Head-to-head
Tesla Model 3 vs MG IM5
Just $1,000 separates the Tesla Model 3 and MG IM5 on starting price, but the MG IM5 goes 142 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · Sedan
Tesla Model 3
The refreshed 'Highland' Model 3 brings sharper styling, a quieter cabin and improved ride. It remains Australia's benchmark mid-size electric sedan and the gateway to Tesla's Supercharger network.
- From
- $61,990
- Range
- 513 km
- Battery
- 60 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 Tesla Model 3 and MG IM5, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 goes 142 km further on a charge (655 vs 513 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 carries a 15.0 kWh larger battery (75 vs 60 kWh).
- 3
Boot · advantage Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 swallows 114 L more cargo with the rear seats up (594 vs 480 L).
- 4
Power · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 puts down 42 kW more (250 vs 208 kW).
- 5
Warranty · advantage MG IM5
The MG IM5 covers the vehicle for 1 more year (5 vs 4 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model 3 wins
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (170 kW vs 153 kW)
Where the MG IM5 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $1,000
- ▸ 142 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 6.1s)
- ▸ Longer warranty (5 years)
Tesla Model 3
What we like
- ✓ Access to the Tesla Supercharger network
- ✓ Industry-leading efficiency
- ✓ Frequent over-the-air improvements
What we don't
- ✕ Stalk-less indicators frustrate many drivers
- ✕ Build quality remains variable
- ✕ Short 4-year vehicle warranty
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: Tesla Model 3 vs MG IM5
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model 3 or the MG IM5?
- The MG IM5 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $60,990 versus $61,990 for the Tesla Model 3, a $1,000 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, 142 km further than the Tesla Model 3's 513 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 Tesla Model 3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 170 kW versus 153 kW for the MG IM5. 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 — 1.2 s quicker than the Tesla Model 3's 6.1 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The MG IM5 is covered by a 5-year vehicle warranty, versus 4 years for the Tesla Model 3. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model 3
if…
- ✓ you regularly load it up (114 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: long-distance drivers
Choose the
MG IM5
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (142 km further per charge)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: tesla model 3 cross-shoppers
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.