IM LS6 2026 Vehicle Profile: 313hp 800V Extended-Range SUV with 370km EV Range and 1400km Combined Range
1. Conclusion — Three Highlights & Three Caveats
- Highlight 1: 800V Extended Range — Drives Like a Pure EV — A 52.1 kWh large battery delivers a CLTC EV-only range of 370 km, so daily commuting can run pure-electric; the range extender then pushes combined CLTC range to 1400 km, removing long-haul anxiety. Built on an 800V platform with high-power fast charging, it offers flexible refueling.
- Highlight 2: Lingxi Chassis + Rear-Wheel Steering — Massive Yet Agile — Standard Lingxi Digital Chassis 2.0 and rear-wheel steering, with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension. At nearly 5 meters, this mid-to-large SUV drives with the agility of a compact — a small turning radius makes parking easy, balancing comfort and sport.
- Highlight 3: Silent Extender, No Power Drop When Depleted — The range extender’s NVH was specially optimized, with excellent coordination when the battery is low. In tests, uphill climbing in a depleted state still felt strong, with almost no audible or felt extender start-up — EV-like feel that media rate as industry T0 among extended-range models.
- Caveat 1: Firm Chassis, Noticeable Body Rock — Even in Comfort/eco mode, speed bumps transmit noticeable bumpiness; on uneven roads, lateral body sway is evident, and it comes through in both Comfort and Sport modes — worth hoping for an OTA tuning update.
- Caveat 2: Trim-Level Equipment Trade-offs — Air suspension + CDC damping are only on the top (66 Max+) trim; lidar is standard only on pure-EV AWD; the 52 Max does not get air suspension. Rear-wheel steering is standard except for the base trim among extended-range versions — verify the spec sheet per trim.
- Caveat 3: Big Interior Redesign Needs Getting Used To — The new LS6 adopts a refreshed “Urban Style Aesthetics”; the interior changed significantly from the old model and takes time to get used to. Some owners report the smart driving occasionally makes unnecessary lane changes, and the screen has notable glare.
2. Model Overview — Market Position & Credibility
IM Motors (智己汽车) is jointly created by SAIC Group, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba, positioned as a premium intelligent EV brand. The IM LS6 is the brand’s leading mid-to-large SUV; its pure-EV versions already earned solid repute. The 2026 extended-range version is IM’s first product in the hybrid/extended-range market, stressing “long range, big space, intelligence,” and orders topped 10,000 quickly after launch.
The 2026 extended-range 52 Max discussed here launched around September 2025, using the “Hengxing Super Extended-Range” (恒星超级增程) tech with a 52.1 kWh pack, delivering 370 km CLTC EV range and 1400 km combined. It comes standard with the Lingxi Digital Chassis and a rear-driven single motor (230 kW / 430 N·m rear motor), on an 800V platform with high-power fast charging.
Design uses the refreshed “Urban Style Aesthetics,” more squared and refined than the old model, on IM’s family design language. At 4937 × 1988 × 1673 mm with a 2960 mm wheelbase, it is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV. As an 800V-platform extended-range model, the IM LS6 impresses with a quiet, powerful extender; media rate its chassis as “more than capable at the 200k-RMB level,” making it a relevant reference for overseas hybrid markets.
You can get a full look at the exterior and interior design through the following video:
3. Core Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | IM LS6 2026 Extended-Range 52 Max |
| Powertrain | Extended-Range Hybrid (EREV) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (single rear motor) |
| Motor Power | 230 kW (313 hp) |
| Motor Torque | 430 N·m |
| Range Extender | 1.5T engine, peak power approx. 114 kW |
| 0–100 km/h | not emphasized (about 6.5 s class, per official data) |
| Top Speed | approx. 200 km/h |
| Battery Capacity | 52.1 kWh |
| EV Range | 370 km (CLTC) |
| Combined Range | 1400 km (CLTC) |
| Fast Charge | 800V platform, high-power DC fast charging |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4937 × 1988 × 1673 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm |
| Seats | 5 |
| Body Style | 5-door, 5-seat mid-to-large SUV |
| Chassis | Front double-wishbone + rear multi-link, Lingxi Digital Chassis 2.0, rear-wheel steering |
| ADAS | L2 driving assist + 11 cameras; lidar standard on pure-EV AWD |
| Cockpit | 27.1-inch giant display, “see-and-say” voice interaction |
Maintenance & Manufacturer Service: IM provides a vehicle warranty (about 3 years/100,000 km) and electric-system coverage (battery/motor/controller) with favorable first-owner terms (often lifetime under official conditions). As an EREV, periodic engine servicing (oil/filter) applies, but extender loads are light, keeping frequency and cost below pure-fuel vehicles. Backed by IM’s expanding sales/service network; confirm local terms with authorized channels.
