Is IM Motors the same as MG IM?

Almost. IM Motors is a premium brand of SAIC, MG's parent company. In Europe, MG sells two IM models under its own name: the IM5 and IM6. In China, IM has a much wider range, including models like the LS9 and LS8 that are not sold here.

Can I buy an IM LS9 in Europe?

No. Europe only gets the fully electric MG IM5 and IM6. The LS9, LS8 and the range extender versions are only available through import.

Why is a range extended IM the smarter import?

Because of duties. Fully electric cars from the SAIC group face a 35.3 percent EU countervailing duty. A range extender is not affected and only pays the standard import duty plus VAT.

Where does an imported IM come from?

Usually the United Arab Emirates, where IM sells the LS9 officially. Importing directly from China is harder, because China only allows vehicles to be exported under licence.

Can an imported IM be registered in Europe?

Yes, as long as it meets European requirements. Each country has its own inspection and registration process. We handle Dutch and German registration in house and advise on the steps for other countries.

IM Motors import

Since 2025, MG has been selling two IM models in Europe: the IM5 saloon and the IM6 SUV. They started in the UK, Norway and Switzerland, and this summer Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands followed. Both are fully electric, fast and charge on 800 volts. In China, though, IM Motors is far more than an MG sub label. It is a premium brand in its own right, founded by SAIC together with Alibaba, with a much wider range. Think of the LS9: a six seat SUV of almost 5.3 metres with a shower in the tailgate and a range extender good for more than 1,500 kilometres. Models like that are not coming to Europe. If you want one, IM Motors import is the way to get it. IM already sells the LS9 officially in the United Arab Emirates, the shortest route into Europe. SCL Rotterdam brings your IM through the port of Rotterdam and handles everything from sourcing to registration.

Why import an IM Motors car into Europe?

IM stands for Intelligence in Motion. Large MiniLED screens, lidar for driver assistance, four wheel steering that lets the car slide sideways into a parking space and a chassis that adapts digitally to the road. The IM5 and IM6 sold in Europe show part of this. The Chinese range goes much further.

The biggest difference is the drivetrain. In Europe, IM is only sold as fully electric. In China, IM also offers range extender versions, with a small petrol engine that generates electricity on the move. That is useful for long journeys across borders. And when you import, it makes a huge difference to the duty you pay.

Popular IM Motors models to import

IM LS9

The flagship. Almost 5.3 metres long, six seats and an 800 volt range extender with over 400 kilometres of electric range on the Chinese test cycle. Add powered running boards, heated floors and a shower in the tailgate. The Hyper version features fully electronic four wheel steering.

IM LS8

Slightly smaller than the LS9, with the same range extender technology and electronic four wheel steering. A family SUV with flagship tech.

IM LS6 with range extender

In Europe you know it as the fully electric MG IM6. In China it is also available with a range extender. If you want this SUV without charging stops, importing is the only route.

IM LS7 and L7

The large SUV and the luxury saloon from IM's first generation. Spacious, comfortable and fully electric. Pay close attention to the duties here.

What to know before you import an IM Motors car

Where the car comes from

China only allows vehicles to be exported under licence, through the manufacturer or authorised exporters. IM sells the LS9 officially in the Emirates, which makes Dubai the logical route.

Duties: choose your drivetrain wisely

This is the key point. Fully electric cars from the SAIC group face the highest EU countervailing duty of all: 35.3 percent, on top of the standard 10 percent import duty. A range extended LS9, LS8 or LS6 is not affected and only pays the standard duty plus import VAT. Importing an electric IM rarely makes sense. Importing a range extender often does.

Registration, taxes and service

Once cleared through customs in Rotterdam, the car can move freely within the EU, but registration and road tax are national matters. A large range extended SUV is taxed very differently from one country to the next. SCL arranges Dutch and German registration in house and can advise on other European countries. MG dealers support the IM5 and IM6, but that does not automatically cover Chinese market models.

How your IM Motors import works

Advice first. We discuss the model, the drivetrain, your destination country and a realistic cost estimate.
Purchase and inspection. We help you find a reliable car and have it inspected before you pay. Our payment service keeps the transaction safe.
Shipping. Your IM travels to Rotterdam in a secured container. We strongly recommend transport insurance.
Customs clearance. We file the declaration and settle all duties and taxes correctly.
Conversion and inspection. In our workshop we prepare the car for European rules, ready for the inspection in your country.
Registration and delivery. We arrange registration where possible and deliver your IM by road to your door, wherever you are in Europe.

You can follow every step in real time through our customer portal.

What does it cost to import an IM Motors car?

The final price is made up of the purchase price, shipping, import duty, import VAT, conversion work, inspection and registration. Fully electric models add the 35.3 percent countervailing duty. In the Emirates, an LS9 costs between 260,000 and 290,000 dirham. Some European countries add a registration tax on top. Want to know where you will end up? Calculate your costs or ask us for a tailored quote.

Why SCL Rotterdam?

For more than 15 years we have been bringing vehicles into Europe from all over the world, with China and Dubai as regular routes. We know the differences between European and Chinese versions and which imports actually pay off. Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and a natural gateway to the rest of the continent. Customs, storage, workshop and registration are all under one roof. Our customers rate us 9.2 out of 10 on average. And if an IM5 or IM6 from your local dealer suits you better, we will tell you straight.

Bring your IM Motors car to Europe

Picture yourself heading to the coast in an LS9, tailgate shower included? Call us on +31 10 427 77 20 or request a free quote. Within 24 hours you will know where you stand and whether an IM Motors import is the right move for you.