On July 16th, in the latest batch of new vehicle filing catalogs published on the official website of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Automotive Industry Focus found that the filing images of SAIC IM’s new model – the IM LS9 – had been included in the catalog. On the same day, IM Automobile also released the official images of the new vehicle.
The IM LS9 marks IM Automobile’s first full-size 6-seat SUV. Combining official images and filing photos, the new vehicle’s exterior design is distinctly different from IM’s current models on sale: it abandons the rounded fastback curve style, replacing it with a square and upright shape that exudes a more majestic overall look. Specifically, the front face features a closed grille paired with a through-type light strip; the ends of the light strip are “L”-shaped, delivering high recognition. Multiple raised ribs on the front hood give the vehicle a strong muscular feel. Below the grille is the air intake layout, and the front bumper is equipped with air vents, creating a rich visual hierarchy and a sporty vibe.
On the side profile, the new vehicle has no excessive decorative elements, with clean and neat lines. The relatively flat roof line, combined with its robust body shape, is expected to provide comfortable interior space, better meeting family travel needs. The new car is fitted with hidden door handles, and the rear row comes with privacy glass; silver chrome trim is added below the windows, enhancing the exquisite visual effect. Additionally, the vehicle offers multiple rim specifications and designs, including 20-inch, 21-inch, and 22-inch options. A lidar is mounted on the roof, and a side-view camera is installed on the front fender – these features are expected to ensure a solid advanced driver assistance experience. In terms of dimensions, the new vehicle has a length, width, and height of 5279/2000/1806mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3160mm. Positioned as a full-size SUV, it adopts a 6-seat layout. At the rear, the design remains square and upright. The taillights use a through-type light strip with dot-matrix light sources, echoing the front face and ensuring high visual recognition. Moreover, a slightly raised ducktail spoiler is designed above the taillight assembly, highlighting its strong sporty attributes.
For power, the new vehicle is equipped with a 1.5T engine (model: 15FNE, produced by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited) as an extended-range unit, with a maximum power of 114kW. It also features front and rear dual motors, with maximum power outputs of 160kW and 230kW respectively. In terms of the battery pack, the new car adopts a ternary lithium-ion battery pack supplied by SAIC Times New Energy Power Co., Ltd.
It is understood that IM Automobile is a high-end brand under SAIC Motor, co-founded by SAIC Motor, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba, with SAIC Motor as the controlling shareholder. Established in December 2020, IM Automobile launched its first model, the IM L7 (positioned as a mid-to-large sedan), in April 2021, with current prices ranging from 299,900 yuan to 578,800 yuan. Since then, IM Automobile has successively launched three models: the LS7, LS6, and L6 – positioned as a mid-to-large SUV, mid-to-large SUV, and mid-to-large sedan respectively. Their current prices are 339,800-359,800 yuan, 239,900-302,900 yuan, and 219,900-305,900 yuan. Retail data shows that in the first half of 2025, IM Automobile’s cumulative sales reached 25,201 units. Among them, the LS6 was the best-seller with 15,631 units sold, followed by the L6 with 8,631 units; the sales of the IM LS7 and IM L7 were 817 units and 122 units respectively.
With the subsequent launch of the IM LS9 (positioned as a full-size SUV), IM Automobile’s product lineup will be further improved. It is worth noting that the 6-seat SUV market is already highly competitive. As IM Automobile’s first full-size 6-seat SUV, the IM LS9 will compete with peer models such as the Li Auto L9, AITO M9, Denza N9, and Lynk & Co 900 after its launch. Regarding the new vehicle’s pricing, details remain limited for now, so it is not yet clear. Automotive Industry Focus will continue to follow up for more details about the new model.
