Picture this. You’re cruising down the highway, the serene hum of electric motors your only companion, with over a thousand kilometers of range in your back pocket. No range anxiety, just pure confidence. That’s the promise SAIC’s IM Motors is making with their new flagship, the LS9 EREV SUV, and honestly, it’s a promise that turns heads.
This isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s a statement piece from one of China’s automotive giants, packing a 66 kWh battery, a clever range-extending engine, and a claimed combined range that stretches to an almost unbelievable 1,508 kilometers. Starting at 332,800 yuan (about $46,600), it’s aiming straight at the heart of the premium SUV market, and it’s doing so with a tech arsenal that would make a spaceship blush.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | TBA | s | Full performance figures for flagship Hyper version due Q1 2026 |
| Peak power | TBA | kW | Combined output from 1.5T range-extender and electric motor(s) |
| Pure Electric Range (CLTC) | 402 | km | On battery power alone before range extender activates |
| Combined Range (CLTC) | 1,508 | km | With battery and gasoline range extender, ideal for long road trips |
| Battery capacity (gross) | 66 | kWh | Part of the “Stellar” Super Extended Range (EREV) system |
| Fuel & Electric Consumption | 2.81 | L/100km | CLTC combined cycle efficiency rating |
| Max DC fast-charge rate | TBA | kW | Specifications to be confirmed |
| Length × Width × Height | 5,279 × 2,000 × 1,806 | mm | Substantial full-size SUV footprint |
| Wheelbase | 3,160 | mm | Long wheelbase translates to generous interior space |
| Starting price (China) | ¥332,800 – ¥362,800 | CNY | Two configurations available (~$46,600 – $50,800 USD) |
| Key Tech Partners | Nvidia, B&O | — | Nvidia Thor ADAS chip, Bang & Olufsen audio system |
| Daily Electric Range Buffer | ~300 | km | Comfortable real-world daily use on pure electric mode |
A Design That Commands Attention
First impressions matter, and the LS9 makes a strong one. It wears what IM Motors calls a “fresh design language,” which in practice means a striking front end dominated by a continuous “star-ring” light strip that wraps into aggressive T-shaped clusters at the corners. The face is clean and modern, with a closed grille signaling its electric heart, broken up only by a trapezoidal lower intake and some tasteful chrome accents.
From the side, the story is about presence. A strong, straight character line runs the length of the body, giving it a planted, substantial look. The designers threw in some uniquely styled “pie-shaped” alloy wheels for good measure. Practicality isn’t forgotten either. Electric running boards extend automatically, a thoughtful touch for a vehicle of this size that makes getting in and out a graceful affair rather than a climb.
The rear is equally bold, with a broad, flat tailgate punctuated by a full-width light bar, a sizeable roof spoiler, and more of that restrained chrome trim. It’s a design that doesn’t shout; it simply states its position with confidence.
An Interior That Feels Like a First-Class Lounge
Open the door, and the LS9 shifts from a statement of power to a sanctuary of comfort. The cabin layout will feel familiar to anyone who’s seen the smaller IM LS6, but everything here is amplified. The centerpiece is a massive, curved 27.1-inch 5K MiniLED display that serves as both the driver’s instrument cluster and the central infotainment screen. To the right, a dedicated 15.6-inch 3K MiniLED screen keeps the passenger entertained.
The dashboard is a lesson in clean integration. Air vents are seamlessly built into its layered surface, and the center console is a study in thoughtful organization. You get a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and underneath it all, a clever hollowed-out storage bin. Even the steering wheel offers a choice between half-spoke and full-spoke designs, both featuring slick sliding rotary controls on the sides.
But the real party tricks are in the details. The right-side second-row seat boasts a proper “zero-gravity” recline mode for ultimate relaxation. There’s an honest-to-goodness in-car refrigerator that can chill drinks to -6°C or keep food warm up to 50°C. The audio comes courtesy of a premium Bang & Olufsen system, and there’s even a cabin fresh air system and an optional outdoor adventure kit. It’s this blend of tech and tangible luxury that places it in direct conversation with vehicles like the BYD Yangwang U8L.
The Powertrain: Where Magic Meets Mileage
This is where the LS9’s engineering shines. Forget range anxiety. IM Motors has fitted what it calls the “Stellar” Super Extended Range system. In simple terms, it’s an EREV, or Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. Think of it as an electric car that carries its own tiny, efficient power station.