Subsidy Policy (Source: IEA Global EV Policy Explorer):
| Country/Region | Subsidy Summary |
|---|---|
| China | PHEV/EREV purchase-tax relief (subject to range threshold); some regions offer trade-in subsidies |
| Several European countries | Some offer tax relief or purchase subsidies for new-energy models (amounts taper over time) |
| United States | Federal tax credit for eligible clean vehicles |
| United Kingdom | Some road-related taxes waived/reduced for new-energy models |
Note: Policies change frequently; extended-range/hybrid subsidy thresholds vary by country — verify current terms at purchase.
4. Ownership Costs & Service
- Warranty: Vehicle warranty about 3 years/100,000 km (subject to local official policy); electric system (battery, motor, controller) covered by official long-term warranty with favorable first-owner terms.
- Maintenance cost: As an EREV there is an engine requiring periodic oil/filter changes, but the extender runs lightly as a generator, keeping frequency/cost below pure-fuel vehicles. In pure-electric mode, routine maintenance centers on cabin filters, brakes, tires, and chassis checks.
- Charging cost: Using the world average residential electricity price of about USD 0.17 per kWh (Global Petrol Prices): pure-EV reference consumption about 17.3 kWh/100km; cost per 100 km in EV mode approx. USD 2.9. Hybrid long-haul fuel cost depends on oil prices, but combined long-trip cost stays below comparable gasoline vehicles. Overnight home charging plus EV-first city driving, with the extender covering long trips, makes energy costs competitive.
Subsidy & Policy Table (Source: IEA Global EV Policy Explorer):
| Country/Region | Subsidy Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | Tax relief/trade-in subsidy | PHEV/EREV must meet range threshold |
| Several European countries | Subsidy/tax relief | Amounts vary with policy cycle |
| United States | Federal tax credit | Subject to eligibility |
| United Kingdom | Tax relief | Some road-related taxes waived/reduced |
Always check the latest local policy before purchase; extended-range/hybrid incentives may change over time.
5. Competitors Comparison
The IM LS6 2026 Extended-Range 52 Max competes in the mid-to-large EREV/hybrid SUV market. Three key observations vs. the Yipai M8, Deepal G318, and Exeed EX7:
- Power: The Deepal G318 Wild 4WD leads with 316 kW (430 hp); the Exeed EX7 (227 kW/309 hp) and IM LS6 (230 kW/313 hp) are close; the Yipai M8 (215 kW/292 hp) is more moderate.
- Combined Range: The IM LS6 (1400 km) and Exeed EX7 (~1520 km) lead; the Yipai M8 (~1281 km) and Deepal G318 (~1306 km) sit mid-pack — with the IM’s 370 km EV range offering better daily pure-electric experience.
- Body Size: The Deepal G318 is largest (5125 mm); the Yipai M8 (5020 mm), Exeed EX7 (4988 mm), and IM LS6 (4937 mm) follow in descending order.
| Specification | IM LS6 2026 Ext-Range 52 Max | Yipai M8 2026 Ext-Range 300Pro Hanwei | Deepal G318 2026 Wuyou 4WD Kuangye | Exeed EX7 2026 Ext-Range 2WD Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Type | Extended Range | Extended Range | Extended Range | Extended Range |
| Combined Range (CLTC) | 1400 km | ~1281 km | ~1306 km | ~1520 km |
| EV Range (CLTC) | 370 km | — (300-class) | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | 52.1 kWh | — | — | — |
| Fast Charge | 800V, 10–80% | 30–80% ~14 min | 30–80% | 30–80% |
| Max Power | 230 kW (313 hp) | 215 kW (292 hp) | 316 kW (430 hp) | 227 kW (309 hp) |
| Peak Torque | 430 N·m | 380 N·m | 572 N·m | 332 N·m |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4937×1988×1673 mm | 5020×1975×1733 mm | 5125×2025×1895 mm | 4988×1975×1710 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm | 3025 mm | 2880 mm | 3000 mm |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | 2WD (RWD) |
| Top Speed | ~200 km/h | ~180 km/h | ~185 km/h | ~200 km/h |
| Consumption | 17.3 kWh/100km | 15.7 kWh/100km | 22.8 kWh/100km | 20.5 kWh/100km |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Body Style | 5-dr 5-seat mid-large SUV | 5-dr 5-seat mid-large SUV | 5-dr 5-seat mid-large SUV | 5-dr 5-seat mid-large SUV |
| Warranty | 3 yr/100,000 km | 4 yr/150,000 km | per terms | per terms |
Note: Competitor data sourced from the user-provided Dongchedi configuration comparison screenshot. Cells marked “—” indicate data not shown in the screenshot.
