IM Motors

IM Motors, also known by its Chinese name Zhiji Motors, is a Chinese premium electric-vehicle brand created through cooperation among SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The brand was established in December 2020 as part of SAIC's effort to compete in the rapidly expanding market for intelligent and connected battery-electric vehicles. The initials IM are associated with the phrase “Intelligence in Motion,” reflecting the brand's emphasis on software, digital services, advanced driver assistance, connected-car functions, and high-performance electric powertrains. The venture was publicly introduced during the early 2020s, when it positioned itself against premium electric-car manufacturers and technology-led automotive start-ups. Its first major public presentation came at Auto Shanghai in April 2021. The company displayed the L7 electric executive sedan, together with the LS7 SUV concept and the Airo concept developed with Heatherwick Studio. These vehicles established the brand's initial design language: large, aerodynamic bodies, minimalist interiors, extensive digital interfaces, and an emphasis on intelligent vehicle systems. The IM L7 became the brand's first production model and was introduced as a full-size electric sedan aimed at the premium executive-car segment. The LS7 followed as a larger electric SUV, while the LS6 broadened the range with a smaller coupe-style SUV positioned below the LS7. In 2024, IM Motors added the L6, a mid-size electric sedan designed to extend the brand's appeal into a more competitive volume segment. The company has also presented larger SUV products and range-extended electric-vehicle configurations in its later product planning. IM Motors' business model combines SAIC's manufacturing, engineering, distribution, and automotive-industry resources with Alibaba's digital, software, cloud, and artificial-intelligence capabilities. Zhangjiang Hi-Tech represents an additional Shanghai-based investment partner. The brand has also worked with technology and battery companies, including CATL, Momenta, and QingTao Energy, in areas connected with electrification and intelligent driving. A financing round announced in 2024 was intended to support further development and expansion. The brand's positioning centers on premium intelligent electric mobility rather than basic low-cost electrification. Its vehicles are marketed around spacious vehicle architectures, high charging performance, connected cockpits, automated driving assistance, and software-enabled services. In 2025, IM Motors and Alibaba introduced the IM AIOS intelligent cockpit, an artificial-intelligence-based system intended to let drivers control navigation, entertainment, services, and other functions through natural-language interaction rather than separate applications. IM Motors initially focused on the Chinese market, where its vehicles were sold through SAIC-related channels and a developing dedicated network. The company has described an overseas expansion strategy using selected dealer groups, including parts of the existing MG network. Planned or announced international destinations include Mexico, the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Its international development reflects the broader globalization of Chinese electric-vehicle brands, although the scale and timing of overseas operations remain subject to market rollout and local distribution arrangements.

IM Motors was established in December 2020 by SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The joint venture was formed during a period in which Chinese automakers and technology companies were investing heavily in premium electric vehicles, connected-car platforms, and automated driving. SAIC supplied the industrial and automotive foundation, while Alibaba contributed technology and digital-platform capabilities. Zhangjiang Hi-Tech became an investment partner associated with Shanghai's technology and industrial ecosystem. The brand's first public design direction emerged in early 2021, when a rendering of a large electric sedan was shown as a potential rival to premium electric models such as the Tesla Model S. At Auto Shanghai in April 2021, IM Motors displayed three vehicles: the L7 executive sedan prototype, the LS7 SUV concept, and the Airo concept created with Heatherwick Studio. The presentation established IM Motors as a premium technology-oriented brand rather than a conventional mass-market marque. The L7 became the first production vehicle. It was developed as a large battery-electric sedan with a focus on performance, comfort, digital interfaces, and driver-assistance technology. The company then moved into the SUV market. The LS7, formally launched in December 2022, was positioned as a mid-size electric SUV and was initially intended for the Chinese market. In August 2023, IM Motors introduced the LS6, a smaller coupe-style SUV designed to sit below the LS7 and broaden the range. The company continued its sedan expansion with the L6. IM Motors presented the model at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2024, opened presales in April, and began deliveries in May. The vehicle was promoted around high-performance electric architecture, fast charging, and a high-end version using a semi-solid-state battery configuration with a claimed range of more than 1,000 kilometres. These claims formed part of the brand's effort to differentiate itself through battery technology and long-distance usability. In March 2024, IM Motors announced a Series B financing round exceeding RMB 8 billion. Bank of China Asset Management led the round, and other reported participants included ABC Investment, Lingang Group, CATL, Momenta, and QingTao Energy. The financing was associated with continued product development, intelligent-vehicle technology, and the company's expansion plans. The partnership structure also evolved as Zhangjiang Hi-Tech became the holder of an 18 percent stake previously associated with administrative authorities in Shanghai's Pudong New District, according to reported company-history material. IM Motors has increasingly emphasized the integration of vehicle hardware with software and artificial intelligence. In March 2025, it announced IM AIOS Smart Cockpit with Alibaba. The system was designed around AI agents and natural-language commands, allowing users to invoke vehicle and lifestyle functions without navigating separate applications. The announced capabilities included navigation, entertainment, and food ordering through cooperation with Ele.me. The initiative illustrates the brand's attempt to make the vehicle a broader digital-service environment rather than only a means of transportation. The brand's initial commercial focus was China, but its stated international strategy includes Mexico, the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. IM L7 and LS7 were identified for earlier overseas expansion, followed by LS6 and L6. Depending on the market, vehicles may be sold through independent selected dealer groups using parts of MG's established network or alongside MG products at shared locations. The international rollout and later model plans remain dependent on local market execution, regulatory approvals, and distribution development.

