A New Contender in the EREV Arena
IM Motors, the electric-savvy venture from SAIC and Alibaba, is throwing its hat into the competitive family SUV ring. The company just announced its new IM LS9 six-seater will start pre-sales on November 4 in China, and it’s packing some serious hardware to get noticed. It’s a range-extender, or EREV, which means it blends a huge battery with an onboard gasoline generator for epic-level driving range without the anxiety. This model follows some of the brand’s more daring concepts, including one that featured an in-car shower.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Power (Electric Motors) | 390 | kW | Combined output from dual motors (160 kW + 230 kW) |
| Range Extender Engine | 114 | kW | Zephyr 1.5T gasoline engine (153 hp) |
| Top Speed | 220 | km/h | Electronically limited |
| Pure Electric Range (CLTC) | 402 | km | Real-world range will vary |
| Comprehensive Range (CLTC) | 1,500 | km | With full battery and fuel tank |
| Battery Capacity | 65.9 | kWh | 800V Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery from CATL |
| DC Fast Charge | 310 km in 15 min | — | Under ideal conditions |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5279/2000/1806 | mm | Large SUV footprint |
| Wheelbase | 3160 | mm | Suggests generous interior space |
| Curb Weight | 2,695 | kg | Reflects large battery and dual-motor setup |
The Brains and Brawn Under the Skin
At the heart of the IM LS9 is the company’s “Stellar” EREV system. It’s a clever setup. A 65.9 kWh battery from CATL powers two electric motors, giving the SUV all-wheel drive and a healthy 402 km of pure electric range. That’s more than enough for a week of city driving for most people. When the battery gets low, a 1.5T engine kicks in, not to drive the wheels, but to act as a generator and recharge the battery. This pushes the total range to a massive 1,500 km, effectively eliminating range anxiety for long road trips. Plus, its 800V architecture allows for blazing fast charging, adding over 300 km of range in just 15 minutes.
Agility in a Big Package
A vehicle of this size, weighing nearly 2,700 kg, might sound like a handful, but IM Motors has packed in some impressive chassis tech. The “Lizard Digital Chassis 3.0” features two-way, 24-degree four-wheel steering. In plain English, that means the rear wheels can turn to dramatically shrink the turning circle at low speeds, making parking and tight city maneuvers a breeze. At higher speeds, it helps with stability and lane changes. To smooth out the ride, the LS9 also comes with a 150 mm dual-chamber air suspension system, which should offer a great balance between cushy comfort and controlled handling.
Bold Looks and a Hint of Luxury
The LS9 makes a statement with its squared-off, muscular design. The commanding front end is defined by L-shaped headlights connected by a light bar, while the sides are kept clean with hidden door handles. Buyers can choose from 20, 21, or 22-inch wheels, with optional Brembo brake calipers to complete the powerful look. While IM Motors is saving a full interior reveal for later, the initial details promise a high-end experience. We know it will feature a sound system from Bang & Olufsen and seats with a 4D mechanical massage function. The inclusion of a 520-line lidar unit as standard across the lineup signals serious ambitions for advanced driver-assistance systems, putting it in competition with other tech-heavy vehicles like Huawei-powered AITO models. With its combination of a long-range EREV system, advanced chassis technology, and premium features, the IM LS9 is shaping up to be a formidable challenger in China’s packed family SUV market. We’ll be watching closely as its official launch approaches later this year.
