IM Motors, a premium electric vehicle brand backed by SAIC Motor (also the parent company of MG and LDV), has unveiled the 2026 LS9 Hyper – a high-tech, extended-range electric SUV poised for potential release in Australia. This move signals a growing trend of Chinese automakers aggressively entering the global luxury vehicle segment.
Breakthrough Technology: Four-Wheel Steer-by-Wire
The LS9 Hyper stands out with its fully electronically controlled four-wheel steering system. Unlike traditional systems that rely on mechanical linkages, this setup utilizes electronic actuators to steer all four wheels. IM Motors claims this is the only mass-produced SUV with such technology, offering superior maneuverability with a turning radius of just 4.95 meters despite its 5.2-meter length. The increased precision and responsiveness are enabled by doubling the maximum rear steering angle from 12 to 24 degrees.
Performance and Powertrain
The Hyper variant boasts a tri-motor, all-wheel-drive EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrain, delivering enhanced performance over the standard LS9. While total system output figures remain unconfirmed, it surpasses the dual-motor variant’s 390kW. The vehicle combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used solely as a generator with a 65.9kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack from CATL. Electric-only driving range is rated at 308km (WLTC), slightly less than other LS9 variants due to the increased power demands.
Positioning in the Market
The LS9 competes directly with luxury SUVs like the BMW X7, Volvo XC90, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. In Australia, IM Motors vehicles are currently sold through MG dealerships under the “IM Presented by MG Motor” banner. The company is evaluating a third model for local introduction in 2026, and the LS9 is considered a strong candidate, potentially rebranded as the “IM9.”
The LS9’s positioning above other IM Motors models, such as the L7 sedan and LS7 SUV (which are not sold in Australia), reflects a strategic push upmarket. The SUV’s large size (5279mm long with a 3160mm wheelbase) rivals that of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.
Interior and Tech Features
The interior of the LS9 Hyper features a leather-lined cabin dominated by a 27.1-inch display. The vehicle is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) powered by NVIDIA’s Thor computing platform. Dual-chamber air suspension ensures a comfortable ride.
The arrival of the IM LS9 Hyper in Australia would represent a significant step in the expansion of Chinese automotive brands into the high-end luxury market. This trend is likely to continue as Chinese manufacturers invest heavily in advanced technologies and seek to establish themselves as global competitors.
