The new IM Motors LS6 shakes up the market with a range of up to 1,502 km. Check out the technical specifications and the price that make it the unbeatable SUV.
- What makes the IM Motors LS6 so special? It’s the first to integrate IM Motors’ Hengxing EREV system, offering both purely electric (BEV) and extended-range hybrid options, with larger batteries than many traditional BEVs, ensuring flexibility and range.
- What are the powertrain and range options? The LS6 offers BEV with up to 500 miles of range and EREV with a combined range of up to 933 miles, with engines ranging from 245 kW to 545 kW AWD configurations.
- What’s innovative about the Hengxing EREV system? This system, revealed in August, uses CATL’s Freevoy Super Hybrid battery, designed to deliver significantly greater extended range than conventional EREVs.
- How does the LS6 position itself in the global market? With immediate market response and cutting-edge specifications, the LS6 intensifies competition in the extended-range electric vehicle segment, promising to be a strong contender in multiple markets.
The global automotive scene has just been shaken: the new IM Motors LS6, a unit of SAIC Motor, has been launched and has already set a new standard. With variants in both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV), this mid-to-large size SUV is redefining what consumers expect in terms of performance and versatility. In just 27 minutes after its launch, the model secured over 10,000 firm orders, a feat few vehicles achieve.
This launch marks the debut of IM Motors’ innovative Hengxing EREV system, a technology designed to offer an unprecedented driving experience. Equipped with CATL’s Freevoy Super Hybrid battery, the LS6 EREV stands out for its superior capacity, surpassing many batteries found in purely electric vehicles. To understand how battery advancements are shaping the future, it’s worth checking out the news about Rimac’s solid-state battery that recharges in 6.5 minutes.
In terms of dimensions, the LS6 is an imposing SUV, measuring 4,937 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, and 1,671 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,960 mm. This robust structure ensures not only a striking presence but also a spacious and comfortable interior for all occupants. The vehicle’s versatility is one of its greatest attractions, adapting to various mobility needs.
BEV Variants: Pure Power and Extended Range
- Drivetrain Options: Four rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions and one all-wheel-drive (AWD).
- RWD Engines: Options of 245 kW or 300 kW maximum power.
- RWD Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.4 seconds (245 kW) or 5.4 seconds (300 kW).
- AWD Engine: Combines a 245 kW front motor with a 300 kW rear motor.
- AWD Acceleration (0-60 mph): An impressive 3.48 seconds.
- BEV Batteries:
- 76-kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- 103-kWh Lithium Ternary
- BEV Range (CLTC): 404 miles, 500 miles, and 466 miles, depending on the configuration.
The performance of the BEV models is remarkable, with acceleration that challenges many sports cars. The 76 kWh and 103 kWh battery options offer ranges of up to 500 miles, alleviating concerns about frequent charging. For those questioning the need for such range, it’s interesting to analyze why 200 miles already meet the needs of 99% of drivers.
EREV Variants: The Best of Both Worlds
- Range Extender Engine: An efficient 1.5L engine.
- RWD Rear Motor: 230 kW maximum power.
- RWD Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.4 seconds.
- EREV Batteries:
- 52-kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
- 66-kWh Lithium Ternary
- EREV Battery Range (CLTC): 230 miles (52 kWh) and 280 miles (66 kWh).
- Combined Range (fully fueled and charged): A surprising 870 miles and 933 miles.
The EREV variants of the LS6 combine the efficiency of an internal combustion engine as a range extender with electric propulsion, resulting in an impressive combined range of up to 933 miles. This hybrid approach is a strategic step in a market seeking alternatives to optimize the use of BEV platforms, as seen in discussions about how a compact powertrain can transform EV cars into hybrids.
The prices for the IM Motors LS6 BEV, after a reduction of approximately $1,685 (or €1,570), start at around $27,790 (equivalent to €25,900) for the entry-level version. The other BEV variants are offered at approximately $29,474 (€27,500), $32,282 (€30,100), and the top-of-the-line AWD version at $37,900 (€35,300). This competitive positioning, along with its performance and range, solidifies the LS6’s place in the global electrified SUV market.
The extended range of the EREV models, reaching over 933 miles, places the LS6 in an elite category, rivaling innovations that promise to revolutionize the automotive industry. The continuous pursuit of greater range is evident in advancements like the BYD DM-I 5.0 system, which promises 1,243 miles of range, showing that the race for efficiency is intense.
With the growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, charging infrastructure also becomes crucial. Fast charging capability is a significant differentiator for mass adoption, and developments like the BYD 1000kW charger that delivers 250 miles in 5 minutes demonstrate the rapid pace of innovation. The IM Motors LS6, with its multiple configurations and advanced technology, is ready to face the competition and capture a significant share of the international market.
What’s your opinion on the IM Motors LS6 and its impact on the electrified SUV market? Leave your comment below!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.