SAIC Motor – the parent company of the MG and LDV brands that are leading the sales charts in Australia – has no shortage of ambition, as shown in the new flagship electric SUV that the Chinese brand claims to bring.” the best choice in the world”.
The automotive giant has established a new brand named Auto Zhiji – co-created by Zhangjiang Hi-Tech and Alibaba Group – with the vehicle here called IM LS7. It joins the existing IM L7 premium sedan in the growing lineup.
Reporting outside of China offer the company to take 3000 orders in the first hour. Little is known about potential export plans outside of China at the moment, but domestic rivals such as BYD and Nio are hitting the global market with similar premium fares.
The new branding shows that Chinese companies are no longer content with making low-cost cars or running joint ventures (JVs) with better-known brands – like SAIC’s deal with Volkswagen and GM. in China, accounting for millions of annual sales.
Zhiji IM LS7 Pre-sale prices range from 350,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan (AU$75,400 to AU$107,700), with deliveries in China set to proceed in March.
Performance claims are impressive: The battery is expected to come in at 90kW or 100kWh+, with a maximum range of 660km, output power and torque of 425kW and 725Nm, acceleration times from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a drag coefficient of 0.268.
SAIC says the IM LS7 uses air springs from Continental, electro-dynamic shock absorbers from Bilstein, a choice of Michelin and Bridgestone tires, and Brembo brakes. It has been adapted with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering.
In terms of software, there is a dual laser radar system with data processed by the ORIN chip that enables autonomous driving. The interior includes a spectacular array of horizontal and vertical screens, and a clearly Tesla-like steering wheel.
In addition to the IM LS7, domestic Chinese brands are launching luxury SUVs at breakneck speed, most of them designed for export at least in part. Examples include the Nio ES8BYD new luxury parts YangwangGreat Wall Motor’s Tank sub-brandand Airline U6.
