New IM LS6 launches with three electric powertrains
IM Motors has launched the next generation of the LS6 in China. Measuring just under five meters long, the electric SUV takes on strong competition with 800-volt technology, electronic steering and three powertrain variants.
After local incentives, the LS6 Max starts at 197,900 yuan, equivalent to around €23,700. The Pro Max costs approximately €26,100, while the all-wheel-drive Ultra model comes in at around €31,100. These figures cannot be applied to Germany, Austria or Switzerland, as import costs, customs duties, VAT and homologation would have to be added.
| Variant | Max | Pro Max | Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Power | 245 kW | 300 kW | 500 kW |
| Battery | 76 kWh | 93 kWh | 103 kWh |
| CLTC range | 650 km | 782 km | 750 km |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 6.4 seconds | 5.4 seconds | 3.48 seconds |
| Charging from 10% to 80% | 18 minutes | 20.3 minutes | 16.8 minutes |
| Price after incentives | 197,900 yuan | 217,900 yuan | 259,900 yuan |
Steer-by-wire comes as standard
The technical highlight is not just the high power output. Every variant comes with steer-by-wire, four-wheel steering with a steering angle of up to 18 degrees and the digital Lingxi Chassis 3.0. Steering commands are transmitted electronically, allowing the steering ratio and response to adapt to the vehicle’s speed and the driving situation.
The benefits are particularly apparent when maneuvering. Despite measuring 4.94 meters long and 1.99 meters wide, with a 2.96-meter wheelbase, the Ultra version is said to achieve a turning radius of just 4.49 meters. Large SUV plus rear wheels that turn sharply → considerably less steering effort in parking garages and narrow streets.
The Ultra also adds air suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers. This means IM Motors is positioning the LS6 not only as a spacious family car, but also as a technically sophisticated premium SUV.
800 volts shortens charging stops
All three variants are based on an 800-volt architecture. According to the manufacturer, charging from 10% to 80% takes between 16.8 and 20.3 minutes, depending on the battery. In theory, 420 to 530 km of CLTC range can be added within 15 minutes, provided a sufficiently powerful charger is available and the battery is under suitable conditions.
As is customary with Chinese vehicles, the range figures are based on the comparatively optimistic CLTC cycle. The figures are likely to be lower under the European WLTP procedure and lower still on the highway. The previously announced specifications of the IM LS6 nevertheless show that range and charging performance are among its strongest selling points.
Our comparison of 800-volt and 400-volt architectures explains the practical benefits of the higher voltage. Alongside voltage, the actual charging curve remains crucial, as a brief peak figure alone does not guarantee a fast charging stop.
LiDAR and large displays inside
For driver assistance, IM Motors uses the IM AD Zeta system with a 520-channel LiDAR sensor. It is designed to enable navigation-assisted driving without high-resolution maps, automated journeys from one parking space to another and stored parking maneuvers. The features and approvals initially apply to China and cannot be transferred directly to Europe because of different traffic rules and regulatory requirements.
The cockpit features a 27.1-inch combination of two 5K Mini-LED screens. There is also a 15.6-inch display for the front passenger. An AI assistant based on the Qwen language model, a B&O sound system, massaging seats and an 11-liter refrigerated compartment round out the equipment.
Direct challenge to the Model Y and Zeekr 7X
With its dimensions, the LS6 sits above many conventional midsize SUVs. Nevertheless, IM Motors is targeting models including the Tesla Model Y in the Chinese market, where it remains one of the most important electric cars. The LS6 counters primarily with generous standard equipment, rear-wheel steering and aggressive pricing.
The Zeekr 7X with 900-volt technology is also among its direct competitors. Models from Xiaomi, Luxeed and Li Auto add to the competition, making China’s large five-seat SUV segment particularly fiercely contested.
The new IM LS6 demonstrates how quickly steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering and powerful high-voltage technology are making their way into Chinese mass-market models.
For Europe, the LS6 remains a future prospect
An official launch in the German-speaking DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—has yet to be announced. Even if it were introduced at a later date, its price would likely be significantly higher than in China. Technically, however, the LS6 would be an interesting challenger to established electric SUVs thanks to its charging platform, broad selection of batteries and small turning radius.
