed Bidirectional charging - V2L functionality. It has a 140 mpg equivalent, 457L cargo volume (1290L with the seats down) and towing capabilities are yet to be confirmed. The heat pump is available as a standard option;

• Long Range - from £44,995 with a usable battery of 96.5 kWh this RWD Saloon offers 300 kW (402hp), top speeds of 137 mph and 0-62 times of 4.9 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 295 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 410 miles (on a full charge) - 355 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 10 hours and 30 minutes with the 369kW DC enabling 10-80% in 17 minutes. The IM5 has confirmed Bidirectional charging - V2L functionality.. It has a 149 mpg equivalent, 457L cargo volume (1290L with the seats down) and towing capabilities are yet to be confirmed. The heat pump is available as a standard option; and

• Performance - from £48,495 with a usable battery of 96.5 kWh this AWD Saloon offers 553 kW (742hp), top speeds of 168 mph and 0-62 times of 3.2 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 265 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 360 miles (on a full charge) - 315 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 10 hours and 30 minutes with the 369kW DC enabling 10-80% in 17 minutes. The IM5 has confirmed Bidirectional charging - V2L functionality. It has a 132 mpg equivalent, 457L cargo volume (1290L with the seats down) and towing capabilities are yet to be confirmed. The heat pump is available as a standard option.

Need more help and advice on your new MG IM5 for 2025?

Head to the brand website to build your perfect option via our MG deals section or just get in touch with our expert team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]