On July 16, SAIC Motor's 100 millionth milestone model, the IM LS9 Hyper, was officially launched at a benefit price of 349,800 yuan. The new car is positioned as a large six-seat extended-range SUV, delivering a cross-generational experience based on three core technology foundations.
The biggest technical highlight is steer-by-wire. On July 1, the national standard for steer-by-wire led by SAIC officially took effect. The LS9 Hyper became the first production vehicle under the new national standard to come standard across the range with full steer-by-wire four-wheel steering.
Steering response is just 20 milliseconds, 4 times faster than traditional steering; combined with bidirectional 24° rear-wheel steering, the turning radius is reduced to 4.77 meters, making a single U-turn comparable to an A0-class small car. The steering ratio can be continuously adjusted between 4.5:1 and 14.2:1. Full steer-by-wire has no mechanical connection, achieving aviation-grade triple safety redundancy.
In terms of power, it is equipped with the Gold Label Hurricane tri-motor four-wheel-drive system, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Based on the full-domain 800V fuel-or-electric platform, CLTC comprehensive range reaches 1,460 kilometers.
Quick comment:
The biggest highlight of the LS9 Hyper is steer-by-wire—response is 4 times faster, and U-turns are more nimble than a small car, making standard equipment at the 300,000-yuan level truly rare. With a 0-100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds and 1,460 km of range, the hardware foundation is solid enough. SAIC giving its 100 millionth milestone to IM carries a bit of the meaning of "setting a benchmark through technology." Whether it can pry open the market will depend on real feedback after deliveries.
