Shanghai-based IM Motors, the premium EV brand backed by SAIC, has opened pre-sales for its new-generation LS6, a five-seat electric SUV priced from 209,900 yuan (about $29,600) to 264,900 yuan (about $37,300). The three trims — Max, Pro Max and Ultra — all come with the company's full wire-controlled chassis, a feature set that includes steer-by-wire, four-wheel steering and air suspension, according to Chinese outlet NetEase Auto.
Standard high-end hardware
The decision to make such hardware standard is notable in the 200,000-yuan segment, where air suspension is usually reserved for top trims and four-wheel steering is rare. The LS6's steer-by-wire system has a response time of 20 milliseconds and three layers of safety protection. The high-spec version also includes adaptive damping and full-scenario air suspension, allowing the ride height and firmness to adjust in real time. The combination gives the SUV a turning radius of just 4.49 meters, letting drivers make a U-turn with a half turn of the wheel.
The LS6 is built on IM's new NEO architecture, which the company says delivers energy consumption as low as 12.7 kWh per 100 km. It uses an 800-volt electrical system that supports 396 kW fast charging, adding 500 km of range in 15 minutes. The battery is offered in 76 kWh, 93 kWh and 103 kWh packs, with the entry-level version claiming a CLTC range of 650 km and the top pack reaching 802 km on the CLTC cycle (roughly 552-680 km WLTP, est.).
Inside, the LS6 features a 27.1-inch 5K Mini-LED central display and a 15.6-inch 3K screen for the front passenger, powered by Qualcomm's 8295P chip. All seats are electrically adjustable and come with ventilation, heating and massage as standard. The rear seats recline up to 131 degrees, and the boot can hold up to eight 20-inch suitcases, according to the company.
Steer-by-wire and a steering-wheel-free test car
The LS6 also showcases IM's latest driver-assistance system, developed with Momenta, which uses L4-level model capabilities to power L2 functions. The car is equipped with a roof-mounted lidar, upgraded from the previous model.
Alongside the LS6, IM showed a test vehicle without a steering wheel, based on the same platform. The concept, which the company has been teasing online, uses the integration of high-level autonomous driving and the wire-controlled chassis to handle starting, steering and avoiding pedestrians on its own.
The new LS6 is part of IM's 'NEXT·2028' strategy, which aims to bring advanced technology to mainstream family buyers. The company describes the SUV as a 'land-based A320', referencing the Airbus narrow-body jet, to emphasize its focus on safety and comfort.
Prices are Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives. Deliveries are expected to begin after the official launch.
