IM Motors Sets Up in Tunisia: A 100% Electric Premium Brand from the SAIC Group
The Chinese automotive group SAIC is preparing to launch its premium brand IM Motors on the Tunisian market. Offering high-end electric vehicles with up to 655 kilometers of autonomy (WLPT), IM Motors aims to rival established premium manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
SAIC Motors Pursues Aggressive Expansion in Tunisia
SAIC Motors, one of the largest Chinese automotive groups, continues its aggressive expansion strategy in Tunisia. After successfully reintroducing MG with international commercial success, the Asian giant is now preparing the arrival of its premium electric division: IM Motors.
IM Motors: The Next Step in SAIC's International Strategy
IM Motors (Intelligent Mobility) represents the next step in SAIC's international strategy. Founded in 2020 as a joint venture between SAIC, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, the brand accesses the premium segment of electric vehicles. IM Motors clearly positions itself in the high-end market, with sophisticated electric vehicles integrating advanced artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technologies. This approach aims to directly compete with established brands like Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
First Models Destined for Tunisia
The IM Motors range destined for Tunisia will initially include models already commercialized in Norway. The LS7, a high-performance electric SUV with an aerodynamic design and an autonomy exceeding 500 kilometers, will serve as a technological showcase and will be available in Tunisia soon. For the Tunisian launch, the IM5, a 4.93-meter-long sedan, will be offered, accompanied by its larger sibling, the IM6, an SUV with impressive performance.
These vehicles stand out with their latest-generation batteries and advanced artificial intelligence systems, promising a technologically superior driving experience compared to the competition. The IM5 is available in three versions: a standard propulsion version equipped with a single 295 horsepower (217 kW) engine, an autonomy version named Edition Autonomie developing 408 horsepower (300 kW) with an autonomy of 655 km, and a high-end version called Edition Performance, featuring a dual-motor system (one on each axle) offering a combined power of 778 horsepower (572 kW), with a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.7 seconds, making it the most powerful car commercialized in Tunisia.
Exceptional Autonomy and Performance
These characteristics clearly position the brand in the segment of high-performance electric sedans. One of the major arguments of IM Motors lies in the exceptional autonomy of its vehicles. With over 655 kilometers of autonomy (WLTP) announced for the IM5, the brand responds to one of the main concerns of Tunisian consumers regarding electric mobility: range anxiety.
Integration into the Energy Transition Context
Offering electric vehicles with great autonomy is a significant advantage in gaining the trust of consumers still hesitant about this technology. The batteries used by IM Motors integrate the latest advances in energy density and thermal management (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), allowing not only remarkable autonomy but also optimized charging times: 30% to 80% in less than 15 minutes. The brand relies on these characteristics to distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive market.
Premium Ambition in the Face of Fierce Competition
The high-end positioning of IM Motors places the brand in a particularly competitive sector in Tunisia. Facing historical manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz who are accelerating their electric transition, and disruptive actors like Tesla who already dominate this field, the challenge is significant.
To stand out, IM Motors relies on several strengths: potentially more aggressive pricing than European premium brands (starting at 149,000 DT), a particularly generous level of equipment, a high level of integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the user experience, and above all, uncompromising safety, with the integration of 8 airbags and models that have passed all European homologations as well as obtaining a 5-star rating at Euro-NCAP.
Additionally, the brand benefits from Alibaba's expertise in connected technologies, allowing for innovative features in human-machine interface and embedded services. This technological dimension constitutes a key element of its premium proposition. IM Motors has "all the cards in hand" to replicate, in Tunisia and internationally, the success encountered by MG in recent years.
Strategic Deployment in Europe
The European deployment of IM Motors will follow a progressive and targeted approach. Initially, vehicles are already sold in the UK, Norway, and Switzerland, three markets particularly receptive to premium electric vehicles. An arrival in France is planned for 2026, although the precise modalities remain to be defined. According to internal sources, there is uncertainty about the commercial identity under which these vehicles will be distributed on the French market: either directly under the IM Motors brand or integrated into the MG range to benefit from the already established notoriety.
What is certain is that Tunisia benefits from a privileged welcome as the first Mediterranean country to host this new brand by the end of 2025, which will be distributed by the Wallys Group at the Ain Zaghouan Nord showroom.
