On December 25, 2020, SAIC Motor, Zhangiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba Group formed IM Motors as a joint venture. Within a month of its October 12 launch, IM Motors revealed that more than 28,000 units of its IM LS6 all-electric SUV had been ordered.
The dimensions of the IM LS6, which is classified as a medium-to-large SUV, are 4904 mm long, 1988 mm wide, 1669 mm tall, and 2950 mm wheelbase. It has a 0.237Cd coefficient of drag.
The IM OS—which runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip—supports the in-car operating system.
When entering the cockpit, one notices that there are fewer physical buttons and a number of screens instead, such as a dual central control screen, an optional 15.5-inch co-pilot screen, a 26.3-inch LCD instrument panel, and a 10.5-inch screen on the center console. The steering wheel's scroll wheels also have a metallic texture.
Additional options include 256-color ambient lighting, voice recognition, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel. 697L is the standard trunk volume. The trunk can hold up to 1672 liters when the second-row seats are folded down. An electric tailgate is standard on the trunk. There is also a panoramic sunroof at the same time.
The IM LS6 offers customers a choice between two power versions, each designed to cater to different driving preferences. The first option is a single-motor rear-wheel drive, while the second option boasts a dual-motor four-wheel drive system.
Under the hood, the IM LS6 comes in four different models, each with its own unique set of features and specifications. The MAX Super Performance 4WD version stands out with an impressive range of 702 kilometers and a powerful 787 horsepower engine, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. Equipped with an 800V platform and a 100 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, this model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.48 seconds.
For those seeking a long-range option, the MAX Super Long Range model offers a remarkable range of 760 kilometers. With 515 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, it provides a smooth and efficient driving experience. Similar to the Super Performance model, it is equipped with an 800V platform and a 100 kWh ternary lithium battery pack.
The MAX Long Range model offers a slightly lower range of 680 kilometers but compensates with a more affordable price point. It features a 340 horsepower engine and 450 Nm of torque, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. With a 400V platform and a 90 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, this model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Lastly, the MAX Standard Range model provides a range of 560 kilometers and is perfect for everyday driving. With 314 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque, it offers a comfortable and reliable driving experience. Similar to the MAX Long Range model, it is equipped with a 400V platform and a 71 kWh ternary lithium battery pack.
It is worth noting that the ternary lithium battery packs are provided by United Auto Battery, a joint venture between CATL and SAIC. The battery pack is covered by an eight-year guarantee or 240,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Fast charging can improve range by 200 km in 5 minutes, and charging for 15 minutes can boost range by 500 km.
The IM LS6 is equipped as standard with a level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that uses a lidar, three millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic radars, and eleven external cameras. Automated emergency braking, autonomous parking, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, merging assistance, lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive braking are some of the ADAS functions.
Currently, customers have the option to choose from three two-wheel drive versions and one four-wheel drive version. The prices range from 229,900 to 291,900 yuan (approximately 31,900 to 40,000 USD), offering a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences.