IM Motors LS6

Model Overview

The IM LS6 is a mid-to-large smart electric SUV under SAIC Motor's IM Motors brand, which first made its market debut in September 2024. On 10 September 2025, the new-generation IM LS6 was officially launched, introducing an extended-range (EREV) powertrain for the first time alongside the pure electric (BEV) option, offering a total of nine variants with launch prices ranging from RM197,900 to RM269,900. Positioned as an RM200,000-class "super large five-seater smart SUV", the new model targets consumers who prioritise smart connectivity, long driving range, and family practicality. Founded on 25 December 2020, IM Motors is a joint venture jointly established by SAIC Motor, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba Group.

Design Language

The new-generation IM LS6 adopts an all-new urban aesthetic design, shifting from curvier lines to a bolder, more muscular profile that enhances its mid-to-large SUV road presence. The front fascia features a split-headlamp layout with a closed-off grille, complemented by two prominent bonnet creases that add muscular definition; new vertical LED lighting units flank both sides, while the front bumper incorporates a larger honeycomb intake grille. The side profile retains its sleek coupe-SUV silhouette, fitted with flush pop-out door handles and new five-spoke darkened alloy wheels, coming standard with 20-inch rims while the range-topping variant upgrades to 21-inch petal-style wheels. Round the back, it features a full-width LED light bar paired with a subtle ducktail spoiler, beneath which sits a customisable digital interactive screen. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,937 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, and 1,673 mm (EREV) / 1,671 mm (BEV) in height, with a 2,960 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin drops the outgoing integrated continuous screen in favour of a fresh split-screen layout, anchored by a 27.1-inch 5K MiniLED central display and a 15.6-inch 3K MiniLED front passenger entertainment screen. Steering wheel options include a conventional full-circle wheel and a YAT yoke-style half-spoke steering wheel.

Powertrain and Performance

The new-generation IM LS6 is available in both extended-range (EREV) and all-electric (BEV) powertrains, with the entire lineup built on an 800V high-voltage architecture. The EREV variant features IM's "Stellar Super Range Extension" system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender (114 kW max power) with a rear-mounted electric drive motor (230 kW max power); offered with 52 kWh and 66 kWh battery pack options, it delivers a CLTC pure electric range of 370 km and 450 km respectively, with a total combined range exceeding 1,500 km; fuel consumption in charge-depleted state is rated at 5.32 L/100km, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption as low as 0.06 L/100km. The BEV variant comes in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations: the RWD model delivers 245 kW with a CLTC range of 650 km, while the dual-motor AWD model boasts a combined system output of 500 kW (approx. 680 PS) and a CLTC range of 750 km. The AWD Ultra variant completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in just 3.48 seconds. For charging, it supports 800V ultra-fast DC charging capable of replenishing over 300 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Chassis and Handling

The new-generation IM LS6 comes standard across the board with the next-generation "Lizard Digital Chassis", seamlessly integrating and managing hardware including intelligent four-wheel steering, air suspension, and electronic dynamic damping control. The suspension setup consists of a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup. The four-wheel steering system supports a rear-wheel steering angle of up to ±9°, reducing the AWD model's minimum turning radius to just 4.49 metres; the air suspension offers 70 mm of height adjustability across five levels; and the active electronic dampers respond to road conditions in milliseconds. In addition, the chassis is equipped with Continental's MKC2 brake-by-wire system, the Lizard blowout stability control system (ensuring vehicle stability during tyre blowouts at high speeds or on corners), and Active Rollover Prevention 2.0 (reducing rollover risk by 45%). The Lizard Super RWD system can handle 80% of off-road recovery scenarios typically requiring conventional four-wheel drive.

Cabin and Features

Inside, the new-generation IM LS6 runs on the IM AIOS intelligent operating system, debuting the AI Agent in-car smart assistant deeply integrated with ecosystems like WeChat to support diverse connected services such as parking payments and food delivery. The infotainment system is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P cockpit chip. In terms of comfort amenities, genuine leather upholstery comes standard across the range, with front seats equipped with ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The front passenger is treated to a 121° zero-gravity seat with one-touch zero-gravity mode, which can also fold flat forward to free up over 1 metre of legroom for the rear passenger. The rear row features generous 517 mm ultra-deep seat cushions with 10° multi-stage backrest recline, while selected variants come with an 11-litre intelligent heating and cooling fridge. Practical storage includes a 32-litre front boot (frunk) and a 665-litre rear boot, expandable to 1,571 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

In terms of passive safety, the new-generation IM LS6 employs a "10-longitudinal, 10-transverse" omnidirectional closed-loop submarine-grade cage body structure along with triple-redundant emergency door-opening mechanisms. The entire battery lineup meets and far exceeds the upcoming 2026 national safety standards well in advance, maintaining a zero spontaneous combustion track record to date. Advanced driver assistance is a headline highlight of the LS6. The vehicle debuts Momenta's first autonomous driving solution powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor chip, complemented by an industry-first 520-line LiDAR sensor. Functionally, the IM AD 3.0 mapless City NOA enables nationwide navigation pilot driving, supporting highway/urban navigation pilot, one-touch AI parking, one-touch AI valet driving, and automatic emergency steering (AES).

Market Performance and Reception

The IM LS6 recorded stellar market performance following its launch. Firm bookings surpassed 10,000 units within just 27 minutes of launch in September 2025; monthly sales consistently exceeded the 10,000-unit mark for four consecutive months from September 2025; December 2025 alone recorded retail sales of 6,337 units; and cumulative deliveries surpassed 100,000 units by January 2026. Across the full year of 2025, IM Motors achieved total cumulative sales of 81,017 vehicles. Sales saw a pullback entering 2026, registering around 3,005 units in April. Owner feedback has been largely positive, with widespread praise for the agile handling courtesy of standard rear-wheel steering, the range anxiety-free 450 km electric range on EREV variants, and the high-value "entry variant packed like a flagship" packaging. Nevertheless, some owners noted that build quality consistency and brand recognition remain areas for improvement. Overall, anchored by the trio of "Stellar Super Range Extension + Lizard Digital Chassis + Advanced Smart Driving", along with its dual EREV/BEV powertrain strategy and standard rear-wheel steering and LiDAR across all trims, the IM LS6 has successfully transitioned from a niche premium model into mainstream acceptance within the RM200,000-bracket new energy SUV segment.