IM LS8 Racks up 10,000 Pre-orders in 45 Min, Rivals NIO ES8 and AITO M8

IM LS8 Launches with Pre-Sale Price Starting at RMB 259,800 ($37,577) !

IM LS8 officially revealed its pre-sale price on March 26. Positioned as a premium full-size SUV competing in the “8-series” segment, no one expected its pre-sale price to land in the mid-size SUV bracket.

The model lineup is straightforward, with four variants based on two battery capacities (52kWh and 66kWh) and two seating layouts (5-seater and 6-seater).

The 52kWh RWD 5-seater (Max+) starts at a pre-sale benefit price of RMB 259,800 ($37,577), while the 6-seater Max+ is priced at RMB 279,800 ($40,470).

The 66kWh AWD 5-seater (Ultra) retails at RMB 289,800 ($41,867), and the 6-seater Ultra at RMB 309,800 ($44,760).

IM emphasizes that even the entry-level RMB 259,800 ($37,577) variant comes standard with over 100 features. The threshold for premium specs is even lower than expected, with the announced pre-sale benefits sparking a second round of excitement at the event.

Headlining the offers is a total RMB 81,200 ($11,741) “Pre-Sale Upgrade Package”, including the Thor chip, IM AD Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), 18-speaker B&O audio, and a 12.3L dual-zone refrigerator, all provided free for a limited time, along with complimentary interior and exterior color options.

A RMB 9,800 ($1,417) premium package upgrades the audio to 25 speakers, wheels to 21 inches, and LiDAR to 520-line, adding HUD, mechanical seat massage, and external voice control.

The flagship chassis feature, Steer-by-Wire System, is available as a RMB 10,000 ($1,447) option on Ultra trims.

Backed by rich specs and an attractive price, IM LS8 scored an instant hit: official data shows 10,000 small-order reservations within 45 minutes of pre-sale launch.

The pricing and benefits have pushed the IM LS8 into the spotlight. Some call it the “strongest 8-series” model on the market; others claim it is a “no-brainer choice” for its specs and price tag.

But is it too early to draw such conclusions?

We must return to the key highlights from the launch. What defines the IM LS8? How does it justify claims of being the “strongest”? Let’s break it down.

Driving Dynamics: Top-Tier Chassis Configurations

The most striking highlight of the IM LS8 lies in its chassis technology.

Historically, carmakers used chassis specs to differentiate model tiers—but that logic no longer applies to the IM LS8.

According to the launch, the IM LS8 is equipped with the “Lizard Digital Chassis 3.0”, packed with every conceivable premium chassis feature.

Rear-Wheel Steering System comes standard, with a class-leading 24° dual-angle articulation, delivering a turning radius of just 4.85 meters. For comparison, the A0-class VW Polo has a 5.2-meter turning radius.

Measuring 5085*2000*1807mm with a 3060mm wheelbase, this full-size SUV boasts better maneuverability than a compact hatchback—a remarkable feat.

More surprisingly, the IM LS8 features a Full Steer-by-Wire Four-Wheel Steering System, a flagship tech previously seen on the IM LS9, now offered under RMB 300,000 ($43,410).

By eliminating the physical steering column and using electronic signals, it supports a steering ratio range of 4.5:1 to 14.2:1, automatically adjusted for different scenarios. At low speeds, a half steering wheel turn suffices for U-turns; at high speeds, the ratio maximizes stability.

IM stresses triple safety redundancy for the Steer-by-Wire System, ensuring uncompromising reliability. As Liu Tao stated at the launch, “It will never fail from the Stone Age to the present.”

These two technologies alone set the LS8 apart: a large vehicle that drives agilely like a compact car.

The IM LS8 also comes standard with premium chassis essentials: Four-Piston Fixed Calipers (100–0 km/h braking in 34.38m), Double-Wishbone Front Suspension + Multi-Link Rear Suspension, closed-loop Air Suspension, high-damping Electronic Shock Absorbers, Comfort Braking, and Intelligent Preview Suspension System.

For buyers prioritizing chassis performance, the IM LS8 easily tops the shortlist, making a strong case for being a “no-brainer pick”.

Yet these premium chassis features only account for one-third of the LS8’s appeal.

Space: A Top Contender in 5/6-Seater Practicality

Chinese car buyers prioritize cabin space, and the IM LS8 delivers more than expected.

It offers both spacious 5-seater and 6-seater layouts to suit diverse needs.

