IM 5 Luxury (75 kWh) Review: Bringing Sexy Back To Cat A

If you still think “Cat A EV” means dowdy economy boxes shaped like appliances, the new IM 5 wants you to reconsider; because this is easily one of the sexiest EV sedans to arrive in Singapore in recent years - Chinese-made or otherwise. In the metal, it carries a surprising amount of presence, blending the sleek proportions of a Porsche Panamera with hints of Aston Martin DBX-style muscularity. And that’s not hyperbole.

Its long, flowing roofline, clean surfacing, and athletic stance give it a premium silhouette that feels intentionally European, yet it’s wrapped in a package eligible for Singapore’s mass-market Category A COE.

For something designed to fit within Cat A’s strict power caps, the IM 5 looks anything but modest. The front end has that tight-eyed, slightly aggressive expression seen on high-end grand tourers, while the rear’s full-width light bar and fastback taper add a sporty sophistication. Park it beside established premium brands and the IM 5 does not look out of place.

In fact, some might argue it looks more polished than several offerings costing tens of thousands more.

The Inside Story

Step inside and the positive impressions continue. The interior feels well-made, with tight panel gaps, quality materials, and a clean, modern layout that avoids unnecessary visual clutter. The cockpit is comfortable, offering supportive seats and a driving position that strikes a good balance between sportiness and visibility.

Space is generous enough for four adults to travel comfortably, with a fifth occupant - preferably a child - able to fit in the centre. The large panoramic glass roof adds airiness to the cabin, making it feel even more spacious. Boot space is practical for a compact executive sedan, easily accommodating luggage for a weekend trip.

The digital displays are crisp and legible, though one can’t help but wish for more physical controls - especially for air-conditioning functions, that currently live within the touchscreen. It’s all very modern, yes, but sometimes a simple dial really is better.

Technically Speaking

Under the skin, the IM 5’s engineering is just as interesting as its design. You get a 75 kWh battery - generous for a Cat A model - and IM claims a 440 km drive range with energy consumption rated at 5.2 km/kWh. In typical Singapore driving, you’re more likely to see something in the high 300s to low 400s km, depending on your right foot and air-con habits, but that still makes it completely viable as a primary family car. More importantly, the power delivery feels mature, smooth, and impressively refined for something positioned below the Cat B performance tier.

Yes, on paper, 146 bhp doesn’t sound like much. But the real story is the torque; with 450 Nm available essentially from zero, the IM 5 moves with an effortless surge that masks its nearly 2.2-tonne kerb weight. The car doesn’t lurch or strain; instead, it glides forward with a velvety assertiveness, the way many big-battery EVs tend to do. In everyday traffic - filtering into expressway lanes, making quick overtakes, or pulling away from lights - the IM 5 feels genuinely quick. Not “throw your head back” quick, but confidently capable.

If anything, the torque-rich delivery gives it a sense of quiet muscularity not usually associated with Cat A cars.

Driving It

Ride refinement is also impressive. Over Singapore’s patchy expressway, the IM 5 stays settled, absorbing most imperfections before they intrude into the cabin. The low-set battery helps anchor the car with a planted feel, and despite its weight, the suspension tuning avoids floatiness. It’s clearly been engineered to mimic the poise of larger, premium sedans; again, very reminiscent of the Panamera’s calm high-speed manners.

But where the IM 5 truly surprises is in its handling. Most Cat A EVs feel tuned for softness and efficiency, but the IM 5 feels like the engineers actually wanted drivers to enjoy themselves. The RWD layout immediately sets the tone: point the nose into a bend and the car rotates more willingly than its size suggests. There’s a touch of sport-sedan DNA here, and it shows in the way the chassis communicates weight transfer and grip. No, it’s not razor-sharp like a genuine sports car, but there’s a Panamera-inspired balance to the way it corners - stable, neutral, and composed.

Steering is light at low speeds, making multi-storey carparks manageable, but it firms up nicely when you get going. Feedback is still somewhat filtered - as expected for an EV - but it’s predictable and easy to trust. Even under harder cornering, the IM 5 never feels overwhelmed. Again, that 450 Nm helps pull you out of bends with a clean, confident shove.

Braking performance is equally commendable. EVs often struggle with pedal feel due to regenerative blending, but the IM 5’s brakes are well-tuned, delivering linear and responsive stopping power; you don’t get the mushy disconnect typical of many electric sedans. Whether navigating peak-hour traffic or shedding speed from expressway velocities, the IM 5’s braking feels thoroughly sorted.

In A Nutshell

Overall, the IM 5 is a standout addition to Singapore’s Cat A EV landscape. It looks expensive, it drives with refinement and maturity, and its dynamic ability goes beyond what the specs sheet suggests. If Chinese EV brands have been steadily raising the bar, the IM 5 shows they’re now confidently challenging established premium marques; not just in features, but also in style and driving sophistication.

For buyers who want a stylish, well-sorted EV sedan that blends flair, practicality, and genuine driving pleasure, the IM 5 deserves a very close look.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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