Source: IM Motors

On November 12, SAIC’s premium electric brand IM Motors (Zhiji Auto) launched its new LS9 SUV in Shanghai, offering two extended-range versions — the LS9 52 Ultra priced at 322,800 CNY (c. $45,400) and the LS9 66 Ultra at 352,800 CNY (c. $49,600). Within 25 minutes of launch, preorders exceeded 5,000 units.

IM Motors is a joint venture between SAIC Motor (SHA:600104), Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA), and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech (SHA:600895).

The LS9 is defined internally by SAIC as its flagship model, incorporating the group’s latest technologies across powertrain, chassis, and intelligent systems. SAIC Vice President and Chief Engineer Zu Sijie said the LS9 “integrates ten years of innovation and ecosystem collaboration.”

Built on an 800 V architecture, the LS9 features SAIC’s self-developed “Stellar” (Hengxing) extended-range system, delivering 402 km (250 mi) of pure electric CLTC range and a 1,508 km (937 mi) combined range.

Source: IM Motors

It uses a 1.5 T high-efficiency range-extender engine jointly developed with CATL, capable of fast charging up to 170 kW even in sub-zero temperatures. The powertrain outputs up to 390 kW and 670 N·m, achieving 0–100 km/h acceleration in about 4 seconds, with energy consumption equivalent to 2.81 L per 100 km.

The SUV rides on the Lingxi Digital Chassis 3.0, paired with dual-direction 24° four-wheel steering that enables a 4.95 m turning radius, despite its 5.3 m body length. A dual-chamber air suspension with adaptive damping improves cornering stability and ride comfort on rough terrain. The Lingxi vector all-wheel-drive system gives the LS9 performance comparable to off-road SUVs.

The LS9’s digital cockpit and driving assistance is powered by a 520-line long-range LiDAR, an NVIDIA Thor chip (700 TOPS), and the jointly developed IM AD Max driver-assistance system with Momenta, capable of L3-level perception and traffic-gesture recognition. The upgraded AEB and AES systems enable real-time obstacle avoidance and lateral emergency maneuvers.

Source: IM Motors

The cabin integrates an AI Agent supporting tasks such as parking payment and food delivery. IM also introduced a one-touch privacy mode with triple-layer protection. The LS9 also introduces one of the most advanced cockpits among Chinese EVs. The dashboard is dominated by a 27.1-inch 5K main display, paired with a 15.6-inch passenger screen and a 21.5-inch overhead display for rear occupants.

Premium options include a Bang & Olufsen audio system (its first partnership with a Chinese automaker), 4D massage seats, a smart climate and underfloor heating system, and an instant-purification air system capable of 400 m³/h air exchange.

Source: IM Motors

Among the LS9’s most unusual features is a built-in rear-mounted shower system, allowing occupants to rinse off dirt or sand while traveling. The setup includes a 10-liter tank capable of heating water to 113°F (45°C), with support for a portable shower tent that attaches to the tailgate. The system delivers around one minute of running water, aimed at light use such as cleaning gear, pets, or freshening up outdoors.

The LS9 launch follows the September debut of the IM LS6, which could help the brand sustain monthly sales above 10,000 units. In China, IM has been a laggard EV brand behind other prominent NEV startups like NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto. It

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