IM L6 (Source: IM Motors)
SAIC's IM Motors announced on March 18 that the IM L6 will be launched in May, set to become the world's first 1,000km semi-solid state battery production car. The IM L6 will boast a remarkable 2-second acceleration and will feature a new smart chassis that enables "crab walk" seen in higher-end vehicles like the Yangwang U8 or the GMC Hummer EV.
The L6 succeeds the larger L7, a premium BEV sedan initially priced above 400,000 RMB, eventually adjusted to below 300,000 RMB to stimulate sales volume, but to no avail. Sales remained disappointing, with only one unit sold in January 2024. IM Motors launched the IM L7 facelift on February 24, but sales remain stale. For February, retail sales reached 114 units. However, insurance registrations show only 37 units sold for the month and weekly sales since the facelift has not exceeded 13 units a week.
With the IM L6 anticipated to debut at around 200,000 RMB, its prospects remain uncertain as even its once successful SUV sibling, the IM LS6, is now also struggling to garner traction due to the BYD Song L. Overall sales for IM Motors have been in rapid decline since the strong year-end, having reached 10,412 total sales in December. Despite the end of the Chinese New Year, there has been no sign of sales recovery based on weekly insurance registrations. The market is extremely competitive, but in our view, the L6 may offer a glimmer of hope to its parent company SAIC.
Based on disclosed specifications, the rear-wheel-drive version is set to feature two types of electric motors with three tuning options, offering a max. power output of 216kW and 248kW/300kW. The dual-motor version will boast a combined power of 579kW, enabling a 0-100km acceleration in just 2 seconds. The IM L6 will also feature a 900V (875V) high-voltage platform and semi-solid state battery, enabling a pure electric range that exceeds CLTC 1,000km. It's anticipated that the chassis will retain a combination of front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, enhancing sports handling with wider tires of 245/45 R19 for the front and 275/40 R19 for the rear.
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IM L6 (Source: IM Motors)
The IM L6 maintains the family's sporty design, seen in its L-shaped headlights and large lower grille resembling supercars. It features stamped body panels with sharp lines and diverse wheel hub styles. Additionally, it boasts four-piston brake callipers concealed in the wheels and a tail wing integrated with angled tail lights, enhancing its sporty performance positioning. The rear design of the IM L6 features angled tail lights, enhancing downward air pressure, akin to traditional sports spoilers.
IM L6 (Source: IM Motors)
The dimensions of the IM L6 measure 4931/1960/1474mm in length, width, and height respectively. With its hatchback body and a wheelbase of 2950mm, the vehicle offers ample cabin space for drivers and passengers.
Based on partially revealed spy photos, it's anticipated that the IM L6 will feature a dual-screen setup. The instrument panel and central control screen will merge, while the passenger will have a separate touch entertainment screen. These screens are expected to maintain the current model's dimensions of 26.3 in. and 15.5 in, using OLED and AMOLED, respectively. Additionally, the vehicle may come with a "yoke" steering wheel, along with a wireless charging pad and a lower touch screen. The IM L6 will be equipped with LIDAR and offer NOA intelligent navigation assistance across highways and urban areas.