The 5-seater variant features 1097mm front headroom, claimed to be class-leading, with 101mm side headroom—40% more than rival “8-series” models. Second-row headroom, legroom, and knee room are all labeled “best-in-class”.

The 5-seater also features IM’s exclusive Le Corbusier sofa seat (right rear), with a 132° recline angle, 70° electric footrest, central armrest with cup holders, and 8-point SPA massage, promising comfort beyond typical zero-gravity seats.

The 6-seater variant offers class-leading second and third-row space, with up to two fists of knee room for rear passengers, plus a 21-inch ceiling-mounted entertainment screen—a rare feature in 6-seater models under RMB 300,000 ($43,410).

The 6-seater can fold its third row to become a 4-seater SUV, unlocking up to 1122mm of second-row legroom, matching the benchmark Buick GL8 MPV.

For cargo, the LS8 holds up to 47 suitcases with all seats folded except the driver’s, and 6 28-inch suitcases in normal mode—two more than similar-size SUVs.

It features a 1.13m-wide, 1m-tall trunk opening, a 10L second-row storage drawer, and rear cargo nets, showing thoughtful attention to storage.

Cabin amenities include a 3472W peak-output B&O audio system, 4D mechanical massage seats from the LS9, and an industry-first floor heating system.

A 12.3L dual-zone refrigerator maintains temperature for 48 hours after parking. Seats are wrapped in IM Nappa DELUXE top-grain leather, building a luxurious ambiance.

In terms of space and cabin specs, the LS8 combines class-leading and segment-exclusive features, setting a high bar for rivals. While debate remains over whether it is a “no-brainer”, choosing the LS8 is unlikely to disappoint.

Intelligence: On Par with Industry Leading Standards

The IM LS8 spares no effort on intelligent features, a key pillar of its “strongest 8-series” claim—weaknesses in intelligence would quickly turn buyers away.

Hardware

Despite its sub-RMB 300,000 ($43,410) positioning, the LS8 features flagship-grade hardware, including the NVIDIA Thor chip and 520-line LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

The NVIDIA Thor chip is a proven, mature solution. The 520-line LiDAR extends detection range to 300 meters with gaze functionality, boosting road recognition accuracy.

This hardware supports advanced ADAS and reserves ample computing power for future upgrades, including the next-gen IM AD ZETA system.

Software

IM has long collaborated with Momenta, equipping the LS8 with cutting-edge algorithms, including end-to-end large models. It supports highway navigation, roundabout traversal, U-turns, timed bus lane avoidance, traffic gesture recognition, and traffic sign identification.

The system enhances active safety: front Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) operates at 8–130 km/h, and rear AEB at 2–10 km/h.

A notable highlight is the onboard IM Ultra Agent 1.0, a production-ready automotive Intelligent Agent powered by the Qianwen large model. Acting as a personal driving assistant, it plans routes, places orders, and adjusts chassis and cabin settings via voice commands.

Unlike traditional voice assistants, the Intelligent Agent integrates cross-domain vehicle control, elevating the EV (New Energy Vehicle) from a mere transport to embodied intelligence—demanding strong computing and execution capabilities.

On paper, the IM LS8’s intelligent system is hard to fault, with leading hardware and software backing its credentials as a sensible choice.

Powertrain Overview

The IM LS8 uses the “Stellar” Super Extended-Range Powertrain, with 52kWh and 66kWh Power Battery options. The 66kWh version delivers 430km CLTC pure-electric range and 1605km combined range.

Built on an 800V Architecture platform, it charges from 30% to 80% in approximately 12 minutes.

Combined with its RMB 259,800 ($37,577) starting price, the IM LS8 positions itself not just as a disrupter, but as a definer of the 8-series New Energy SUV segment.

Its pricing and benefits are notably aggressive, reflecting IM’s determination to make the LS8 a blockbuster hit.

IM’s formula is simple: load the vehicle with cutting-edge tech and pair it with a shocking price point.

For most carmakers, stacking specs or setting a competitive price alone is easy—balancing both is the real challenge.

The IM LS8 strikes that balance, showcasing IM’s strengths as a manufacturer backed by industrial giants and a top-tier supply chain.

This underscores that beyond class-leading product strength, manufacturing prowess is critical to building a “no-brainer” vehicle.

With a clear picture of the IM LS8’s capabilities and pre-sale pricing, opinions may vary on whether it is the “strongest 8-series” or a foolproof choice.

But a final verdict can wait—there may still be surprises at the official launch.