SAIC and Alibaba get able to launch their full-size NEV crossover in China underneath the IM LS9 identify. It can rival the Li Auto L9 and different fashions. The brand new automobile will enter the home market this 12 months as SAIC goals to spice up its subsidiary gross sales quantity.
IM Motors is a three way partnership between SAIC and Alibaba. It was launched in 2020 as a high-end model. The model’s present mannequin line includes 4 electrical vehicles: the L6 and L7 sedans, and the LS6 and LS7 crossovers. Nevertheless, this model suffers from sluggish gross sales within the extremely aggressive home market. IM Motors bought 19,174 models from January to Might 2025, in line with China EV DataTracker.
SAIC & Alibaba purpose to reinforce the gross sales quantity of their high-end model. Subsequently, the 2 events lately utilized for a gross sales license of the up to date IM LS6 crossover with an elective EREV powertrain. This 12 months, IM Motors will even launch its flagship mannequin, which is the LS9 crossover.
IM LS9 spy photographs
On June 30, spy photographs of the IM LS9 crossover leaked on-line. We are able to distinguish this car by its steering wheel alone. It aligns with different IM-branded fashions, providing an oval form and two spokes. The automobile’s inside additionally has two wi-fi telephone charging pads, a few cup holders, and a spacious compartment. A big monitor sits within the automobile’s middle console.
The IM LS9 is roofed with camouflage. Its headlights are finalized as a result of early check stage. Nevertheless, the general design of the LS9’s entrance finish aligns with the beforehand disclosed new LS6 SUV. It has a closed entrance finish with a small air consumption within the decrease a part of the entrance bumper. The automobile will even have Y-shaped headlights joined by an LED strip.
The LS9 has a barely slanted roofline, a LiDAR sensor, retractable door handles, and five-spoke rims. We are able to additionally spotlight the lengthy distance between this crossover’s B and C pillars. It means the second-row passengers of this automobile will get some additional legroom. The IM LS9 is a three-row SUV. Nevertheless, its seat structure has but to be disclosed.
IM LS9 powertrain
The LS9 probably shares the platform with different IM-branded fashions. It’s the iO Origin structure appropriate for BEV and EREV autos. There isn’t any details about the specs or powertrain particulars of the LS9. Nevertheless, this mannequin will seemingly undertake each BEV and EREV modifications.
The BEV model of the IM LS9 will seemingly undertake a dual-motor 4WD with a mixed peak energy output of 500 kW (670 hp). The identical drivetrain powers the brand new LS6 revealed by the Chinese language Ministry. As for the EREV variant, it might have a 1.5-liter turbocharged generator for 114 kW (153 hp) and an electrical motor for 230 kW (308 hp). This powertrain might be adopted by the talked about LS6.
