IM5 vs Model 3: How does MG’s Tesla compare to the real thing?

Our Chinese sports saloon meets its American rival – does it feel up to scratch? Car design has changed dramatically over the past few decades. In the 1990s it was all about smooth lines, with cab-forward silhouettes dominating the automotive scene. These were followed by more complex designs, featuring defined body lines and smaller glass areas, as showcased by the ‘Flame Surfacing’ of Chris Bangle’s early-2000s BMWs. Then, in the 2010s, large front grilles, LED headlights and sharper creases became the norm-and, inside, physical switchgear slowly gave way to minimalism and touchscreens. In think it’s fair to say that car design has never been so radical, transformative and, above all, divisive as it is in 2026. You only need to look at the Jaguar Type 01 and the Ferrari Luce to see that. Bespoke electric platforms have enabled car makers to improve cabin space and create sleek, fastback silhouettes to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. Such EV trademarks can clearly be found on our MG IM5, with its long swooping body and expansive proportions.

It might come as a surprise to learn that the IM5’s aesthetic was overseen by Slovakian designer Jozef Kaban, a former Skoda and BMW studio chief and the man who styled the bullish Bugatti Veyron. Look closely at the IM5, however, and it’s clear where Kaban and his colleagues gained inspiration for its design, with similar minimalist styling to the Tesla Model 3. Several people have commented on its likeness to the ubiquitous electric saloon, so I decided to put this to the test by comparing the IM5 with my neighbour’s pre-facelift Model 3 Performance. Parked tail to tail, the resemblance between the two is clear to see, but there’s no denying that each still has its own identity. For a start, the Chinese car has a much larger footprint and longer wheelbase that positions it above the American car, making it a closer rival to the Volkswagen ID 7 or BMW i5. The Tesla is more compact, but both have a similar teardrop, cab-backward roofline that sweeps neatly all the way to the bootlid. On the IM5’s rear, I can’t help drawing a comparison to the Aston Martin DBX; even the rear light bar looks similar to that of Gaydon’s hot SUV. And while the Model 3 sports a more defined look, via sharper swage lines, the IM5 opts for softer surfaces and a smoother beltline, which is what most sets it apart. As is the way with modern EVs, both use flush-fitting electronic door handles.

Of all the things to come out of the EV revolution, this is one of the most annoying. In fact, you don’t even pull the IM5’s handles; you slide your hand behind the handle and it pops open automatically. The Tesla’s door handles feel more natural, but both cars would benefit from a normal pull mechanism. Technology abounds inside both cars, and it’s interesting to see how MG has taken a similar approach to Tesla. Take the side-facing cameras: the IM5’s design is different to the Model 3’s, but its placement and function is much the same, helping the driver by creating a 360deg view of the car. Inside, the IMS adopts the same button-less, screen-heavy layout as the Model 3. It features a huge 26.3in display that incorporates both the digital instrument display and infotainment screen – but also a 10.5in touch-operated control panel for hopping between functions. I’m not sure that this makes the MG any more slick to use than the Tesla, which has just one large 15in display. Happily it’s responsive and graphically sharp, but there are far too many sub-menus to deal with – and I’ve counted a total of just 11 physical buttons inside the car.

As a result, usability isn’t great, but the IM5 certainly feels a bit more refined and upmarket than its rival – although the current Model 3 is a step ahead of its predecessor in terms of perceived quality. While the IM5 leans heavily on the minimalist playbook pioneered by the trailblazing Model 3, there’s no doubt that its bolder proportions, softer lines and greater refinement help give it a character of its own in a highly congested corner of the market.