The full-size SUV from MG’s premium brand IM Motors, called LS9, was seen in China during road tests by CarNewsChina. This EREV family driver will soon get an advanced assisted driving system with additional sensors and semi-hidden door handles.

Technically, IM Motors is a joint brand between SAIC and Alibaba. However, its models sell under the SAIC-owned MG brand in foreign markets. For example, the IM LS6 is sold outside China as the MG IM6.

In November 2025, IM Motors launched its flagship model domestically. It is the LS9 full-size SUV, priced between 332,800 and 379,800 yuan (49,725 – 56,750 USD). According to China EV DataTracker, IM Motors handed over 9,789 cars to customers domestically from January to September 2026.

My colleague Liu Miao captured the updated IM LS9 crossover during road tests in Shanghai, where the brand’s headquarters are located. The spotted vehicle was covered with camouflage. But we easily distinguished it by vertically aligned headlamps, a trapeze-shaped air intake, a roof-mounted LiDAR with an LED element, and a glass line.

The updated car remains largely the same in terms of exterior appearance. However, it has semi-hidden door handles that will replace previously available retractable handles. Another highlight of the car is a sizeable block of sensors on the front fender. It integrates three cameras and a LiDAR sensor. The ongoing model adopts a single 520-line LiDAR on the roof. It sends information to the Nvidia Thor chip with a peak computing power of 700 TOPS.

The updated IM LS9 will meet the latest door handle safety regulations that will come into force in China in 2027. More sensors also hint that this vehicle will adopt an advanced assisted driving system, which will be an answer to the latest multi-LiDAR systems from Geely (G-ASG G-Pilot H9) and Li Auto (Embodied Intelligence).

The IM LS9 boasts hefty dimensions of 5279/2000/1806 mm with a wheelbase of 3,160 mm. The interior offers six seats with a 2+2+2 layout. A 1.5-liter engine sits under the hood, acting as a generator. There are two battery options available: 52 and 66 kWh. The entry-level IM LS9 adopts a dual-motor AWD for 380 kW (510 hp). There is also a tri-motor version of the car with a combined peak power of 550 kW (738 hp). The car’s electric range is 320-402 km under CLTC conditions (262 – 330 km WLTP).

Source: CarNewsChina (View original)