• 2025

  IM AIOS announced

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  IM Motors and Alibaba announce an AI-centered connected cockpit based on natural-language interaction.

• 2024

  L6 launches and deliveries begin

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  The L6 is presented internationally, opens for presales in April, and starts deliveries in May.

• 2023

  LS6 introduced

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  The LS6 expands the range with a smaller coupe-style SUV.

• 2022

  LS7 launched

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  IM Motors formally launches its second production model, the LS7 electric SUV.

• 2021

  First public vehicle presentations

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  The L7, LS7 concept, and Airo concept are shown at Auto Shanghai.

• 2020

  Joint venture established

  [1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

  SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech establish IM Motors in December.

Premium intelligent electric vehicles combining SAIC automotive engineering with Alibaba-connected software and digital services.

• Full-size battery-electric sedan · 2022

  IM L7

  The L7 is IM Motors' first production vehicle and serves as its premium electric executive sedan. It was developed to combine a large, comfortable passenger-car format with high-performance electric propulsion, connected functions, and advanced driver-assistance technology. The model established the brand's initial market positioning against premium electric sedans.

• Mid-size battery-electric SUV · 2022

  IM LS7

  The LS7 is the brand's second production model and its first major SUV offering. It was positioned as a premium electric sport-utility vehicle with a spacious cabin, digital interfaces, and intelligent driving features. The production model followed the LS7 concept shown at Auto Shanghai and was initially intended for the Chinese market.

• Compact coupe-style SUV · 2023

  IM LS6

  Introduced in 2023, the LS6 is a smaller SUV placed below the LS7 in the product hierarchy. Its coupe-style profile extends IM Motors' design language into a more compact format and gives the brand a product aimed at a broader premium-electric audience. Reference material identifies battery-electric and range-extended configurations in the later model range.

• Mid-size battery-electric sedan · 2024

  IM L6

  The L6 is a mid-size electric sedan unveiled in 2024. It was promoted around high-voltage electrical architecture, rapid charging, and long-distance capability. The flagship specification was described as using a quasi-900-volt system and a semi-solid-state battery configuration, with a claimed range of more than 1,000 kilometres. Presales began in April 2024 and deliveries followed in May.

• Concept vehicle · 2021

  Airo

  Airo is a four-door concept vehicle presented at Auto Shanghai in 2021. It was designed with Heatherwick Studio and functioned primarily as a design and technology study rather than a confirmed production model. The concept helped communicate IM Motors' ambition to combine electric mobility with unconventional interior and exterior design.

• 2024

  Mislabeling of Xiaomi SU7 key specs at launch event, two apologies issued

  In April 2024, IM Motors mislabeled key specifications of the Xiaomi SU7's electric drive system during its launch event, prompting the competitor to demand a correction and a public apology. IM Motors acknowledged an oversight in its team's review process and apologized twice, denying any intent to smear Xiaomi. This entry concerns a dispute over the accuracy of comparative marketing information.

  Source

• 2021

  IM Motors responds to debate over near-1,000 km range claim

  IM Motors responded to discussion of a near-1,000 km NEDC range claim. The company said a vehicle with a 3,150 mm wheelbase could achieve nearly 1,000 km under NEDC conditions, while its first production sedan was not planned to use that battery pack at launch. The response addressed debate over the range figure and clarified the planned battery configuration for the initial production model.

  Source

Read more

• 2025

  IM AIOS intelligent cockpitProduct launch

  Background

  Connected-car systems increasingly compete through artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and integration with everyday digital services.

  Action taken

  IM Motors and Alibaba announced an AI-driven cockpit using natural-language commands and AI agents instead of requiring users to open separate in-car applications.

  Aftermath

  The system was scheduled to begin rolling out in April 2025 and included functions such as navigation, entertainment, and Ele.me food ordering.

  Source

• 2024

  Series B equity financingOther

  Background

  IM Motors required additional capital for product development, intelligent-vehicle technology, and market expansion.

  Action taken

  The company announced a Series B equity financing round exceeding RMB 8 billion, led by Bank of China Asset Management.

  Aftermath

  Reported participants included ABC Investment, Lingang Group, CATL, Momenta, and QingTao Energy, strengthening the venture's financial and technology backing.

