ANCAP confirms five-star ratings for MG’s IM 5 and IM 6

ANCAP SAFETY has released its latest round of safety ratings, with MG’s premium electric duo, the IM 5 sedan and IM 6 SUV, both earning five-star ratings. 

The announcement came as part of a broader update that also included the Renault Duster. The MG newcomers clearly stole the spotlight with their impressive crash-test results and advanced safety tech.

Breaking down the safety scores

Adult Occupant Protection

The MG IM 5 scored 89% (35.73/40) for Adult Occupant Protection, while the newer IM 6 edged ahead with 90% (36.1/40). Both cars performed well in the frontal offset and full-width frontal tests, though the IM 6 offered slightly better chest protection. Side impact and pole tests returned strong results for both, confirming that MG’s safety structure is solid and well-tuned for real-world crashes.

Whiplash protection was another strong suit for both, with the IM 5 earning 2.95 (front) and 1.00 (rear). However, rear whiplash scores suggest there’s still room for improvement in seat design. Rescue and extrication scores were close, 2.17 for the IM 5 and 2.20 for the IM 6, showing good post-crash accessibility. Overall, the IM 6 has the slight edge here, but both SUVs hold their ground well for occupant safety.

Child Occupant Protection

Both models delivered strong performances in this category, each earning 91% (44.81/49)- a figure that places them among the better performers in their class. The IM 5 and IM 6 achieved maximum points in the dynamic front (16.00) and side impact (8.00) tests, confirming that MG’s restraint systems effectively limit injury risk to child occupants in severe collisions.

Where differences are marginal is in usability. Both models scored 11.81 for child restraint installation, indicating that seat compatibility is generally good but not flawless- certain configurations may still require effort. Their on-board safety features scored 9.00, showcasing comprehensive ISOFIX coverage and active alerts. In essence, while the IM 6 may benefit from its newer structural tuning, both vehicles offer the same strong, reliable protection for younger passengers.

Vulnerable Road User Protection

This category revealed a slightly clearer distinction between the two models. The IM 5 earned 85% (53.77/63), while the IM 6 followed closely with 83% (52.68/63). Both figures reflect solid performance, though not quite segment-leading. The head and leg protection tests delivered high marks for both vehicles — with the IM 6 scoring 9.53 and the IM 5 slightly higher at 10.85 — indicating that MG’s front-end design is generally forgiving in the event of an impact with a pedestrian or cyclist.

However, differences start to show in the AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) evaluations. The IM 6 scored 6.93 for pedestrian detection (forward) and 8.75 for cyclist detection, while the IM 5 trailed slightly with 6.88 and 8.53, respectively. Both vehicles performed strongly in AEB motorcycle tests (6.00) and earned 3.00 for LSS motorcycle, but the IM 6’s slightly lower overall percentage suggests that fine-tuning in its active safety calibration might have impacted its final tally. In short, both cars are well-equipped to reduce the severity of collisions with vulnerable road users, with the IM 5 narrowly emerging as the stronger performer here.

Safety Assist

Both models scored an identical 79% in the Safety Assist category, with the IM 6 achieving 14.39/18 and the IM 5 just a fraction behind at 14.35/18. These results underscore MG’s consistent focus on active safety technologies across its EV lineup. Key driver aids such as Seat Belt Reminders (1.00) and Driver Monitoring (1.65 in IM 6, 1.53 in IM 5) are present in both, ensuring that occupant safety isn’t left to chance. Speed Assistance features were rated 0.91 for each, reflecting reliable compliance with posted speed limits.

The AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) results, though strong overall, show where the IM 6 edges out the competition. It scored 3.75 in Car-to-Car Front-to-Rear, 3.58 in Junction Assist, and 1.00 in Head-On scenarios, slightly higher than the IM 5’s 3.75, 3.66, and 1.00, respectively. Meanwhile, both cars earned 2.50 in the Lane Support System test, proving that lane-keeping and centring technologies are well-integrated. In short, while neither model breaks new ground for innovation, both deliver solid, well-rounded safety assistance packages that work effectively in real-world driving, with only marginal differences separating them.

Standard Safety Equipment

Both the MG IM 5 and MG IM 6 come loaded with safety technology, ensuring comprehensive protection out of the box:

• Dual frontal, side chest, and side head airbags (including centre airbag for added side impact protection)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) – covers Car-to-Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Motorcycle, Junction, and Backover scenarios
• Lane Support System (LKA, LDW, ELK)
• Speed Sign Recognition and Driver Monitoring
• Seat Belt Reminders for all positions

This consistent specification across variants means buyers don’t have to step up to higher trims for top-tier safety.

Who should consider the IM 5 or IM 6?

MG IM 5

• Best suited for professionals or commuters wanting an electric sedan with proven safety.
• Delivers refined ride quality with solid structural integrity.
• High child occupant rating ensures peace of mind for family users.

MG IM 6

• Ideal for families or tech-savvy drivers seeking a safe, electric medium SUV.
• Combines premium comfort with strong, crash-tested performance.
• Offers excellent interior protection for adults and children alike.
• Advanced AEB and driver-assist tech make it a confident everyday companion.

What does ANCAP say?

ANCAP’s latest findings underscore MG’s growing maturity as a safety-focused brand. Both the IM 5 and IM 6 secured five-star ratings, reflecting the brand’s ability to meet, and in some areas, exceed modern crash protection and active safety benchmarks. As ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg stated:

“The safety ratings for the premium IM 5 and IM 6 demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver vehicle safety at a high level. It’s encouraging to see this level of performance, and we hope to see these features carried across the broader MG range.”

Final Word

MG’s IM 5 and IM 6 both earn their five-star ratings on merit. The IM 6 performs slightly better for occupant protection, while the IM 5 edges ahead in pedestrian safety. There’s nothing flashy here, just solid engineering, consistent safety tech, and results that show MG is genuinely stepping up its game.