MG backtracks on LS7/L7; IM LS6 Tesla Model Y rival more likely

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.