Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the IM LS9 for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.
With its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, 800-volt architecture and range-extender powertrain, the LS9 takes a different approach to the growing premium electrified SUV segment.
The LS9 is one of the flagship models from IM Motors, the technology-focused brand backed by SAIC Motor, and its arrival in the UAE forms part of the company's broader international expansion. SAIC Motor confirmed that IM Motors officially entered the UAE and Tunisia markets as part of its expansion across the Middle East and North Africa.
At almost 5.3 meters long, the LS9 has the substantial proportions expected from a full-size SUV. The 66 Ultra measures 5,279 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width and 1,806 mm in height, with a 3,160 mm wheelbase. Its large dimensions create a commanding presence on the road, while the clean bodywork, enclosed front fascia and slim lighting elements give the vehicle a distinctly modern appearance. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor is integrated into the exterior rather than treated as an obvious add-on, reinforcing the technology-led character of the design.
The LS9's six-seat configuration is arranged in a 2+2+2 layout, giving the second row two individual captain's chairs and leaving the third row for two passengers. This arrangement prioritizes passenger comfort rather than simply maximizing seating capacity, and the long wheelbase provides useful space across all three rows.
The powertrain is one of the LS9's defining features. The 66 Ultra uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a range extender rather than as the primary source of propulsion. The vehicle is driven by two electric motors, producing a combined 390 kW, equivalent to around 530 hp, and 670 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a single-speed electric transmission, giving the LS9 the immediate response associated with an electric vehicle while retaining the long-distance flexibility of a combustion-powered range extender.
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes around 4.9 seconds, a notable figure for a vehicle of this size and weight. The electric motors deliver their torque immediately, making the LS9 feel more responsive than its dimensions might suggest. Its top speed is listed at 220 km/h, although the character of the vehicle is ultimately more focused on effortless long-distance performance than outright high-speed driving.
The 66 Ultra is equipped with a 66 kWh battery, giving it a claimed pure-electric range of 402 km on the CLTC cycle and a combined range of up to 1,508 km. The 800-volt electrical architecture also supports high-speed charging, allowing the LS9 to recover a significant amount of battery capacity in a relatively short period when connected to a suitable high-power charger.
These figures are particularly relevant in the UAE, where long distances between cities and destinations are part of everyday driving. The range-extender concept also removes one of the practical limitations sometimes associated with large electric SUVs: the need to plan every long journey around charging infrastructure. For shorter daily journeys, the LS9 can operate predominantly as an electric vehicle, while the petrol engine provides additional energy for longer trips.
The chassis is another major part of the LS9's engineering package. IM equips the SUV with its Lingxi Digital Chassis 3.0, combining air suspension with electronically controlled damping and an advanced four-wheel-steering system. The rear wheels can steer in the opposite direction at lower speeds to reduce the turning circle and in the same direction at higher speeds to improve stability. IM quotes a turning radius of approximately 4.95 meters despite the LS9's considerable length.
On the road, this technology helps make the LS9 feel more manageable than its dimensions initially suggest. The steering response is relatively direct, while the air suspension focuses on keeping the ride composed over uneven surfaces. The low-mounted battery also contributes to a stable feel, and the combination of electric all-wheel drive and substantial torque provides confident acceleration when joining highways or overtaking.
The suspension system is also designed with passenger comfort in mind. IM lists up to 150 mm of suspension travel through its dual-chamber air-suspension system, allowing the vehicle to adapt its ride height and damping characteristics according to driving conditions. The result is a large SUV that aims to combine long-distance comfort with a greater degree of control than its size would normally suggest.
Inside, the LS9 moves firmly into luxury territory. The cabin is designed around the idea of a mobile lounge, with generous space for six occupants and a second row focused on individual comfort. The 66 Ultra offers Nappa leather seating, heating, ventilation and massage functions, while zero-gravity seating is available as part of the extensive comfort package.
The technology environment is equally ambitious. A large 27.1-inch front display stretches across the dashboard, joined by a 15.6-inch passenger display and a 21.5-inch screen for rear passengers. The combination gives the cabin a highly digital character, while the IM AIOS operating system integrates navigation, connectivity and vehicle functions into a centralized interface.
Audio is another area where the LS9 aims for a premium experience. The standard system incorporates 21 speakers, while a higher-end B&O system with 25 speakers is available depending on specification. Other notable equipment includes a refrigerator capable of heating, cooling and freezing, multi-zone climate control, rear climate functions and a panoramic roof.
One of the LS9's more unusual features is its emphasis on outdoor usability. IM offers an outdoor-oriented package that includes equipment intended to make activities such as camping, cycling and hiking more convenient. Combined with the vehicle's large cabin and flexible seating arrangement, this gives the LS9 a broader lifestyle focus than simply serving as a large family SUV.
The technology extends into driver assistance as well. The LS9 is equipped with a 520-line LiDAR sensor, NVIDIA's Thor computing platform and a comprehensive sensor array that includes cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. The IM AD system is designed to provide advanced assistance across highway and urban environments, while functions such as automatic parking, a 360-degree camera and transparent-chassis visualization help make a vehicle of this size easier to position.
For UAE driving, the combination of these systems is particularly useful. The large dimensions and six-seat layout provide the space expected from a flagship family SUV, while four-wheel steering helps when negotiating tighter parking areas and urban streets. On highways, the long wheelbase, air suspension and quiet electric propulsion create a more relaxed environment for longer journeys.
Despite its technology focus, the LS9 does not completely abandon the rugged side of the SUV formula. Its all-wheel-drive system and adjustable suspension provide additional flexibility on rougher surfaces and light off-road terrain. It should not, however, be confused with a traditional body-on-frame off-roader: the LS9 is fundamentally a luxury road-oriented SUV, with its strongest attributes centered on comfort, technology, electric performance and long-distance versatility.
After our drive, the IM LS9 comes across as a large SUV built around the changing expectations of premium family mobility. Its combination of electric propulsion, range-extender flexibility, six-seat comfort and advanced chassis technology gives it a distinctive character. The 66 Ultra's 530 hp and 670 Nm provide strong performance, while the 402 km claimed electric range and 1,508 km combined CLTC range address the practical side of long-distance driving.
The LS9 ultimately represents a different interpretation of the modern flagship SUV. Rather than choosing between the convenience of a combustion engine and the smoothness of electric propulsion, it combines the two through an extended-range architecture. Add its sophisticated four-wheel steering, air suspension, spacious six-seat cabin and extensive technology, and the result is a vehicle that places versatility at the center of its appeal.
For the UAE, where luxury SUVs and long-distance driving are both deeply established parts of the automotive landscape, the IM LS9 brings an interesting combination to the segment. It offers the quiet and immediate response of an electric vehicle for everyday use, while its range extender provides additional flexibility when the journey stretches far beyond the reach of a single battery charge. Together with its spacious interior and technology-rich cabin, that makes the LS9 a distinctive new entry into the region's premium SUV market.