IM Motors

Corporate brand

Chinese premium intelligent electric-vehicle brand established as a joint venture between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech.

Last updated October 29, 2026

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Overview

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.

History

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.

Products and positioning

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.

Controversies

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 1 Source 2 Source 3
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

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

Recent events

2025
IM Motors and Alibaba introduce IM AIOS intelligent cockpit[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The partners announced an AI-driven cockpit intended to enable natural-language, low-touch control of vehicle functions and connected services, including food-ordering features developed with Ele.me.
2024
IM Motors announces Series B financing[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced more than RMB 8 billion in Series B equity financing led by Bank of China Asset Management, with participation from additional financial, automotive, battery, and technology investors.
2024
IM L6 unveiled and launched for presales[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
IM Motors presented the L6 at the Geneva Motor Show, opened presales in April, and began deliveries in May. The top specification was promoted with a high-voltage electrical architecture and a claimed driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometres.
2023
IM Motors introduces LS6 coupe-style SUV[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The LS6 was introduced as a smaller SUV positioned below the LS7, expanding the brand into a more accessible vehicle segment.
2022
IM Motors launches LS7 electric SUV[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The LS7 became the brand's second production model and was planned initially for sales in China.
2021
IM Motors presents L7, LS7, and Airo concepts at Auto Shanghai[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The brand displayed its planned electric executive sedan, SUV concept, and Airo design study, giving the public its first broad view of the product portfolio.
2020
IM Motors established as SAIC, Alibaba, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech joint venture[1]IM Motors - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Other
The three partners established the company in December 2020 to develop premium intelligent electric vehicles.

Sources17 sources

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