IM Motors Files for LS9 Sedan, Expands EV Lineup

Post by : Amit

A New Chapter Begins for IM Motors

In a notable development for China's electric vehicle industry, IM Motors, a premium EV brand backed by SAIC Motor and Alibaba Group, has officially filed to bring its upcoming LS9 luxury electric sedan to the market. The regulatory filing marks a key milestone in the company’s aggressive expansion plan and adds another arrow to its growing EV quiver.

The LS9 is positioned as a high-performance, technologically sophisticated sedan that will sit above the brand’s current offerings, potentially redefining what Chinese consumers can expect from domestic luxury electric vehicles. This filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveals critical technical details and confirms that the vehicle is inching closer to commercial launch.

Specs Teased in Official Filing

The MIIT filing has unveiled some important specifications of the IM LS9. According to the document, the LS9 will measure 5,108 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,486 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm—positioning it squarely in the mid to large luxury EV segment. It will weigh approximately 2,450 kg and sit atop the company's self-developed electric platform.

The LS9 will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined output of up to 600 kW (roughly 804 hp). This substantial power figure suggests the LS9 is targeting performance figures that can rival the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S, two dominant players in the luxury EV market.

The top speed is listed at 265 km/h, and although IM Motors has yet to confirm the acceleration numbers officially, expectations point to a sub-3.5 second 0–100 km/h sprint, thanks to the high-output dual-motor setup.

Design That Embodies the Future

The images included in the MIIT filing provide a glimpse of the LS9’s exterior design language—characterized by aerodynamic curves, a sleek fastback silhouette, and frameless doors. IM Motors is clearly pushing for a premium, minimalist aesthetic that rivals European EV manufacturers.

LED lighting dominates both front and rear designs, and flush door handles enhance aerodynamics. A panoramic glass roof appears standard on all variants. Though not yet confirmed, the interior is expected to feature a full-width digital display, haptic controls, and Level 3 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), aligning with IM Motors’ AI-first philosophy.

Battery Technology and Range Expectations

While exact battery specifications have not been disclosed, analysts expect the LS9 to use the brand's proprietary “IM AD Battery,” likely built in partnership with CATL or a similar Tier-1 Chinese supplier. Given the vehicle’s class and size, battery capacity may range from 90 to 115 kWh, delivering a real-world range of over 700 km on the CLTC cycle.

Additionally, IM Motors has already confirmed that its upcoming models will support 800V fast-charging architecture, which will allow the LS9 to recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes when using ultra-fast DC chargers. This positions the LS9 as a direct competitor to global EVs with cutting-edge thermal management and energy efficiency systems.

Smart Tech and In-Car AI Integration

One of IM Motors’ strongest selling points is its emphasis on in-car AI integration and software-defined vehicles. The LS9 is expected to feature the latest version of IM OS, the company’s intelligent cockpit interface powered by Alibaba’s AI algorithms.

This software will likely offer seamless voice control, over-the-air (OTA) updates, augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD), and a learning navigation system that adapts to driver behavior. Facial recognition, mood-based ambient lighting, and predictive battery management are among the futuristic capabilities reportedly in development.

The vehicle will also house advanced LiDAR sensors, cameras, and radar arrays, all of which form the foundation for IM’s autonomous driving stack. The company aims to provide L3 autonomy on highways and L2+ in urban settings at launch, with the potential for L4 via future software upgrades.

Going Head-to-Head with Global Luxury EVs

The LS9 enters a market segment currently dominated by international names such as the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQE, and BMW i7. However, IM Motors seems unfazed by the competition. It is betting on a compelling combination of design, performance, software intelligence, and affordability relative to Western brands.

Moreover, the LS9 will play a critical role in strengthening IM Motors’ premium identity, setting it apart from mid-tier Chinese EV brands such as XPeng and Nio. With the LS7 SUV and L7 sedan already on the roads, the LS9 will complete a trio that gives IM Motors a broad yet cohesive EV portfolio.

Industry insiders suggest pricing will start at around ¥400,000 (approx. $55,000), positioning it as a more accessible option than its European and American rivals, without compromising on luxury or performance.

IM Motors’ Broader Strategy: Tech, Scale, and Premium Play

IM Motors' decision to file for the LS9 reflects not just product ambition but also a broader strategic vision. SAIC Motor’s state-backed resources, Alibaba’s AI infrastructure, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech’s innovation zone have come together to give IM Motors a technological edge.

The LS9 will likely serve as a showcase vehicle for IM’s next-gen hardware-software co-development model. The company is focused on building cars that are not just electric but intelligent, responsive, and upgradable in real-time.

IM’s long-term strategy involves aggressive expansion into both domestic and international markets. While its current focus remains China, reports have hinted at IM evaluating exports to Europe and Southeast Asia, where premium EV adoption is accelerating.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Automotive analysts see the LS9 as an important inflection point for the Chinese EV sector. “What makes IM Motors interesting is not just the car, but the entire tech ecosystem that underpins it,” says Xia Yuchen, a Shanghai-based auto analyst. “If the LS9 can deliver on its performance and software promises while maintaining price advantage, it could be a game-changer.”

He adds, “IM is proving that Chinese brands can innovate at the high end of the market, not just on affordability.”

A Launch Worth Watching

Although an exact launch date hasn’t been announced, industry watchers expect the LS9 to make its official debut by Q4 2025, likely at a major Chinese auto show. Production is expected to begin shortly after, with deliveries targeted for early 2026.

This launch will be closely watched—not just because of the vehicle itself, but because it signals China’s increasing dominance in the high-performance EV sector. The LS9 could well be the EV that forces global luxury players to rethink their China strategies.

China's Luxury EV Evolution Hits Full Throttle

With the LS9, IM Motors is taking a giant leap into the premium electric sedan space, challenging conventional notions of luxury, performance, and intelligence. Backed by state-of-the-art tech and a bold vision, this new offering is poised to disrupt the market and push the boundaries of what’s possible in electric mobility.

As the world looks to transition to smarter, more efficient transportation, all eyes will be on IM Motors and its flagship LS9—an electric sedan that’s not just designed to compete, but to lead.

IM Moters, Electric car