MG’s Facelifted Electric SUV Gets New Powertrain Options
The IM LS6 electric SUV, known as the IM6 in Australia, has received a facelift and new powertrain options, including a range-extender variant. The updated model has been revealed in China and is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms mid-year.
The IM6 is one of two models being released under the IM Presented by MG Motor banner in Australia in June. The other is the IM LS5, which will be known as the IM5 here. Both vehicles feature distinctive, sweeping headlights, but the facelifted LS6/IM6 debuts a new face for SAIC Motor’s premium EV brand, a joint venture with Alibaba.
The LS6’s revised exterior can be seen in a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing. The rounded body remains largely unchanged aft of the A-pillar, with the big changes found up front. There’s now a vertical headlight assembly, though the daytime running light still continues horizontally towards where the grille would be on a combustion-powered vehicle.
The LS6 is getting the option of a petrol engine, which doesn’t send power to the wheels but instead charges either a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The battery powers a single 230kW rear-mounted electric motor. The LS6 extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) has a kerb weight of 2350kg.
The LS6 will be offered with a choice of three electric powertrains: a single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration with 245kW and an LFP battery; another with 300kW and an NMC battery; and a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with 500kW and an NMC battery. Kerb weight ranges between 2255kg and 2385kg.
The LS6 offers four-wheel steering, supporting a Crab Mode that allows diagonal movement. It also features artificial intelligence technology for One Touch parking and Rainy Night Mode, which displays real-time images of pedestrians or vehicles on a 26.3-inch screen.
The LS6/IM6 is significantly larger than a Tesla Model Y, measuring 4904mm long, 1988mm wide, and 1669mm tall on a 2950mm wheelbase. MG has yet to announce local pricing for the IM6.
The pre-facelift IM6 will be offered in Australia in base guise with a 75kWh battery pack and a 217kW/450Nm electric motor. The flagship Platinum trim will feature either a 300kW/500Nm electric motor and 100kWh battery or a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration with total outputs of 572kW and 802Nm.
