The IM LS6 barely changed its price and completely rewired its chassis
China's refreshed IM LS6 starts at 209,900 yuan, yet the real shock is underneath: steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, rear-wheel steering and an 800-volt platform.
IM Motors has pulled off an intriguing trick: it barely touched the price, but reworked the LS6 much more seriously underneath. The refreshed crossover opens for pre-order in China at 209,900 yuan, the same starting point used by the previous pre-sale. This time, however, the chassis is the headline: steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire, four-wheel steering and an 800-volt electrical architecture now define the new technical package.
Three fully electric versions are offered at launch. The Max costs 209,900 yuan and gets a 76 kWh battery with 650 km of CLTC range. The Pro Max is priced at 229,900 yuan, pairing a 93 kWh pack with the line-up's longest 782 km range. The Ultra costs 264,900 yuan and steps up to a 103 kWh battery, all-wheel drive, 750 km of CLTC range and a 0–100 km/h sprint in 3.48 seconds.
This is not a random collection of upgrades. On August 21, IM Motors presented its NEXT·2028 program, built around the NEO architecture, a fully electronic chassis and the IM Claw intelligent agent. The new LS6 is one of the first models to receive that technology package. As part of the pre-sale program, the brand is also offering a B&O audio system, 4D massage for the driver's seat, a 15.6-inch front-passenger display and a refrigerator.
But the biggest change is hidden beyond the cabin. The LS6 has moved to steer-by-wire: steering commands reach the wheels electronically, without a traditional mechanical link between the steering column and the front wheels. Add brake-by-wire and a steerable rear axle, and this near-five-meter SUV can turn like something far smaller. A minimum turning radius of 4.79 m is quoted for rear-wheel-drive versions, while the all-wheel-drive Ultra can cut that figure to 4.49 m.
Buyers reacted instantly. IM Motors reported more than 8000 preliminary orders in just the first 45 minutes. There is an important catch, though: 209,900 yuan is not yet the final list price. The previous electric LS6 also began pre-sales at that figure before its official launch price fell to 197,900 yuan. So the current entry figure should be treated as a preliminary Chinese price, not a prediction of what the car will cost after the full market launch.
IM Motors used the same pricing tactic only recently with the IM L6 sedan. Its base version was offered at 219,900 yuan during pre-sales, then launched at 199,900 yuan, while retaining its 800-volt system and rear-wheel steering. Will the LS6 repeat that move? It can no longer be ruled out.