Head-to-head
MG ZS EV vs MG IM5
At $33,990 the MG ZS EV undercuts the MG IM5 by $27,000 (44%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · SUV
MG ZS EV
Once the cheapest EV in Australia, the ZS EV remains a competitive small SUV option with the same 10-year warranty backing as the MG4 hatch.
- From
- $33,990
- Range
- 320 km
- Battery
- 51 kWh
Option B · Sedan
MG IM5
MG's premium IM sub-brand launches in Australia with the IM5 sedan — a Tesla Model 3 rival with 75 kWh and 100 kWh battery options, 655 km WLTP range, and sub-5-second 0-100 in dual-motor trim.
- From
- $60,990
- Range
- 655 km
- Battery
- 75 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the MG ZS EV and MG IM5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 goes 335 km further on a charge (655 vs 320 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 carries a 24.0 kWh larger battery (75 vs 51 kWh).
- 3
Price · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV undercuts the MG IM5 by $27,000 (44%) on starting price.
- 4
Power · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 puts down 120 kW more (250 vs 130 kW).
- 5
Warranty · advantage MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV covers the vehicle for 5 more years (10 vs 5 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the MG ZS EV wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $27,000
- ▸ Longer warranty (10 years)
Where the MG IM5 wins
- ▸ 335 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 8.2s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (153 kW vs 76 kW)
MG ZS EV
What we like
- ✓ Affordable SUV form factor
- ✓ Long 10-year warranty
- ✓ Spacious for its class
What we don't
- ✕ Slower DC charging than newer rivals
- ✕ Older-feeling cabin design
- ✕ Real-world range often under 250 km
MG IM5
What we like
- ✓ Class-leading 655 km WLTP range
- ✓ 10-year battery warranty
- ✓ Genuinely quick (sub-5s 0-100)
What we don't
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
- ✕ MG dealer network thin on premium product
- ✕ Software UX inherited from China market
Frequently asked: MG ZS EV vs MG IM5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the MG ZS EV or the MG IM5?
- The MG ZS EV is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $33,990 versus $60,990 for the MG IM5, a $27,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The MG IM5 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 655 km, 335 km further than the MG ZS EV's 320 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The MG IM5 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 153 kW versus 76 kW for the MG ZS EV. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The MG IM5 does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 3.3 s quicker than the MG ZS EV's 8.2 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the MG ZS EV better value than the MG IM5?
- On paper the MG ZS EV is $27,000 cheaper, but trails the MG IM5 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the MG IM5 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
MG ZS EV
if…
- ✓ you want to save $27,000 on the sticker
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (5 more years of cover)
- ✓ you match the profile: suburban families
Choose the
MG IM5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (335 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (121 L more boot)
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.