MG IM6 Long Range vs Tesla Model Y RWD: is the UK premium worth paying?

The IM6 100 Long Range's UK technical table gives 388 miles WLTP combined, compared with 309 miles for the selected base Model Y RWD on the live configurator. The 79-mile difference is a useful reason to investigate the MG for frequent longer journeys. It does not mean that either car will deliver its catalogue distance on a cold motorway day with a full family load.

MG separates its battery into 100 kWh nominal and 96.5 kWh usable. That distinction matters when calculating energy: the model's “100” name is not a promise that all 100 kWh can be discharged. This article does not assign an unverified usable battery figure to the current base Tesla, or infer a charging-speed winner from battery size. Nor do we mix MG's 510-mile city-cycle figure into the combined-cycle comparison.

The MG brochure quotes 17 minutes from 10 to 80% on a 350 kW DC supply under test conditions, with a maximum vehicle DC capability of 396 kW in its technical table. Those are different descriptions: the supply used for the time reference and the vehicle's published peak. Neither says that a UK charger will deliver that peak throughout a stop. The same table gives 90 minutes for 10 to 80% on a 50 kW supply, showing why the charger you actually use matters.

We have not verified an equivalent 10-to-80% time for this exact base Tesla in the current source set. Claiming the MG saves a specified number of minutes would therefore overreach. For a regular long trip, map the real stops for both cars, check access and connector availability, and compare arrival reserve and total travel time. With home charging and journeys well inside both cars' usable range, the extra catalogue margin may have less practical value than the initial price difference.

The IM6 is a large car: the UK table lists 4,904 mm length, 1,988 mm body width and 2,190 mm including mirrors. Its standard four-wheel steering and published 10.18 m turning circle can help with changing direction in a restricted space. They do not reduce the clearance needed between gateposts, a garage wall and an adjacent parked car.

Measure the actual entrance and the room needed to open a door beside your normal parking position. Try each demonstrator in that situation if possible. We have not used a current, matched Tesla turning-circle measurement here, so the MG's steering system is a feature to test rather than proof that it will park more easily in every UK bay. Camera coverage and an automatic parking function also deserve a demonstration with the driver retaining responsibility.

For the selected MG, the brochure lists 665 litres of rear luggage capacity, increasing to 1,640 litres with the seats folded, plus a 32-litre front compartment. Its higher Launch Edition uses a different rear-volume figure. We have not placed these numbers against a Tesla total that may combine different storage areas or seat positions. Load the same pushchair, luggage or dog crate into both cars, with the rear seats set for the same passengers, before calling either the practical winner.

The MG technical table lists a 1,500 kg maximum braked towing weight. Tesla's configurator offers a £1,350 tow hitch and states up to 1,600 kg. That favours the Tesla on the published maximum, although the extra option changes its quoted purchase total. Check the particular vehicle's plated limits, loaded trailer and tow-ball requirements before ordering. A higher headline towing figure does not establish a longer towing range.

The IM6 100 Long Range table specifies heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, laminated door glass, a heat pump and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These are relevant reasons to try it if seat comfort and familiar phone integration shape your daily experience. A brochure cannot establish that the ride or noise level is better for your passengers on your roads.

There are two easy trim mistakes to avoid. The Long Range is rated at 300 kW and 5.4 seconds from 0 to 62 mph. MG's 751 PS dual-motor headline and 3.5-second figure belong to the more powerful versions. The feature table also marks active damping with air suspension for the Launch Edition, rather than the Long Range. Paying for the model discussed here does not buy every feature used to promote the range.

MG's currently linked IM6 brochure states a seven-year/80,000-mile vehicle warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, whichever limit arrives first. Tesla's UK support page gives four years/60,000 miles for the basic vehicle warranty and eight years/100,000 miles for the base RWD battery and drive unit, with minimum 70% capacity retention over that battery period. Tesla's longer 120,000-mile battery allowance is listed for Premium Long Range and Performance versions, not this base car.

MG has the longer stated basic coverage, but that does not establish lower running costs or greater reliability. The IM6 table lists servicing every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Obtain maintenance prices and insurance quotes for the exact versions, and check the practical location of an authorised repairer. We have no matched insurance quotations or defensible three-year resale forecast for these two cars, so neither is declared the cheaper car to own overall.