IM Motors is gearing up to release its newest full-size extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) SUV, known as the IM LS9. The official debut of this model is slated for the fourth quarter of this year. Recently, the vehicle was spotted during road tests in China, giving the public a glimpse of its design and features ahead of launch. Once released, the LS9 is expected to enter direct competition with other premium EREV SUVs in the Chinese market, such as the Li L9 and the Denza N9.
IM Motors is a collaborative venture formed by two major players: SAIC and the tech giant Alibaba. The company currently offers several models, including the IM L6, LS6, LS7, and L7, and the upcoming LS9 will expand their growing lineup of high-tech electric vehicles.
Following its appearance in documents released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), IM Motors swiftly unveiled official photos of the LS9. The SUV features a sleek, closed-off front fascia, complemented by sculpted lines on the hood and a distinctive T-shaped LED lighting design. A full-width light bar further enhances the futuristic look of the front end. Chrome accents highlight several areas of the vehicle, such as the bumpers, side skirts, and window trims. Other exterior highlights include concealed door handles, a panoramic sunroof, and an advanced roof-mounted lidar system, indicating strong autonomous driving capabilities. These smart driving features are expected to be developed in partnership with Momenta, a company known for its autonomous driving solutions.
Inside, the IM LS9 offers a spacious six-seat configuration with a 2+2+2 layout. The SUV measures 5,279 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,806 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm and a curb weight of 2,695 kilograms. It supports multiple tire sizes including 255/50 R20, 265/45 R21, and HL265/40 R22, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Buyers will also have the option to select a unique half steering wheel design, reflecting the vehicle’s emphasis on futuristic driving experiences.
Under the hood, the LS9 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as a range extender, delivering up to 153 horsepower. This is paired with dual electric motors: one in the front producing 215 horsepower and another in the rear generating 308 horsepower, for a combined high-performance setup. The top speed of the SUV is reported to be 220 km/h. Furthermore, the vehicle will feature CATL’s advanced Freevoy battery system, which supports a pure electric range of up to 450 kilometers. It will also include IM Motors’ third-generation X-by-Wire system, enabling both front and rear steering as well as precise four-wheel torque vectoring for improved handling and driving dynamics.