The IM LS6: China’s Latest Coupe SUV Smashes Expectations with EREV and BEV Options

SAIC’s IM Motors just dropped a bombshell on the EV scene with its all-new LS6. This mid-to-large coupe SUV isn’t just another pretty face, it’s a serious contender offering both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrains. And get this: within a mere 27 minutes of its September 10 debut, IM Motors racked up over 10,000 firm orders. That’s an electric start, proving this car struck a chord.

From the moment you lay eyes on the LS6, you’ll notice a sleek, familiar design language, but with some sharp new touches. The T-shaped headlights have been redesigned for a more aggressive look, and they’ve subtly shifted the IM Motors logo from the front bumper to the hood. It’s a clean, confident aesthetic that hints at the performance lurking beneath.

Measuring in at 4937mm long, 1988mm wide, and 1673mm tall, with a generous 2960mm wheelbase, the LS6 commands presence without being overly bulky. You can pick from six exterior colors, ensuring there’s a shade to match every personality.

Step Inside the Future

Inside, the cabin is a tech enthusiast’s dream. The driver gets a stunning floating dual-screen setup, while the passenger enjoys their own dedicated screen. The driver’s integrated screen boasts a crystal-clear 5K resolution, perfect for all your driving information and media. The passenger isn’t left out, with a crisp 3K resolution screen featuring a cinema-like 16:9 aspect ratio. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances the journey for everyone.

When it comes to control, you have options. Choose between a classic flat-bottom steering wheel or go for a semi-circular design, reminiscent of Tesla’s Yoke, for a truly futuristic experience. Below the central screen, you will find physical buttons, providing a nice tactile balance to all the digital displays. The floating audio unit adds to the sophisticated ambiance, alongside dual wireless charging pads and cup holders, keeping your devices powered and your beverages secure. Plus, there’s a clever hollowed-out T-shaped console for extra storage. And for those long drives, an 11-liter dual-door in-car refrigerator and an electric sunshade elevate the comfort to another level, rivaling features you might see in a luxury MPV like the Buick Electra Encasab.

Performance That Grips the Road

Underneath it all, the LS6 sports IM Motors’ Lingxi digital chassis. This isn’t just fancy marketing; it’s packed with upgraded hardware, including Continental Group’s new MKC2 steer-by-wire braking system. This translates to serious stopping power, halting the car from 100km/h to a standstill in a remarkable 33.6 meters. The Lingxi Digital Chassis 2.0 also brings two-way 18° four-wheel steering, giving the LS6 an incredibly tight turning radius of just 4.79 meters. Think agile, precise handling that makes navigating city streets or winding roads an absolute pleasure.

For assisted driving, the IM LS6 is seriously equipped. It features a 520-line LiDAR system and an advanced solution built on Nvidia Thor. Developed with Momenta, this system delivers “nationwide mapless NOA” (Navigate on Autopilot), so you can cruise highways with ease, tackle roundabouts confidently, and even benefit from a smart valet parking function. This level of autonomy puts it right up there with the latest in intelligent driving systems coming out of China, such as those found in new models from Changan.

Power Options for Every Driver

The LS6 truly shines in its powertrain offerings. As the first mass-produced vehicle to feature IM Motors’ “Stellar” Super Extended Range system, the EREV LS6 comes with 52kWh and 66kWh “Freevoy Max” battery packs. These packs, a joint effort between IM Motors and CATL, are specifically designed for extended-range vehicles. The EREV models boast an impressive CLTC pure electric range exceeding 450km (or 370km for the 52kWh pack), with a combined range that blows past 1500km. That’s enough to quell any range anxiety you might have, and then some.

Charging is just as impressive. Built on an 800V platform, the EREV LS6 supports a peak charging power of 268kW. That means you can add a massive 310km of range in just 15 minutes. And even when the battery is low at 16%, it’s still pulling in 275.5kW. For those cold winter mornings, charging kicks off at a brisk 170 kW. Performance isn’t sacrificed either; the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version delivers a commanding 500 kW (670 hp) and a peak torque of 800 Nm, rocketing from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 3.48 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version isn’t a slouch, hitting 0-100km/h in a respectable 6.4 seconds.

If you’re all about pure electric power, the BEV LS6 has you covered with both single-motor and dual-motor setups. The single-motor variant packs a punch with 245 kW (329 hp) and 430 Nm of torque, paired with a 76kWh LFP battery for a CLTC range of 650km. For maximum range, the dual-motor version, equipped with a 103kWh LFP battery, achieves a CLTC range of 750km and a dual-motor system that matches the AWD EREV at 500 kW (670 hp). These impressive ranges and charging speeds compete head-on with other market leaders, showing the rapid advancement in China’s EV charging network and battery technology, much like the BYD Seal 06 GT or the offerings from XPeng, Leapmotor, and Xiaomi Auto.

The IM LS6 isn’t just a new car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to how far Chinese EV makers have come, blending stunning design, cutting edge technology, and exhilarating performance into a package that’s attracting buyers in droves. With its competitive pricing and versatile powertrain options, this coupe SUV is set to make a serious impact on the global electric vehicle market.