New Flagship SUV
The premium joint venture IM Motors, created by MG and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has introduced its new flagship. The LS9 Hyper model is an evolution of the standard LS9, which debuted last year, and has received a number of improvements aimed at Chinese buyers who value technological luxury and comfort.
Powertrain with a Range Extender
Unlike the brand’s smaller models, such as the IM5 and IM6, which are full electric vehicles, the LS9 Hyper uses a different concept. It is a range-extender electric vehicle. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 153 horsepower, whose sole function is to charge the 65.9 kWh battery pack.
Power is provided by one 215-horsepower electric motor on the front axle, supported by two 261-horsepower motors at the rear.
This configuration provides an estimated electric-only range of 191 miles (308 kilometers). The three electric motors also enable torque vectoring, although it is unlikely many owners will actively use this capability on winding roads.
Innovative Steering System
The LS9 Hyper also debuts with an intelligent fully electric four-wheel steering system with 24 degrees of rear-wheel angle, which is believed to be a first in its class. It provides a turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet), which is approximately two meters less than that of the compact Smart ForTwo.
Dimensions and Design
As seen in the photographs, the car is large in size. Its length is 5279 mm, width is 2000 mm, and height is 1806 mm with a wheelbase of 3160 mm.
The exterior design is not extremely expressive but looks stylish. It features an LED light bar at the front and vertically oriented headlights. The car also has a lidar on the roof and is offered with 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. Elegance is added by silver accents running along the lower part of the side and rear windows.
Luxurious Interior
Many of the best features of this SUV are found inside the cabin, which has not yet been officially unveiled but is expected to be similar to that of the regular LS9. It has a single 27.1-inch display combining the instrument panel and the infotainment screen, as well as a separate 15.6-inch monitor for the front passenger.
Audiophiles will enjoy the Bang & Olufsen sound system, while all passengers will appreciate the massage seats and heated flooring system. Rear-seat passengers are also not forgotten—they are provided with a 27-inch 5K display that lowers from the headliner.
And if that’s not enough, as in the regular LS9 version, IM Motors also offers an optional built-in shower cabin in the lower part of the rear doors.
The arrival of the LS9 Hyper clearly demonstrates trends in the luxury SUV market in China, where technological sophistication and exclusive features are often valued more than sporty dynamics. The emphasis on comfort for all passengers, including unusual solutions like a built-in shower, indicates a focus on creating a mobile space for relaxation and work. The use of a range-extender engine, despite the general trend towards full electrification, may be a strategic move to overcome range anxiety in a country with vast distances, offering a compromise between environmental friendliness and practicality.