The automotive world is buzzing about IM Motors’ new flagship LS9 SUV, which hit the Chinese market on November 12, 2025. It’s not just the hybrid powertrain or the six-seat layout turning heads, but some truly unconventional lifestyle features that have sparked a lively debate among car enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. With a starting price of 322,800 yuan (approximately 44,900 USD), this SUV boasts a 66 kWh battery pack offering a pure-electric range of 402 km and an impressive combined range of up to 1,508 km. But let’s be real, that’s not what everyone’s talking about.
Redefining Automotive Luxury or Just a Gimmick?
The LS9 introduces two optional features that are generating the most chatter: a graphene-based underfloor heating system and an “outdoor-luxury” package. This pack includes a hidden 10-liter heated water tank, a shower head, and even a shower curtain. Yes, you read that right—an in-car shower. These aren’t standard features, so if you want to suds up on the go, it’ll cost you extra.
Critics are quick to point out the practical limitations. A 10-liter water tank isn’t exactly going to give you a spa-like experience. Many argue that adding bathroom amenities complicates design, eats into precious cabin space, and could be a drain on energy consumption. Some observers are dismissing these options as mere gimmicks, emphasizing that an SUV’s primary purpose should remain about transportation and driving dynamics, not replicating the comforts of home.
Ingenious Innovation or Niche Appeal?
However, there’s a growing chorus of supporters who see genuine utility in these features. Imagine you’re in the frigid northeast of China or embarking on a long camping trip. Underfloor heating could be a godsend, keeping the cabin toasty warm. And for outdoor adventurers, the ability to rinse off after a muddy hike or a swim could be a game-changer. These lifestyle additions might just hit the mark for a niche market looking for enhanced convenience during their travels.
IM Motors’ CTO jumped into the fray, addressing the swirling discussions head-on. He admitted that from a purely engineering standpoint, features like floor heating or an in-car shower might seem “childish.” Yet, he firmly states these ideas are rooted in real consumer needs. He highlighted that many consumers in northeast China are already accustomed to home underfloor heating, so bringing that level of comfort to a vehicle offers a new dimension of flexibility in daily life and travel. The company stressed that these are entirely optional features, designed to complement the LS9’s core capabilities, not overshadow them.
In a rapidly evolving Chinese EV market, where innovation and differentiation are key, IM Motor’s willingness to experiment with such bold features certainly sets them apart. Whether these amenities become mainstream or remain delightfully eccentric options, they undoubtedly add a unique flavor to the LS9, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from our vehicles.