At its core is a 66 kWh battery pack. On its own, that’s good for a very respectable 402 kilometers (250 miles) of pure electric driving on the CLTC cycle. That’s more than enough for a week of commuting for most people without ever touching a drop of fuel.
When the battery runs low, a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine quietly fires up. But here’s the key: this engine doesn’t drive the wheels. It acts solely as a generator, producing electricity to feed the electric motor and recharge the battery. This setup is why the combined range skyrockets to 1,508 kilometers. The company quotes a combined fuel and electric consumption figure of just 2.81 liters per 100 kilometers, which is staggeringly efficient for a vehicle this large and heavy.
It’s a compelling formula that’s gaining serious traction in China. Brands like XPeng with its X9 EREV are proving that offering both zero-emission daily driving and limitless long-distance capability is exactly what many premium buyers want.
The Chassis: A Tech Playground for Driving Enthusiasts
Driving a nearly 5.3-meter-long SUV shouldn’t feel like piloting a bus, and IM Motors knows it. The LS9 debuts the new-generation “Lingxi” Digital Chassis, and it’s packed with hardware designed to shrink the vehicle around you.
The headline act is a 24-degree ultra-wide-angle smart four-wheel steering system. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, dramatically reducing the turning circle. It makes parking and maneuvering in tight urban spaces surprisingly easy. At higher speeds, all four wheels can turn in the same direction for enhanced stability during lane changes.
Supporting this is a sophisticated closed dual-chamber air suspension with 150 millimeters of travel. It can automatically adjust ride height for better aerodynamics on the highway, raise itself for rough terrain, or lower for easier entry and exit. The combination promises a ride that’s both supple and controlled, isolating occupants from road imperfections while keeping body roll in check during spirited driving.
Seeing the Road: Next-Gen Driver Assistance
No modern flagship is complete without serious autonomous driving ambitions, and the LS9 comes ready. Perched on the roof is a high-resolution 520-line LiDAR sensor, providing a detailed, three-dimensional map of the world around the vehicle. Processing all that data is the serious hardware: an Nvidia Thor autonomous driving chip.
This combination forms the backbone of what will likely be a very capable advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), capable of handling everything from adaptive cruise control and lane centering on highways to more complex urban navigation and parking maneuvers. It’s a clear signal that IM Motors isn’t just building a luxury SUV; it’s building a platform for the future of automated driving.
The Consumer Angle: Living With the LS9
So what’s it actually like to own one? Let’s break it down.
For daily use, that 400+ km electric range is the star. You can plug in at home overnight and likely never visit a gas station for months if your commute is typical. The running costs would be a fraction of a comparable gasoline luxury SUV. When you do need to go far, the range extender eliminates the need to plan charging stops around fast-charger locations, offering a freedom that pure EVs still can’t match for certain types of travel.
The interior amenities transform it from transport to a mobile living room. That refrigerator means cold drinks on demand during summer road trips. The zero-gravity seat is a blessing on long journeys. The sheer space, thanks to that 3.16-meter wheelbase, means legroom isn’t an issue for anyone.
From a value perspective, starting at around $46,600, it’s positioned aggressively. You’re getting a massive, tech-laden, long-range luxury SUV for the price of a well-optioned mid-size premium sedan from German brands in China. This aggressive pricing is part of a broader trend we’re seeing as Chinese automakers battle for market share with incredible value propositions.
The Bigger Picture: A Statement from SAIC
The launch of the LS9 is about more than just one car. It’s a declaration from SAIC, one of China’s “Big Four” state-owned automakers, that its premium IM brand is ready to play in the major leagues. They’re not just copying established formulas; they’re pushing boundaries with the EREV powertrain, the lavish interior features, and the advanced chassis tech.
The promised “Hyper” version, due in the first quarter of 2026, suggests there’s even more performance potential to unlock. It’s a dynamic, fast-moving segment, and the LS9 shows that Chinese automakers are no longer just competing on price. They’re competing on innovation, technology, and delivering a genuinely compelling ownership experience.
In the end, the IM Motors LS9 EREV makes a compelling case for itself. It offers the silent, smooth, efficient drive of an EV for daily life, the unlimited range of a hybrid for adventures, and a level of luxury and tech that challenges established players. It’s a confident, capable flagship that proves Chinese automakers aren’t just coming for the market; they’re aiming to redefine it.
