The IM LS9 luxury SUV officially launches on November 12, bringing a fresh perspective to the Chinese EV market. With pre-sale prices kicking off at 336,900 yuan ($46,800 USD) and climbing to 366,900 yuan ($51,000 USD), this new flagship from IM Motors has already grabbed serious attention. In just 30 minutes, over 8,000 reservations poured in when pre-orders opened on November 4.
While its impressive 1,508 km range, advanced 800V hybrid platform, and luxurious digital cabin are standout features, one particular element has everyone talking, an integrated outdoor shower. Yes, you read that right, a shower in your SUV.
Design & Exterior: Bold and Bright
The LS9 showcases IM’s latest design language, starting with a sleek, closed-off front end that embodies modern EV aesthetics. A continuous light strip and distinctive L-shaped headlights give it a futuristic face. The lower bumper features wide air intakes and dynamic vents, hinting at its performance capabilities. But the real showstopper up front is its Ultra-Wide Smart Projector Light, capable of illuminating an astonishing 8,000 square meters, essentially lighting up a small stadium.
Interior: A Digital Sanctuary with Spa-Like Comfort
Step inside, and the LS9 transforms into a high-tech haven. Dominating the dash is a massive 27.1-inch 5K display, seamlessly integrating with a 15.6-inch passenger screen to create a fully digital cockpit. IM also introduces premium B&O audio to its lineup, ensuring an immersive sound experience. Long drives will be a treat with the debut of 4D mechanical massage seats. The spacious six-seat (2+2+2) configuration further enhances comfort, with individual second-row seats offering ventilation, heating, and massage functions, complemented by a 21.5-inch ceiling screen.
The Built-In Shower: Rinse Off, Re-Energize
Now, about that shower, it’s quite literally attached to the rear of the LS9. Open the tailgate, and a compact shower tent can be deployed, drawing water from a 10-liter tank. This isn’t a cold rinse either, the water heats to a comfortable 45°C in just 10 minutes, thanks to a 1,200W heating element. While it offers roughly a minute’s worth of water, making it more of a “splash and dash” than a full scrub, it’s perfect for rinsing off after a day of outdoor adventures. This unique feature certainly sparks debate, is an in-car shower ingenious or insane? Either way, it’s a memorable touch.
Performance & Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Agility
The LS9 runs on IM’s “Stellar” extended-range system, blending a 1.5T engine with electric motors to churn out a combined 390 kW of power and 670 N·m of torque. You get two battery options, a 52 kWh and a 66 kWh, providing a pure electric range of up to 402 km. When both systems work together, the combined range impressively stretches to 1,508 km. Thanks to its 800V silicon carbide platform, this SUV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size.
Chassis & Advanced Tech: Smart Driving, Superior Handling
Underneath, the LS9 boasts IM’s “Lynx” Digital Chassis 3.0, paired with dual-chamber smart air suspension for a smooth, controlled ride. The 24-degree four-wheel steering system is a game-changer, reducing the turning radius to a nimble 4.95 meters, making maneuvers in tight spots surprisingly easy. For advanced driver assistance, the LS9 features a 520-line lidar system with a 300-meter range and an Nvidia Thor chip. This powerful combination enables advanced L2-assisted driving, built on a robust L3 hardware foundation.
In a rapidly evolving market where Chinese EV makers are pushing boundaries, the IM LS9 stands out with its blend of luxury, cutting-edge technology, and quirky innovations. It’s a compelling package that promises both comfort and excitement for the modern adventurer.
