Alibaba Helped Build A SUV That Turns Like A Forklift And Has A Shower
- IM Motors revealed the LS9 Hyper SUV with three electric motors.
- It features a 1.5L turbo range extender and 65.9 kWh battery pack.
- Rear-wheel steering gives it a 16.2-foot turning radius in tight spots.
IM Motors, the upscale joint venture from MG and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has pulled the covers off its latest flagship. Named the LS9 Hyper, this SUV builds on the standard LS9 that debuted last year, layering in high-spec upgrades aimed at Chinese buyers who want their tech-laden luxury served in insulated comfort.
Read: βIM Presented by MG Motorβ Might Be The Most Ridiculous Car Brand Name Yet
Whereas IM Motorsβ smaller offerings like the IM5 and IM6 go all-in on battery-electric power, the LS9 Hyper takes a different route. Itβs a range extender rather than a full EV. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower, but its only job is to recharge the 65.9 kWh battery.
Power is delivered through a single 215 hp electric motor at the front axle, backed up by two 261 hp motors at the rear. This setup offers an estimated all-electric range of 191 miles (308 kilometers). The three electric motors also provide torque vectoring, though we donβt think many owners will be hustling this beast through the corners.
The LS9 Hyper also debuts a clever all-electric, all-wheel 24-degree smart steering system, believed to be a first for a vehicle in this class. It achieves a turning radius of just 4.95 meters (16.2 feet), roughly two meters tighter than a Smart ForTwo.
As you can no doubt tell from the photos, this thing is big. In fact, it is 5,279 mm (207.8 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,806 mm (71.1 inches) tall with a massive 3,160 mm (124.4-inch) wheelbase.
The exterior design isnβt particularly noteworthy, but it does look classy. At the front, a light bar and vertically oriented headlights. It also includes a roof-mounted LiDAR and is available with 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels. Adding to the fancy looks are silver accents running along the base of the side and rear windows.
Many of the fancy MGβs best features are found in the cabin, which hasnβt been revealed yet, though itβs expected to mirror the LS9 shown here. Thereβs a single 27.1-inch display, encompassing the cluster and infotainment screen, as well as a separate 15.6-inch monitor for the front passenger.
Audiophiles will have plenty to enjoy with the Bang & Olufsen sound system, while all occupants benefit from massaging seats and an underfloor heating system. Rear-seat passengers arenβt overlooked either, with access to a 27-inch 5K display that folds down from the headliner.
And in case thatβs not quite enough, as with the regular LS9, IM will also offers the option of an integrated shower unit built into the tailgate.