Hey there! Have you heard about the IM car brand? It’s like the Avengers team of the automotive and tech world, created by a powerhouse trio: the Chinese conglomerate SAIC holding 64%, internet titan Alibaba, and the Shanghai Pudong District administration, each owning 18%. Back in 2020, these partners formed Zhiji Auto, and just two years later, they rolled out two sleek models—the IM L7 sedan and the IM LS7 crossover. And guess what? A third model, sporting a next-gen electric system, has already made its debut in China.
Zhiji LS6 Review 2024
The Family’s Young Prodigy
The latest addition to the family, the IM LS6, may be the youngest, but it’s hardly small—just slightly more compact than its “7” siblings. Picture this: it stretches out to 4904 mm in length, stands 1988 mm wide, and towers at 1669 mm, with a wheelbase of 2950 mm. While it shares the family style, the LS6 sports a different body shape with a sleeker rear and slightly less flashy proportions. Yet, it boasts a pretty impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.237.
Sleek Features Galore
One cool feature is its frameless doors with electric locks—and guess what? There are no traditional handles inside, just buttons. Unlike the LS7, the LS6 has a standard windshield that doesn’t extend into the roof, but it doesn’t skimp on luxury, offering a standard panoramic roof with electrochromic dimming glass.
Zhiji LS6 Interior: Where Tech Meets Comfort
The interior follows the same high standards set by its predecessors but switches things up with two screens on the dash instead of three. And while a futuristic steering yoke comes standard, you can opt for a traditional steering wheel if that’s more your style. The rearview mirror? It’s designed to be quickly detachable, adding a quirky touch to its design.
Comfort is king in the LS6, with seat upholstery that feels like sitting on a plush sofa, promising a ride that’s as comfy as it gets. For the tech-savvy and comfort lovers, there are neat accessories like a removable table for the backseat and even a makeup mirror. The sound system doesn’t disappoint either, with twelve speakers, some of which are strategically placed in the roof lining.
Tech Specs to Brag About
Now, let’s talk tech. While the L7 and LS7 models feature a 400-volt electric system, the LS6 steps it up to 800 volts, peaking at 875 volts. This upgrade not only cuts down on wiring but also supercharges the charging power: the CATL battery can handle up to 400 kW at DC fast-charging stations. So, in just 15 minutes, you can juice up enough to zoom off for another 500 km. The total range? It boasts “over 750 km,” though the exact battery capacity is still under wraps.
Simplifying the Ride: IM LS6’s Undercarriage
While the IM LS6 carries over much of its sibling’s advanced engineering, it introduces a simplified undercarriage setup. Instead of the adaptive air suspension found in previous models, the LS6 features a more straightforward spring suspension with passive shock absorbers. However, it retains a sophisticated layout with double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear setup.
Power and Performance Variants
The base model of the IM LS6 is equipped with rear-wheel drive and a single motor that pumps out a robust 340 horsepower, enabling it to reach speeds up to 200 km/h. For those seeking more thrill, there’s an all-wheel-drive version that boasts two engines combining for a staggering 787 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. This powerhouse variant can skyrocket to a top speed of 252 km/h, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.48 seconds.
Market Launch and Pricing
Set to hit the Chinese market by the end of this year, the IM LS6 offers a blend of high-tech features and simplified mechanics, making it a unique contender in the electric vehicle market. The preliminary price range is quite competitive, expected to be between 230,000 to 300,000 yuan ($32,000 to $41,000), positioning the IM LS6 as a potentially attractive option for those looking to dive into the world of electric luxury without breaking the bank.
