IM LS6 Pre-Sales Launch Set for September 10 With Steer-by-Wire

IM Motors Sets September 10 Pre-Sales Launch

IM Motors, the electric vehicle brand of SAIC Motor, will hold a pre-sales launch event for the IM LS6 on September 10. The new vehicle is being positioned as a large five-seat SUV featuring a fully steer-by-wire chassis, making the model a significant addition to the company's technology-focused lineup. The launch follows the introduction of the revamped IM L6 sedan on August 28 and represents another major product update under the brand's NEXT·2028 strategy. IM Motors is targeting the highly competitive Chinese SUV market around the 200,000-yuan price level, where technology, pricing, and advanced vehicle architectures are increasingly important purchase factors.

Aviation-Inspired Steer-by-Wire Technology

The company is emphasizing what it describes as an aviation-derived engineering philosophy, comparing the next-generation fully steer-by-wire chassis with aircraft fly-by-wire flight control systems. IM Motors said the vehicle will aim to bring an "aviation-grade safety" experience to SUVs priced around 200,000 yuan, or approximately $29,490. The company has also previously described the model as a "land-based A320," underscoring its focus on transferring aviation-inspired concepts into vehicle control and safety systems. The positioning makes the chassis architecture one of the defining technological features of the new SUV and differentiates it from conventional steering systems.

Standard Technology Package Across All Variants

Every version will come equipped with the NEO powertrain architecture, a fully steer-by-wire chassis, the IM Claw AI agent, and a seating package branded as "Super First Class." The technology package indicates that IM Motors intends to make its newest hardware and software features standard rather than limiting them to higher-priced variants. Images of a test vehicle's interior circulated on Chinese social media last month and appeared to show no conventional steering wheel in the driver's position, drawing additional attention to the company's steer-by-wire approach. The final production configuration and detailed specifications are expected to be clarified around the pre-sales event.

Model History and Product Strategy

The vehicle is an important sales pillar for IM Motors and traces its product history to an initial launch in October 2023. The previous-generation model launched on September 10, 2025, with a starting price of 197,900 yuan and introduced an extended-range electric vehicle option to the lineup for the first time. The latest generation will continue the brand's focus on advanced chassis technology while building on developments introduced across its broader portfolio. The new IM L6 sedan, for example, also uses a fully steer-by-wire chassis and offers bidirectional rear-wheel steering of up to 18 degrees, demonstrating the company's effort to establish the architecture across multiple products.

Pricing Pressure Builds in China's Competitive SUV Market

The new model enters a segment where pricing pressure is particularly intense. The recently launched IM L6 has a limited-time starting price of 199,900 yuan, with its entry-level version priced 20,000 yuan below the pre-sales price. IM Motors also introduced the IM LS8 EREV SUV in April at a starting price of 249,800 yuan, attracting more than 8,000 firm orders within 60 minutes. These launches show the company's efforts to strengthen its product range while competing for buyers in a market where established and emerging brands are aggressively combining technology upgrades with competitive pricing.

Competition Across the 200,000-Yuan SUV Segment

The approximately 200,000-yuan family SUV segment is among the most fiercely contested areas of the Chinese vehicle market. The new model will face established electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, as well as newer competitors including the Xiaomi YU7. It will also compete with numerous domestic plug-in hybrid and EREV models targeting consumers who want electrification alongside greater driving range flexibility. Against this backdrop, IM Motors is relying on steer-by-wire technology, AI functionality, its NEO architecture, and a premium-oriented cabin concept to distinguish the vehicle while maintaining relevance in a highly price-sensitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will IM Motors hold the new SUV's pre-sales launch?
The company has scheduled the pre-sales launch event for September 10, marking the next major product introduction under its NEXT·2028 strategy and expanding its presence in China's competitive family SUV market. The vehicle is expected to emphasize a fully steer-by-wire chassis, NEO powertrain architecture, the IM Claw AI agent, and the "Super First Class" seating package. IM Motors is also positioning the SUV around the 200,000-yuan price segment, where it will compete with Tesla Model Y, Xiaomi YU7, and domestic plug-in hybrid and EREV alternatives.