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  • Published: Jan 30 2026 06:10 PM
  • Last Updated: Jan 30 2026 06:10 PM

The IM LS9 Hyper SUV features 24-degree rear steering and a 4.95m turning radius. Discover how this 3-motor EV uses



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Big SUVs usually come with big problems. Tight turns, awkward parking, and slow reactions are things most drivers quietly accept. But IM Motors thinks this doesn’t have to be normal anymore. Its new flagship SUV, the IM LS9 Hyper, is trying to change how people feel about driving something this large.

At first glance, it looks calm and classy. But under the skin, there’s some serious engineering going on. The kind that makes you stop and say, “Wait, how is that even possible?” Let’s break it down, slowly and clearly.

What Is the IM Motors LS9 Hyper SUV?

The IM Motors LS9 Hyper SUV is the top version of the LS9 lineup from IM Motors, an upscale brand backed by SAIC Motor and Alibaba. If you’ve heard of the regular IM Motors LS9, think of the Hyper as its more advanced, more tech-focused sibling.

Unlike IM’s smaller models like the IM5 and IM6, which are fully electric, the LS9 Hyper takes a different approach. It is a range-extended electric SUV, made for buyers who want electric driving without worrying too much about charging.

This model is aimed mainly at Chinese buyers who want luxury, space, and technology, but also want a calm and comfortable driving experience. IM Motors clearly isn’t chasing sporty looks here. The goal feels more like quiet confidence.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

Why IM LS9 Hyper Exterior Feels Premium Without Showing Off

The IM LS9 Hyper exterior doesn’t scream for attention, and that seems intentional.

Up front, there’s a clean light bar paired with vertically placed headlights. The overall shape is smooth and elegant rather than aggressive. Silver accents around the windows add a premium touch.

The SUV rides on large wheels, with buyers able to choose between 20-, 21-, or 22-inch designs. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor is also visible, hinting at its advanced driver assistance systems.

Exclusive “HYPER” badging on the rear and D-pillars helps separate it from the standard LS9.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

Step Inside the IM LS9 Hyper Interior and See What’s Different

While the cabin hasn’t been fully shown yet, the IM LS9 Hyper interior is expected to closely follow the LS9’s layout, and that’s a good thing.

At the front, there’s a massive 27.1-inch 5K display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into one wide screen. The front passenger gets a separate 15.6-inch MiniLED screen, built into a bay-style dashboard design.

Rear passengers are treated well too. A 27-inch 5K screen folds down from the roof, turning the back seat into a mini lounge. Add massaging seats, underfloor heating, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and it’s clear this SUV is built for comfort.

Yes, there’s even an optional integrated shower unit in the tailgate, just in case you wondered.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

How IM LS9 Hyper Performance Uses Three Motors to Do the Impossible

When it comes to IM LS9 Hyper performance, the numbers are impressive, but the idea behind them is even smarter.

The SUV uses three electric motors. One motor sits at the front, producing around 215 horsepower, while two motors at the rear deliver about 261 horsepower each. This setup allows for torque vectoring, helping the SUV stay balanced and controlled, even though it’s very large.

Supporting the electric system is the IM LS9 Hyper engine, a 1.5-liter turbo petrol unit. But this engine doesn’t drive the wheels at all. Its only job is to recharge the battery when needed. This makes the LS9 Hyper a range extender, not a traditional hybrid.

The result is smooth power delivery, quiet driving, and less stress on long journeys, especially during longer highway trips.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

How Far Can the IM LS9 Hyper Really Go on Electric Power

Range anxiety is still a real thing, and IM Motors knows it.

The IM LS9 Hyper range comes from a 65.9 kWh battery pack, which offers an estimated 191 miles (308 km) of pure electric driving under standard test conditions. For daily use, that’s more than enough for most people.

When the battery runs low, the petrol engine steps in to generate electricity. You don’t need to rush to find a charger immediately, which makes the LS9 Hyper feel more practical than many full EVs.

This setup feels designed for real life, not just showroom talks.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

How IM LS9 Hyper Turns Like a Small Car

This is where the LS9 Hyper really stands out.

The SUV features an all-electronic four-wheel steering system, capable of turning the rear wheels up to 24 degrees. In tight spaces, the rear wheels turn opposite to the front, allowing the SUV to rotate sharply.

The result? A turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet). That’s smaller than many compact cars. For a full-size SUV, this is almost hard to believe.

At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. This improves stability during lane changes and highway driving. It makes the big SUV feel calm, controlled, and easy to manage.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

Why IM LS9 Hyper Tech Feels Smarter Than Most SUVs

The LS9 Hyper comes loaded with serious technology.

It uses a 520-line LiDAR system, paired with Nvidia’s Thor chip and software developed with Momenta. This setup supports advanced driving features like city and highway navigation assist, automatic parking, and hands-off cruising in supported areas.

IM Motors also introduced its Lingxi Digital Chassis 3.0, which manages steering, braking, and suspension together. The SUV uses a dual-chamber air suspension with 150 mm travel, improving ride comfort on rough roads.

IM LS9 Hyper SUV

IM Motors LS9 Specifications 

Specification

Details

Model

IM Motors LS9 Hyper

Powertrain

Range-extended electric

Battery

65.9 kWh

Electric Motors

3 (1 front, 2 rear)

Front Motor Output

~215 hp

Rear Motors Output

~261 hp each

Steering

Four-wheel electronic steering

Turning Radius

4.95 meters

Body Type

Full-size SUV

Conclusion

With models like the IM Motors LS9 Ultra and LS9 Hyper, IM Motors is showing a different future for big electric SUVs. Instead of focusing only on speed or massive batteries, the brand is improving how these vehicles actually behave on the road.

The LS9 Hyper proves that size doesn’t have to mean stress. It’s a calm, tech-heavy SUV built for comfort, control, and daily usability. And that might be exactly what many buyers are looking for next.

Tobias SĂĽhlmann Design Chief

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Source(Image / Thumbnail): carnewschina.com

FAQ

The IM Motors LS9 Hyper SUV is a full-size luxury electric SUV that uses a range-extender system, combining electric motors with a petrol engine for charging.

The IM LS9 Hyper is not fully electric. It is a range-extended EV where the petrol engine only charges the battery and does not drive the wheels.

The IM LS9 Hyper range is around 308 km (191 miles) on pure electric power under WLTC testing.

The IM LS9 Hyper performance setup includes three electric motors—one at the front and two at the rear for better control and traction.

The IM LS9 Hyper uses four-wheel electronic steering, allowing a very tight turning radius of just 4.95 meters despite its large size.

The SUV uses a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine that works only as a generator to recharge the battery.

The IM LS9 Hyper interior includes a large 27.1-inch display, a passenger screen, rear entertainment display, massage seats, and premium audio.

Right now, the IM Motors LS9 Hyper SUV is mainly aimed at the Chinese market, with no official confirmation for global sales yet.

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