IM Motors, a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation, has been making waves in the automotive world with its highly anticipated IM L6.

It captured attention for passing the moose test without driver at 71 km/h. Moreover, it introduces a new 130 kWh solid-state battery with a China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC) range of 1,000 km, which signifies the evolution of electric vehicle battery capacity. Its price and other details have been announced as pre-orders have now started.

The IM L6 is offered in three variants. Pre-sale prices are as follows:

- Standard Max: priced below CNY 230,000 (US$ 31,800)
- High-performance: priced below CNY 299,900
- Lightyear Max (equipped with solid-state battery): priced below CNY 330,000

During the launch event, IM announced that the 900V solid-state battery (SSB) is officially named "Lightyear." At 400 kilowatts, 400 kilometres of range can be added in just 12 minutes. IM claims the CLTC's range will exceed 1000 kilometres. This comes standard with the top trim variant, Lightyear Max.

The battery is not a fully solid state but a semi-solid state, meaning the energy-carrying fluid contains some solid species. IM Motors claims its 130 kWh Lightyear solid-state battery is the industry's first mass-produced semi-solid-state battery with ultra-fast charging capabilities.

Other variants feature two NMC battery choices with standard liquid electrolytes, 90 kWh and 100 kWh, providing a range of 700-770 km CLTC.

IM L6 is the brand's latest model. It measures 4931mm length, 1960mm width, 1474mm height and has a wheelbase of 2950mm.

It continues the design language of other IM models as a hatchback, allowing for more cargo space and flexibility. Inside, POPO seats are used.

The magnetic suction discs on the back of the front seat can be used to hold a phone, a tablet, or a mirror for the rear passengers to use. It has a large panoramic roof. 60/40 split fold-down rear seats provide more expandability while carrying over-size luggage.

IM L6 is equipped with Nvidia Orin X, Qualcomm 8295, and LiDAR. It introduces innovative features such as multi-angle Carlog (using built-in cameras for in-car Vlog recording) and City Drive (providing local content on the car display). The car also features intelligent driving functions.

Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with DZT dynamic tracking technology (identifying dangerous objects using a 360° camera). Its city NOA driving assistant is set to launch nationwide within this year.

It also offers an "Apple ecosystem plugin," to mirror images from iPhones. The new car will feature the first-generation VMC (Vehicle Motion Control) smart digital chassis technology, equipped with rear-wheel steering, intelligent electronic damping, air suspension, and more.

This technology allows for unique manoeuvres like "crab walking" used during tight corners, and advanced parallel parking.

IM L6 is equipped with a self-developed "Hurricane motor" with a maximum speed of 21,000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.74 seconds. The dual-motor four-wheel-drive model has two motors, 200 kW and 379 kW. It can hit a maximum speed of 268 km/h. There are 3 options for the single-motor models, 216 kW, 248 kW, and 300 kW.

It was announced that it is available in seven colours including gray, pink, yellow, black, and white. Other colours will be announced later.

IM Motors is the collaboration of SAIC Motor Corporation Group, Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, and Alibaba Group is aimed at rivalling the likes of Tesla and Nio. SAIC produces IM-branded vehicles.