The next-generation IM Motors LS6 features a standard by-wire chassis and offers up to 782 km of CLTC range. Credit: IM Motors.
- The next-generation LS6 comes standard with a by-wire chassis and an 800-volt platform, taking on the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X.
- The SUV measures 4,937 mm in length and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.48 seconds.
IM Motors, the electric vehicle (EV) brand of SAIC Motor (SSE: 600104), launched the next-generation LS6 on Wednesday, bringing by-wire chassis technology to the family SUV (sport utility vehicle) segment around the 200,000-yuan mark.
The new model is available in 3 all-electric variants, with prices after incentives ranging from 197,900 yuan ($29,320) to 259,900 yuan. Official guide prices range from 202,900 yuan to 264,900 yuan.
After incentives, the Max starts at 197,900 yuan, the Pro Max at 217,900 yuan and the Ultra at 259,900 yuan, all below the pre-sales prices announced on September 10.
The starting price after incentives matches that of the previous-generation all-electric LS6, which went on sale in September 2025.
Customers who placed orders during the pre-sales period are eligible for an additional 3,000-yuan cash discount. IM Motors previously said the model secured more than 8,000 pre-orders within 45 minutes of pre-sales opening.
Positioned as a large, 5-seat family SUV with a fully by-wire chassis, the new LS6 measures 4,937 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width and 1,671 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,960 mm.
The chassis is a key selling point. All variants come standard with steer-by-wire, intelligent 4-wheel steering with an 18-degree bidirectional range, and the Lingxi digital chassis 3.0 system. The Ultra has a minimum turning radius of 4.49 meters.
IM Motors compares the technology to aircraft fly-by-wire systems and is promoting the SUV’s aviation-inspired engineering. The Ultra also features air suspension and electronically controlled adaptive damping.
The Max and Pro Max variants are rear-wheel drive, with motor outputs of 245 kW (329 hp) and 300 kW, respectively. The Ultra uses a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with a combined output of 500 kW.
Battery capacities are 76 kWh, 93 kWh and 103 kWh, respectively, delivering CLTC ranges of 650 km, 782 km and 750 km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.4 seconds, 5.4 seconds and 3.48 seconds.
All variants use an 800-volt platform. Charging from 10% to 80% takes 18 minutes, 20.3 minutes and 16.8 minutes, respectively, while a 15-minute charge adds 420 to 530 km of range.
Driver assistance is handled by the IM AD Zeta system, which uses 520-channel LiDAR and supports Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) without relying on high-definition maps, parking-space-to-parking-space navigation and memory parking. The full IM AD feature package is free for a limited time.
The cabin features a 27.1-inch 5K MiniLED dual-screen setup and a 15.6-inch front passenger display, alongside the IM Claw AI agent integrated with Alibaba’s Qwen large language model.
Other features include a B&O sound system, seats with 4D mechanical massage and an 11-liter refrigerator with doors that open from either side.
The LS6, first launched in October 2023, is IM Motors’ most important sales driver. The new model is the latest addition under the brand’s “NEXT·2028” strategy, following the updated L6 sedan launched on August 28.
The 200,000- to 300,000-yuan market for 5-seat SUVs is among China’s most competitive segments. The LS6’s rivals include the Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) Model Y, Zeekr 7X, Xiaomi (HKEX: 1810) YU7, Luxeed R7 and Li Auto’s (NASDAQ: LI) Li L6.
The LS8, starting at 249,800 yuan ($36,600), secured 8,000 firm orders within 60 minutes.
($1 = 6.7489 yuan)
