SAIC-backed premium EV brand IM Motors will open pre-sales for its LS8 NEO battery-electric (BEV) flagship SUV on Oct 29, according to a report from Chinese automotive outlet PCauto. The model, developed jointly by SAIC and battery giant CATL, marks the first pure-electric version of the LS8 nameplate, which previously only offered range-extender (EREV) variants.
Chassis and powertrain highlights
The LS8 NEO is positioned as a large five-seat SUV with a full-wire-controlled chassis as its core selling point. It comes standard with four-wheel steering that delivers a turning radius of 4.85 metres, a feature IM says eases low-speed maneuvers in narrow urban streets and residential parking lots for a vehicle stretching nearly 5.1 metres in length. The chassis, which underpins IM's NEXT·2028 strategy, is designed with hardware upgrade headroom to support future advanced driver assistance (ADAS) iterations.
Power comes from IM's NEO hurricane motor paired with its Energy Master 3.0 system and full-domain thermal management. The single-motor version produces 300 kW (about 402 hp). The battery is a ternary lithium unit supplied by CATL, though the source does not disclose capacity or range figures.
Cabin and configurations
Inside, the LS8 NEO carries over the LS8 family's multi-screen layout, with a 27.1-inch 5K MiniLED centre display, a 15.6-inch 3K passenger entertainment screen, and an optional 21.5-inch 4K ceiling screen for the second row. The infotainment runs on a Qualcomm 8295P chip. Seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, with front seats offering zero-gravity mode and 4D massage. The vehicle is offered in both five-seat and six-seat layouts.
Body dimensions are 5,085 mm long, 2,000 mm wide and 1,807 mm tall, with a 3,060 mm wheelbase, placing it in the mid-to-large SUV segment. Wheel options range from 20 to 22 inches, and the short front overhang is intended to balance visual proportions with interior space. Exterior styling follows IM's minimalist family design, featuring a closed front grille, a full-width star-ring light bar and a roof-mounted lidar sensor.
The NEXT·2028 strategy rests on three technology pillars: the NEO three-electric architecture, the all-wire-controlled chassis, and IM's Claw intelligent agent. IM plans to gradually cascade flagship-level hardware down to more models in its lineup, according to the report. The addition of the pure-electric LS8 NEO gives buyers with stable charging access a battery-electric alternative to the existing EREV version, broadening the model's appeal.
Pre-sale pricing has not been announced. The LS8 NEO is expected to compete in China's crowded premium electric SUV segment, where domestic rivals including Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto are all vying for share.
