MG IM LS9 Hyper fully detailed: Huge tri-motor PHEV SUV boasts 308km EV range
MG’s fledgling premium brand, IM, has unwrapped its most imposing car yet with the full reveal of the flagship IM LS9 Hyper large SUV.
Measuring an imposing 5279mm long, the largest MG yet features the firm’s latest technology, including an advanced all-wheel-drive, triple-motor plug-in hybrid system and trick four-wheel steering.
Featuring a large 65.9kWh lithium-ion battery, the headline news is the IM LS9 Hyper can travel up to 308km on EV power alone (based on the lenient Chinese CLTC test cycle), meaning most owners should have enough range to avoid troubling the on-board combustion range extender during daily driving.
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Once the battery has been depleted, a further 114kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder range extender kicks in, boosting the total range to more than 1000km.
IM has yet to release a total system power output, but it is expected to be substantial, with a 160kW front electric motor combined with two rear electric motors that each produce 195kW.
Headline chassis tech includes a complex new steer-by-wire all-wheel steering system that can pivot the rear wheels by up to 24 degrees and deliver a tight turning circle.
Dual-chamber air suspension has also been added, which can raise the ride height by as much as 150mm, boosting its off-road ability.
Early details also suggest the IM LS9 will feature the firm’s next-generation MK C2 brake-by-wire technology, designed to claw back far more energy under braking than current plug-in hybrids.
Inside, tech enthusiasts should appreciate the triple-screen layout that measures a combined 27.1 inches, complemented by a separate 15.6-inch infotainment screen for the passenger.
In China, the IM LS9 is offered with three rows and seating for up to six, with all seats capable of folding flat to create a bed for resting while charging.
Positioned above the smaller IM LS8, the IM LS9 will help the luxury MG brand take on the likes of Range Rover, the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. In China, its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain also puts it up against the Leapmotor D16, Denza D9 and Zeekr 9X, among others.
Currently, parent company SAIC has only chosen to import two IM models to Australia, the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV. There is no word yet locally on whether the luxury brand’s Aussie outpost has the flagship LS9 in its sights.