Summary: The IM LS6 Extended-Range 52 Max’s real advantages are the combination of 800V platform, long 370 km EV range, and Lingxi chassis/rear-wheel steering handling — ideal for buyers who value driving fun while wanting both EV city commuting and long-haul flexibility. If you need a larger, more rugged 4WD body, the Deepal G318 Wild 4WD is more capable; if you want maximum combined range, the Exeed EX7 wins; the Yipai M8 leans on Huawei smart driving in intelligence.
6. Expert Test Drive — Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Silent extender, strong when depleted: Officially NVH-optimized; tests show uphill power stays strong when depleted, with almost no audible/felt extender start-up — an EV-like experience that media rate as industry T0 among EREVs.
- Outstanding chassis, no large-car sluggishness: Front double-wishbone + rear multi-link + rear-wheel steering + Lingxi Digital Chassis 2.0; testers note “the body is a mid-to-large SUV, but it feels like a compact” — agile steering, easy parking.
- Long range, flexible refueling: A 52 kWh pack gives worry-free 370 km EV commuting, with 1400 km combined for long trips; the 800V platform fast-charges quickly.
Areas to Improve:
- Firm chassis, noticeable body rock: Even in Comfort/eco mode, speed bumps transmit bumpiness; uneven roads bring evident lateral sway that surfaces in both Comfort and Sport modes.
- Trim-level equipment trade-offs: Air suspension/CDC only on the top trim; lidar only standard on pure-EV AWD; the 52 Max lacks air suspension — verify per trim.
- Occasional smart-driving quirks/glare: Some owners report the driving assist making unnecessary lane changes, sudden slow-downs, and noticeable screen glare.
Tested Scenarios:
- Handling/extender test: XC Xingchu tested uphill power staying strong when depleted and extender revving 1800–2000 rpm with little in-cabin noise/vibration; noticed lateral sway on uneven roads (Source: XC Xingchu “XCX Deep Experience 27” and “Graphic Review 101”).
- Space test: A 180 cm tester got one-fist-three-fingers front headroom (sunshade closed) to two fists (open), and one-fist-two-fingers rear legroom (Source: XC Xingchu test).
- Owner rating: Sohu Auto rates IM LS6 Extended-Range 4.69 overall, with range outperforming 81% of peers (Source: Sohu Auto owner reviews).
7. Real Owner Reviews
Positive Feedback:
- Space & High “Usable-Floor” Ratio: Owners praise generous space and a high usable-area ratio, spacious front/rear rows, electric second-row fold/raise, and fold-flat seats for road-trip beds. “What I like most is the space, the usable ratio is high”; “the seats can fold fully flat for travel.”
- Smart Driving & Auto Parking: Smart driving and auto parking work well in both city and highway, easing driving and parking stress. “Smart driving and auto parking are quite usable, and the highway pilot works well in city and highway.”
- Chassis & Handling: The Lingxi chassis filters bumps well; rear-wheel steering makes the large car feel agile; soft seats plus chassis filtering means small potholes only sound like tires. “The chassis filters bumps quite well”; “the seat cushion is soft, and with the chassis filtering, small potholes are just the sound of tires rolling over”; “body-wise it’s a mid-to-large SUV, but it feels like a compact.”
Negative Feedback:
- Smart Driving & Screen: Some owners report the driving assist making unnecessary lane changes, sudden slow-downs, and only warning (not auto-braking) at speed cameras; the screen glare is noticeable. “In both city and highway it always makes unnecessary lane changes, and sometimes suddenly slows down”; “not many apps, and the screen glare is severe.”
- Chassis/Details: The chassis is firm with noticeable sway on uneven roads; small storage (cup holders, armrest, door pockets) is seen as poorly designed; occasional wheel-slip in turns. “The chassis still has some small issues — lateral sway is noticeable”; “the intelligent assistant isn’t always smart, and there’s occasional wheel-slip on epoxy-painted turns.”
- Interior Adaptation & Equipment: The new interior takes getting used to; the rear row has no power adjustment and looks plain; mid-trim lacks air suspension. “Rear space is just okay, and plain, with no power adjustment.”
(Reviews compiled from automotive-platform owner feedback; for reference only, not representative of all owners.)
8. References
- Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
- IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
- IM Motors official IM LS6 2026 Extended-Range model specification page
- XC Xingchu “XCX Deep Experience 27: Deep Experience of the IM LS6 Extended Range”
- XC Xingchu “Graphic Review 101: Dynamic Test Drive of the IM LS6 Extended Range”
- Youjia “IM LS6 Extended Range Launches, Config Up, Orders Top 10,000”
- Sohu Auto IM LS6 Extended-Range owner reviews (4.69 overall)
- Autohome IM LS6 owner reviews/community
- Competitor configuration data from the user-provided Dongchedi comparison screenshot
