SAIC’s premium electric vehicle brand, IM Motors, has officially thrown open the order books for its new, imposing flagship SUV, the IM LS9. This beast measures almost 5.3 meters long, making a bold statement in the large SUV segment.
Pre-sales kick off with two configurations, priced at 346,900 yuan, or about 48,600 USD, and 376,900 yuan, roughly 52,800 USD. Mark your calendars, because the LS9’s full market launch is slated for November 12th. If you’re itching for something even more potent, a “Hyper” version is roaring its way to a Q1 2026 debut.
Exterior Design: A Star That Commands Attention
The IM LS9 isn’t shy about its presence. Upfront, a distinctive “Star Ring” continuous light strip seamlessly integrates with T-shaped headlamps on either side. The closed-off grille design is a nod to its electrified powertrain, beautifully complemented by a trapezoidal air intake and subtle chrome accents below.
From the side, the LS9 exhibits a flowing, athletic stance, highlighted by a sharp waistline and striking “pie-shaped” wheel rims. Head to the back, and you’ll find a large, sculpted surface with shoulder lines and contours perfectly in sync with its large SUV classification. It’s a design that screams premium and performance, standing tall in a crowded market.
Interior Comfort and Tech: A Command Center of Luxury
Step inside the pre-production model, and you’re greeted by a sophisticated dark grey and white cabin, punctuated with elegant chrome touches. The LS9 inherits the impressive dual-screen setup from its sibling, the IM LS6, featuring a stunning 27.1-inch 5K MiniLED central display. This is paired with a generous 15.6-inch 3K MiniLED entertainment screen, perfect for the front passenger.
The central armrest area is all about convenience, offering a wireless charging pad and integrated cup holders, along with a handy hollow storage compartment underneath. Buyers even get to choose between a semi-spoke or full-spoke steering wheel, both equipped with slick sliding rotary controls for an intuitive driving experience.
Unrivaled Comfort and Advanced Safety
The IM LS9 aims to redefine passenger comfort. According to official statements, the second-row right-side seat boasts a “zero-gravity” mode, promising an exceptionally relaxing ride. And for those long journeys or hot days, you’ll appreciate the car refrigerator, capable of maintaining temperatures from a frosty -6 degrees Celsius to a warm 50 degrees Celsius. Imagine having your favorite beverages perfectly chilled—or even a warm snack—on the go!
This SUV seats six, and those seats are not just any seats. They’re innovative 4D mechanical massage seats, offering a variety of massage and kneading techniques to melt away stress. You’ll also find a premium B&O sound system for an immersive audio experience, a cabin fresh air system for a healthier environment, and even an outdoor adventure kit.
Safety and driver assistance are top-notch too. The LS9 comes equipped with a 520-line LiDAR system and an Nvidia Thor autonomous driving chip, paving the way for advanced driver assistance features and a safer journey. In fact, many Chinese EVs are prioritizing advanced driver assistance systems, with companies like XPeng partnering with Volkswagen to push these boundaries further.
Dimensions and Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
Measuring a substantial 5279mm in length, 2000mm in width, and 1806mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3160mm, the IM LS9 lives up to its large SUV billing. It rides on the Lingxi Digital Chassis 3.0, a smart four-wheel steering system that promises agile handling despite its size.
Under the hood, the LS9 features the “Stellar” Super Extended Range system. This clever setup combines a 1.5T engine with an electric motor, powered by a 66 kWh battery pack. This translates to an impressive CLTC pure electric range of 402 kilometers, and a combined range that stretches up to an astonishing 1508 kilometers. The official figures also boast a combined fuel and electricity consumption of a mere 2.81 liters per 100 kilometers, showcasing its remarkable efficiency. In the expanding world of EREVs, the LS9 is set to make a significant impact, joining the ranks of other impressive models like the XPeng X9 EREV and the SAIC IM LS9 itself, which is already generating buzz for its long-range capabilities. China’s focus on EREV technology is bringing some serious competition to the global EV market.
