MG targets Tesla Model Y Performance and Kia EV6 GT with new super SUV for Australia

Rising Chinese brand MG could have a direct rival for the Tesla Model Y Performance SUV and Kia EV6 GT super SUVs on-sale in Australia as soon as 2024.

Known as the IM Motors LS6 in China, the medium SUV with up to 579kW/800Nm, a 252km/h top speed and a 3.5 seconds 0-100km/h dash capability, will make its global debut at the Chengdu auto show on August 25.

The plan for MG to bring the LS6 to Australia supersedes a previous focus on the larger LS7 SUV.

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MG Motor Australia was also considering the IM Motors L7 and the Rising Auto F7 large sedans. They too have now been pushed back behind the LS6 or scratched for Australia.

Like MG, Rising Auto is a subsidiary of the giant state-owned SAIC auto group, while IM Motors is a joint-venture between SAIC and two other partners including the Chinese online trading giant Alibaba.

MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao confirmed the shift in focus to the LS6, which he described as a “luxury car” at this week’s Australian media launch of the MG4 small car.

“I plan to import one middle-sized SUV to Australia – not the LS7, the LS6,” he said.

“I have three options but I aim at the 6 first … that’s the one I want.”

The LS7 and L7 are the other two models Ciao is pursuing for the moment from IM Motors. The F7 no longer appears to be under consideration.

The LS6 is likely to only come to Australia in only higher-spec dual motor drivetrains headlined by that 529kW version.

The LS6 also comes with a ternary lithium battery pack from CATL and an 800V electrical system for super-fast charging.

Pricing for four different variants has been announced in China starting at 189,900 yuan ($40,220), then rising to 209,900 yuan ($44,450), 249,900 yuan ($52,900) and 269,900 yuan ($57,175).

Where that shakes out in Australia is guesswork at the moment. But Ciao doesn’t shy away from MG being a brand with price tags surpassing $100,000 for its top-end electric cars.

The XPower Cyberster electric sports car will launch in Australia in 2024 with a starting price likely around $120,000.

“MG brand is premium brand, this is a very good sport brand, so the price range I trust very, very wide. It is very easy to get over $100,000.

“I don’t think that’s our challenge.”

One challenge for Ciao will be convincing SAIC top brass to allow MG to replace the IM badge in Australia.

“Still negotiating with the factory,” he conceded. “But I trust under MG brand this [LS6] very successful.”

But Ciao clearly has some sway in Shanghai as he heads a division of the MG business that is entrenched in the Australian top 10 sellers and is on-track to sell 60,000 EV and ICE vehicles in 2023.

He has bullishly predicted the MG4 will sell 2000 examples per month in Australia, meaning – based on current sales rates – it will challenge the Tesla Model 3 for second behind the Model Y in the EV sales race.

It is understood one factor prompting the shift of focus from LS7, L6 and the F7 was a need to be certain any high-priced MG electric entrant achieved top marks in safety tests such as ANCAP.

But clearly, Australian consideration had progressed a long way for these models as a contingent of Australia media recently had brief drives of all three in Shanghai.

The LS6 measures up at 4904mm long, 1988 wide and is 1669mm high. It has a 2950mm wheelbase.

Spy shots have presented the interior of the LS6 with a yoke steering wheel and a combined digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen stretching the full width of the dashboard.

Another model from IM Motors that could be of interest to MG Motor Australia in the future is a Model 3-sized sedan called the L5, which is currently in development.

The flagship Tesla Model Y Performance is priced from $91,400 plus on-road costs, a 3.7 seconds 0-100km/h time, a 250km/h top speed and outputs from its dual motor all-wheel drive system rated at 393kW and 660Nm, according to EV Database.

The Kia EV6 GT makes 430kW/740Nm from its dual motor all-wheel drive set-up, claims a 3.5 seconds 0-100km/h time, a 260km/h top speed and is priced from $99,590 plus on-road costs.