Here’s an IM LS9, spotted in China near an IM dealer in western Beijing in early 2026. The “Caucasian Gray” LS9 looked fantastic and super impressive, with its sheer size and its enormous headlights. The LS9 packs a lot of tech and power. Let’s have a closer look.
About IM
IM is a Chinese car brand, founded in 2020 and based in Shanghai. The brand’s owner is IM Motors, a joint-venture company. The owners are the SAIC Group (54%), Alibaba (18%), and Zhangjianh Hi-Tech (18%). Sales have not been fantastic. In most months, IM sells about 5000 to 7000 cars. In July 2026, it moved 5900 units, good for a 0.4% market share and the 47th spot in China’s brand-sales rankings (out of 103 brands).
The IM LS9
The IM LS9 is a full-size six-seat EREV SUV, launched in 2025. It is IM’s largest-ever SUV; the dimensions are 5279/2000/1806, 3160, with a 2695 kg curb weight. The IM LS9 adopts a bold, boxy “Modern Automotive Sculpture” design language. It features an upright front fascia with a closed grille, 2.6-megapixel smart projector headlights, a floating roofline, and 21-inch multispoke alloy wheels.
At the rear, it has a large roof spoiler and a darkened light bar. There’s a small strip of chrome over the bumper, but compared to many other SUVs in this segment, the bling level is pretty low-key. The car in the photos is the “IM LS9 Smart 66 Ultra” model.
The interior of the IM LS9
IM likes futuristic dashboards; look at this. It features an optional yoke steering wheel, a wide 27.1-inch screen that combines the driver’s display and the infotainment, and a separate 15.6-inch screen for the co-driver. The smart-cockpit operating system is IM AIOS, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset.
The second row is always the best place to be. The IM LS9 features luxurious captain seats with armrests, leg rests, and neck pillows. The seats are heated & ventilated and have a massage function. Folded up in the ceiling, between the sunroofs, is a 21.5-inch rear-entertainment screen.
Even the third row is a great place to be. There is easily enough space for two adults. However, the trunk is small, with a capacity of only 372 liters. With the third row down, it grows to 1030 liters. The seats in the second row are fixed in place. The exclusive B&O car stereo system has 25 speakers, including six for the third row.
ADAS
The ADAS of most Chinese car makers features lidar. Many say that the lidar sensor atop the windshield is not pretty. Many Chinese brands are trying to fix that with visual trickery, like placing the lidar in front of a black-painted part of the roof.
IM has found a new solution by placing the lidar under a separate roof panel. The unit also includes other sensors. A very interesting solution, and a rather costly one, I think.
The “IM AD” L2+ ADAS uses 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, a millimeter-wave radar, and the 520-line lidar with a 300-meter range. A 700-TOPS Nvidia Drive Thor chip powers Highway and Urban NOA and fully automated parking.
Specifications of the IM LS9
The IM LS9 is based on SAIC’s self-developed “Stellar” (Hengxing) EREV platform with an 800V architecture. The “Lingxi Digital Chassis” supports a full four-wheel steer-by-wire system and dual-chamber air suspension. The steering angle of the rear wheels is 24 degrees, which is a lot.
The IM LS9 Smart 66 Ultra combines a 114 kW 1.5 turbo range-extender ICE with two electric motors with 390 kW and 530 Nm. IM claims a 220 km/h top speed and 0-100 in 4.9 seconds.
The IM LS9 Smart 66 Ultra has a 60-liter fuel tank and a 66 kWh CATL-SAIC NMC “Super Snapdragon MAX” battery pack. The consumption is 21.8 kWh and 2.84 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. That’s good for a 1508-km range and a 402-km electric range. Charging from 10 to 80% takes just 17 minutes.
Price of the IM LS9 in China
Note the active aero bar above the license plate. When the motor needs more air, the bar opens up.
The IM LS9 Smart 66 Ultra costs 362.8oo yuan or $54 K. That is a lot for China, but a super deal for what you get. Size, tech, horsepower! However, as always, the competition is fierce. The main rivals of the IM LS9 are cars like the Aito M8, the Denza N8L, the Lynk & Co 800, and the Voyah Taishan.