MG LS6 shown in Geneva, Australian launch still in sight

February: MG IM LS6 shown among others in Geneva, Australia still under consideration

Mike Stevens

It's no secret that MG views Australia as a key market, but the brand has far many more models available elsewhere than we might ever see in Australia.

In Geneva this week, the brand is showcasing the new IM LS6 SUV alongside the even fresher IM L6 sedan, the IM L7 sedan and IM LS7 SUV, the new MG3 Hybrid+ and Cyberster, and other new models like the MG4 X Power, the MG7 'fastback saloon', and finally the electric MG9 sedan and S9 SUV.

89

89

The LS6, potentially bound for Australia in 2025

Of those, the MG 4 X Power is already on sale in Australia, while the new-gen MG3 and Cyberster are already confirmed – but what else can we expect to see here?

Given MG's growing popularity in Australia, it's likely that just about any of the models shown in Geneva would find enough homes here. But, for now, only one specific model has been given anything close to a nod for the local division.

89

The newly revealed L6 sedan

"We have a range of cars under consideration for Australia and NZ including the IM Motors LS6," an MG Motor Australia spokesperson told Wheels Media today.

"The process around why a specific variant is selected or not selected is complex, so – as we do with all our range – we will proactively work with our engineers locally and internationally, as well as product, marketing, sales teams, dealer network and customer feedback, to understand and cater our offering to their ongoing needs and wants."

89

The brand had previously indicated interest in the large LS7 SUV and L7 sedan flagships, but in an interview with Wheels Media last year, MG Australia chief Peter Ciao flagged a change in strategy.

“I plan to import one middle-sized SUV to Australia… I’m aiming for LS6 first”, he said.

89

IM LS6: The basics

The LS6 is a performance-focused electric SUV, with a trio of configurations offered in China.

In flagship form, the LS6 boasts a 100kWh battery pack and is driven by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces 579kW/800Nm and claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds.

Those numbers are largely table stakes in the world of fast EVs, but important for getting a seat at the table.

89

Driving range is claimed to be 702km in China's CLTC efficiency testing process (more generous than WLTP), and top speed is listed at 252km/h – although time spent anywhere close to that clip would quickly eat away at range.

In the middle of the line-up is a distance-focused 90kWh 255kW/450Nm version with 680km of claimed range, while the entry-level grade offers a 71kWh battery and 230/450Nm for a claimed range of 560km.

89

How big is the MG LS6?

In both size and spec, you can think of the MG LS6 as a shot aimed directly at Australia's most popular EV.

Measuring 4854mm long, 1995mm wide and 1703mm tall with a 2950mm wheelbase, the LS6 is sized to compete with the popular Tesla Model Y.

89

When will the MG LS6 come to Australia and what will it cost?

For now, we can only speculate.

In China, the LS6 is priced from the equivalent of $61,000 AUD, underscoring its position as a Tesla Model Y rival.

MG would very likely be able to stay close to that price as an entry point in Australia, giving it the car it needs launch an assault on Tesla's dominant position.

As for timing, the LS6 is unlikely to reach Australia before 2025 – if it's even confirmed at all.

For more of MG's Geneva showing, click each of the below photos to see our full gallery.

89

89

89

89

89

89

89

August 2023: LS6 the most likely contender for MG's next big move in Australia

A lot can change in a month, and it seems like MG has flipped on the idea of bringing the LS7 and L7 luxury EVs to Australia – at least in their current iterations.

Mooted for 2026 introductions as MG’s flagship passenger vehicles, it seems the newer IM LS6 has become the priority for MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao.

If MG's Tesla Model Y rival arrives, it will be badged MG LS6, with MG not wanting to complicate its local brand image.

“The IM brand in China has three models: L7, LS7 and LS6. The LS6 has not launched yet, but I’m focused on this model ”, Ciao said in a formal interview with Wheels, also indicating that the L7 and LS7 are still possible, but the LS6 is more realistic.

“I plan to import one middle-sized SUV to Australia… I’m aiming for LS6 first”, he said.

89

The as-yet-unreleased IM LS6 – picture sourced from CarNewsChina

“We launched in Australia six years ago but the business decision is survival first, so we focus on affordably priced [cars] under $20K and under $30K", Ciao said, retracing MG's local history. But with the badge's near-hundred-year vintage, there's premise for much dearer vehicles.

“[MG] is a premium brand, this is a very good sports [car] brand. So the price range, I believe, is very wide. It’s very easy to get over $100,00”, said Mr Ciao justifying the introduction of a more premium vehicle.

89

The potential MG LS7, wearing the IM logo

The change of heart is partly down to Australian regulations, a tale we’ve heard from other manufacturers time and again.

Developed without the latest Euro NCAP or ANCAP protocols in mind, Ciao isn’t open to compromising safety ratings for the LS7 and L7 that would command nearly AU$100,000 in top-spec trim.

The LS7’s large dimensions also come into play, with the SUV measuring over five metres long and two metres wide. Perhaps introducing a true luxury car to the mix is a little ambitious with the brand’s current range and dealer situation, too.

89

Inside the IM/MG LS7 and LS6 you'll find a steering yoke

What is the IM LS6?

The LS6 is yet to be formally revealed. However, CarNewsChina [↗] unearthed images and details in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in June.

It will sit beneath the IM LS7 and L7 – think of it as a Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 competitor rather than a Model X rival. It measures 4854mm long, 1995mm wide and 1703mm tall with a 2950mm wheelbase.

Its Tesla-beating intentions are made obvious in the design, the LS6 adopts a similar flowing silhouette to the Model Y and near-identical rear glass. The back deck is unique from Tesla, though. We can see elements of Genesis G80 and Aston Martin DBX.

Inside there’s a trendy yoke-shaped steering device, 26 inches of screen that runs the width of the dashboard and a Taycan-esque touchscreen below that looks to control HVAC and other functions just like the LS7 and L7.

89

Just like the LS7, the IM LS6 has full-width HMI screens – picture sourced from CarNewsChina

CarNewsChina also indicated the LS6 will pack a pair of motors rated between 170-200kW up front matched with 304-379kW rear items, depending on spec. The platform supports 800-volt electrics for faster charging and greater power delivery.

There’s no range speculation, but the larger LS7 has a CLTC rating of 625km driving range from a 100kWh battery. Expect similar, or slightly better efficiency, from the smaller LS6.

The IM range is currently sold exclusively in China. The vehicles are built as part of a collaboration between SAIC Motor (MG Motor’s owner), Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba.

89

Pricing and availability

There’s no word on pricing either locally or internationally for the IM LS6 just yet. We presume it will run a similar if slightly lower pricing gamut to the LS7. That would mean an equivalent of AU$55,000-85,000 overseas, but local pricing could climb or drop from there.

As for arrival timing, Mr Ciao indicated there’s plenty to come in 2024, “we have more models coming. Not just MG 4 and MG 5 – we have the new-generation [MG] 3, new-generation HS”, he said, before adding there’s “one more SUV” in the pipeline.