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With a range rated for up to 1600km, the 2027 MG IM8 could be well suited for unique Australian driving conditions, according to the brand.
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MG’s incoming IM LS8 – or IM8 as it might be known – is geared specifically for Australia’s unique requirements, according to a brand executive.
Speaking to Drive, IM Motor regional general manager for Asia Pacific Steven Xu said the large SUV, due to launch in the first half of 2027 with its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain, is expected to find an audience locally.
“According to customer feedback, it’s really very hot [the large SUV segment],” Xu said.
“They like the big cars, especially they like the new kind of powertrain because they like the driving feel of the EV, but they also enjoy the driving range that can be extended to over maybe 1500km.
“This means you can drive it as an EV in the city for work, but on the weekend, you can drive as far away as you like to enjoy your life and share the time with the family.
“It’s really suited for the Australian customer.”
Powering the IM8 is a 1.5-litre petrol engine designed to act as a generator for the 66kWh battery and dual-electric motor arrangement.
Crucially, the petrol engine is tuned to run on Australia’s lowest-grade 91RON petrol, ensuring refuelling costs remain as low as possible.
Aside from the petrol, the IM8 can also be recharged by plugging in, with its maximum capacity able to recoup 30-80 per cent of the battery in around 12 minutes.
With an electric-only range rating of 430km, the IM8 rivals some full battery-electric (BEV) models, while with its petrol engine in play, range extends up to 1600km – though both figures were derived from the more lenient CLTC standard used in China.
When asked if the range-extender hybrid powertrain – which is already being employed by the Leapmotor C10 – would be difficult for Australian consumers to understand, Mr Xu said the technology should speak for itself.
“A little bit [of a challenge to educate customers], but every time a new creator enters into a new market, we have to face this time,” Mr Xu said.
“But I think the powertrain, especially the product itself, is suited for the Australian scenario, people will accept more.”
IM has indicated the IM8 will sit above the all-electric IM6 when it launches next year, indicating a price above $60,990 drive-away for the large SUV.
While IM is yet to show off a seven-seat version of the IM8 – only five- and six-seat configurations have surfaced so far – one is expected to be revealed soon.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
