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This is the MG IM5, a saloon-shaped electric car with an incredibly long range, very fast charging capabilities and frankly ridiculous performance for a reasonable amount of cash. However, while the infotainment screens look impressive, they’re a pain to use, and visibility out of the back isn’t great.

MG’s IM range – made up of this IM5 and the roomier IM6 SUV – is separate from the rest of the MG line-up and feels a bit posher. It’s like buying a Tesco Finest ready meal; still reasonably priced but hits the spot and looks better poking out the top of your Bag for Life.

You might also consider other electric saloons, such as the BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV4 Fastback. However, it’s the Tesla Model 3 that rules these parts, offering a similar mix of value for money, practicality and range to the MG.

Like the Tesla and BYD in particular, the IM5 is all sleek and swoopy body lines, and the theme continues inside, with a dashboard that swoops around the front passengers.

MG IM5: electric range, battery and charging data

Range: 304-441 miles
Efficiency: 3.1-3.5 miles per kWh
Battery size: 73.5-96.5 kWh
Max charge speed: 396kW
Charge time AC: 10-13hrs
Charge time DC: 17 mins
Charge port location: Left rear
Power output: 295-751bhp

The only right angles to be found are on the displays, one lower down by your left hand that’s home to most controls, and a massive 26.3-inch ultra-widescreen unit on top of the dashboard. It’s very quick, but unintuitive to navigate its menus, and because the cabin is button-free an infuriating number of functions have to be controlled through the touchscreen.

Practicality up front is okay, with small door bins but a large under-armrest cubby hole. You also get a ventilated wireless phone charging pad fitted as standard. There’s loads of space in the back, though the floor is too high so you have no underthigh support, which really impacts comfort.

At 457 litres the boot is above average, and although it’s quite shallow the space is large so you’ll be able to fit all but the bulkiest of items inside. That said, the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID7 have bigger boots if practicality is key.

Where the MG IM5 really impresses is in the range and charging department. There are two battery sizes, the smaller of which is only available with a single-motor setup and an underwhelming range of 304 miles. Get this motor with the bigger battery, though, and the official range is 441 miles, making the IM5 one of the longest-range EVs on sale.

On top of this, models with the big battery are some of the fastest-charging EVs around. With a maximum charge rate of 396kW, the 10-80% top up takes just 17 minutes. Short charge times and a long range makes this an excellent option for long-distance drivers – the Model 3 and ID7 challenge the MG for range, but neither charges as quick.

Don’t care about range? How about the dual-motor model, then, which provides an astonishing 751hp and all-wheel drive for less than £50,000. During our test drive, the car was so powerful you could feel all four wheels scrabble for grip when you put your foot down.

It’s not just lightning performance that impresses in the MG IM5, because it’s also quiet and refined to drive. The suspension has a tendency to fidget over rough surfaces – it lacks the sporty edge of the Tesla Model 3 and the unrivalled comfort of the Kia EV4 Fastback – but as an all-rounder it’s perfectly adequate. Rear visibility is just about the only major complaint you can throw at it.

If you want to get your hands on one, check out the latest MG IM5 deals on Á«»¨Ö±²¥, as well as IM5 lease deals. You can also browse used MGs from our network of trusted dealers, and when it’s time to sell your car, Á«»¨Ö±²¥ can help with that, too.

Despite all that impressive technology, the MG IM5 is reasonably priced. The base model starts at less than £40,000, which is about the same as the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV4 Fastback – though the Kia will go much further on a charge.

Where the MG really flexes its value for money muscles is with the big battery versions, which start at less than £45,000 for the long range model and under £49,000 for the ludicrously fast version.

Equipment is near-enough identical across the Standard Range, Long Range and Performance trims, so the price is based on the battery and motors you choose. The only difference is that Performance models get 20-inch alloy wheels compared with 19 inches on the other two.

That means adaptive cruise control, LED lights all round, front and rear parking sensors, four-wheel steering and artificial leather upholstery all come as standard.