  Series B equity financing. More than RMB 8 billion announced (March 2024)

  Source

• 2020

  Creation of a technology-backed premium EV joint ventureStrategy

  Background

  SAIC sought a brand focused on intelligent premium electric vehicles while Alibaba contributed digital and software capabilities.

  Action taken

  SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech established IM Motors in December 2020.

  Aftermath

  The venture developed a dedicated product range of electric sedans, SUVs, and connected-vehicle technologies.

  Source

• Unconfirmed

  IM Motors announces planned LS8 NEO launch[7]智己汽车宣布LS8 NEO计划于10月上市k.sina.com.cn

  IM Motors said the LS8 NEO pure-electric version is planned to complete its market launch within October. The source does not specify the year and describes a planned launch, not a completed launch.

• Unconfirmed

  IM Motors launches limited-time vehicle offers[8]智己汽车推出限时购车优惠auto.cnfol.com

  IM Motors launched a limited-time shopping promotion offering cash discounts, benefit packages and financing offers on specified in-stock LS6, LS8 and LS9 models. The promotion runs through October 31.

• 2026.08.21

  Reported2026.08.22

  IM Motors announces NEXT·2028 product strategy at Chengdu Auto Show[9]智己汽车在成都车展发布“NEXT·2028”产品战略finance.sina.com.cn

  On August 21, 2026, at the Chengdu International Auto Show, IM Motors (智己汽车) announced its NEXT·2028 product strategy, under which future models will come standard with flagship technologies including the NEO three-electric architecture, a full steer-by-wire chassis, and the IM Claw AI agent.

• 2026.08.21

  Reported2026.08.21

  IM Motors announces NEXT·2028 product strategy at 2026 Chengdu Auto Show[10]智己汽车在2026成都车展发布“NEXT·2028”产品战略auto.zol.com.cn

  At the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, IM Motors (智己汽车) announced its NEXT·2028 product strategy, built on three technology pillars: SAIC's new NEO electric powertrain architecture, a full steer-by-wire chassis, and the IM Claw AI agent. The strategy is to be equipped across all future IM models.

• Unconfirmed

  IM L7 enters mass production[11]智己L7进入批量生产阶段auto.sina.com.cn

  IM Auto said the IM L7's hardware configuration was fully locked, marking the vehicle's entry into the SOP mass-production stage.

• 2021.01.20

  Reported2021.01.20

  IM Motors responds to debate over near-1,000 km range claim[6]IM Motors responds to debate over near-1,000 km range claimfinance.sina.com.cn

  IM Motors responded to discussion of a near-1,000 km NEDC range, saying a vehicle with a 3,150 mm wheelbase could achieve nearly 1,000 km, while its first production sedan was not planned to use that battery pack at launch.

• 2021.01.13

  Reported2021.01.13

  IM Zhiji unveils two production-design electric vehicles[12]智己汽车全球首秀两款量产定型车finance.sina.com.cn

  IM Zhiji (智己汽车) launched its premium intelligent electric-vehicle brand and presented two production-design vehicles—a sedan and an SUV—in their global debut.

• 2020.12.14

  Reported2020.12.14

  IM Motors and CATL jointly develop battery technology[13]智己汽车与宁德时代共同开发电池技术finance.sina.com.cn

  IM Motors was reported to be jointly developing silicon-doped lithium-replenishment cell technology with CATL, with plans to apply the technology globally and mass-produce batteries using it.

Read more

1. 1IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
2. 2智己汽车-智能时代出行的变革者-IM智己汽车官网immotors.com
3. 3Mislabeling of Xiaomi SU7 key specs at launch event, two apologies issuedthepaper.cn
4. 4Mislabeling of Xiaomi SU7 key specs at launch event, two apologies issuednbd.com.cn
5. 5Mislabeling of Xiaomi SU7 key specs at launch event, two apologies issuednbd.com.cn
6. 6IM Motors responds to debate over near-1,000 km range claimfinance.sina.com.cn
7. 7智己汽车宣布LS8 NEO计划于10月上市k.sina.com.cn
8. 8智己汽车推出限时购车优惠auto.cnfol.com
9. 9智己汽车在成都车展发布“NEXT·2028”产品战略finance.sina.com.cn
10. 10智己汽车在2026成都车展发布“NEXT·2028”产品战略auto.zol.com.cn
11. 11智己L7进入批量生产阶段auto.sina.com.cn
12. 12智己汽车全球首秀两款量产定型车finance.sina.com.cn
13. 13智己汽车与宁德时代共同开发电池技术finance.sina.com.cn
14. 14“NEXT·2028”战略：全系先享未来旗舰科技，用户体验全面领先一代zhongce.sina.com.cn
15. 152026成都车展，智己发布“NEXT·2028”战略k.sina.com.cn
16. 16成都车展 | 智己发布全新产品战略“NEXT·2028”k.sina.com.cn
17. 17成都车展｜智己发布全新产品战略“NEXT·2028”163.com
18. 18智己汽车成都车展发布全新产品战略，全新一代智己LS6定档9月发布k.sina.com.cn