MG IM5 vs Subaru WRX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
MG IM5: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h, turning circle, braked towing and energy consumption.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The MG IM5 starts from $55,450 before on-road costs, while the Subaru WRX opens at $48,890. That makes the Subaru WRX the more affordable entry point by $6,560.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,995 and $53,779 respectively.
The MG IM5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru WRX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
75kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The MG IM5 features a 26.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru WRX gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG IM5 stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Subaru WRX. The Subaru WRX counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG IM5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru WRX offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The MG IM5 uses a Electric producing 217kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout.
The Subaru WRX responds with a Petrol making 202kW and 350Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The MG IM5 has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 202kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG IM5 measures 4,931mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 261mm longer than the Subaru WRX at 4,670mm (2,675mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG IM5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 457L in the MG IM5 and 414L in the Subaru WRX, giving the MG IM5 a 43L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m diameter
Average
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.8 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years (MG IM5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru WRX). The MG IM5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG IM5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru WRX if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MG IM5 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the MG IM5 has a clear edge. The MG IM5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG IM5 and Subaru WRX?
The Subaru WRX is the cheapest at $48,890 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG IM5 by $6,560.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru WRX uses the least fuel at 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of MG IM5 and Subaru WRX carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The MG IM5 has the largest boot at 457L.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG IM5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG IM5 makes the most power at 217kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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