Get ready, Thailand, because a new all-electric SUV is heading your way! IM Motors officially announced that the overseas version of its IM LS6, rebranded as the MG IM6, has set sail from Shanghai Port and is en route to Thailand. This sleek SUV is slated for an official launch at the highly anticipated Thailand Auto Show on March 24, where it will debut under SAIC’s MG brand.
IM Motors, a dynamic joint venture bringing together the significant forces of SAIC, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-tech, is clearly making big moves on the international stage.
A Closer Look at the Domestic Version: Power and Tech
While we await the full details of the Thai-spec MG IM6, let’s dive into what the domestic version, the IM LS6, brings to the streets in China. This isn’t just another pretty face; it’s a performance-oriented EV crafted with the “Gentle Sculpture” design philosophy.
The latest IM LS6, launched on September 26, 2024, comes in five trims. Prices range from a competitive 216,900 to 279,900 yuan (approximately 30,000 to 38,600 USD). These variants offer impressive CLTC cruising ranges, spanning from 625 km to a substantial 802 km.
Underneath its sculpted exterior, the IM LS6 is packed with cutting-edge technology. Every model features a “lizard digital chassis,” an intelligent four-wheel steering system, and an ultra-long-range high-precision lidar. For the brains of the operation, it boasts an NVIDIA DRIVE Orin chip and a smart cockpit powered by the fourth-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8295P platform. These advanced features underscore the growing trend of Chinese EVs integrating high-end tech for enhanced driving experiences.
IM Motors even claims its IM AD advanced driving assistance system is significantly safer than human driving, stating a 6.7 times improvement. Its autonomous parking assistance function can handle over 300 different parking scenarios, which is a game-changer for urban driving.
Blistering Performance and Robust Powertrains
When it comes to raw performance, the IM LS6 doesn’t hold back. It scorches from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.48 seconds, offers a 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of 33.76 meters, and hits a top speed of 252 km/h. Plus, it handles swiftly, demonstrated by a moose test speed of 82.7 km/h. These performance figures rival some serious sports cars, giving drivers an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.
The IM LS6 offers both RWD and AWD configurations to suit different driving preferences. The RWD variants come with electric motors producing 216 kW/450 Nm, 248 kW/500 Nm, or 300 kW/500 Nm. These are paired with 75 kWh, 83 kWh, or 100 kWh battery packs, using either lithium iron phosphate or ternary lithium chemistry. For those craving maximum grip and power, the AWD model delivers a thrilling 579 kW/800 Nm, exclusively matched with a 100 kWh ternary lithium battery pack.
Size-wise, this mid-sized SUV measures 4904 mm in length, 1988 mm in width, and 1669 mm in height, with a substantial 2950 mm wheelbase. Its aerodynamic design contributes to a low drag coefficient of 0.237 Cd, helping to maximize efficiency.
Expanding Horizons for Chinese EVs
The launch of the MG IM6 in Thailand marks another significant step for Chinese automakers looking to expand their global footprint. With its blend of advanced technology, impressive performance, and stylish design, the IM LS6, now the MG IM6, is poised to make a strong impression in the Thai market. This move highlights the increasing competitiveness and innovation coming from the Chinese EV sector, challenging established brands worldwide. Expect more such exciting debuts as Chinese manufacturers continue their aggressive push into international markets, bringing compelling electric vehicles to a wider audience. If this trend continues, we might see other models like the Onvo L90 or even BYD’s luxury Yangwang U7 brand making their way to international shores in the coming years.
