MG’s new SUV is brought to market by its most premium brand, features 752 horsepower, fast charging, and costs less than a Volkswagen Golf.

06/11/2026 10:30

Updated to

06/11/2026 10:30

IM Motors, the premium brand of China’s SAIC group (which also owns MG), is expanding its lineup with a new electric variant of the IM LS8, now available in the Far East. Previously, it was only offered with extended range, meaning it featured a small internal combustion engine that acted as a generator. This week, it adds a pure electric version that the brand calls the LS8 Neo.

This new model comes at a lower starting price than the IM LS8 with extended range, which is unusual. It also comes standard with a cable-driven steering and braking system, a technology that was previously reserved for much more expensive models. IM already sells cars in Europe under the MG brand, such as the MG IM5 and MG IM6, though no release date has been announced for the LS8 there yet.

One Engine and Two CATL Batteries

The LS8 Neo is equipped with a single electric motor, named Neo Hurricane by the brand, delivering 408 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. It pairs with two CATL batteries to choose from: the 93 Max+ version uses a 93 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, while the 103 Max+ version uses a 103 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) battery.

With the smaller battery, it achieves 684 kilometers of range, and with the larger battery, it reaches 752 kilometers, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. This cycle is much more optimistic than the harmonized WLTP protocol, and unofficial estimates reduce these figures to around 554 and 609 kilometers. The official fuel consumption starts at 15.2 kWh per 100 kilometers, also under the CLTC cycle.

During charging, its 800-volt architecture can handle peaks of up to 396 kW. According to the manufacturer, it can recover up to 529 kilometers of range (CLTC) in 15 minutes, and complete a 10% to 80% charge in between 17 and 20 minutes depending on the battery chosen.

A cable-driven chassis for moving five meters

The key technical feature is the digital chassis that IM calls Lizard, which is standard across the entire range. Its steering system has no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, features a dual system in case one fails, and allows selection among three gear ratios. This is complemented by cable brakes and rear wheels that can rotate up to 24 degrees in either direction.

The result is a turning radius of just 4.85 meters, allowing it to turn around in a narrow one-way street in a single maneuver even though the street is over five meters long. The setup is completed with a torque distribution control that responds in 20 milliseconds and a pneumatic suspension that adjusts itself based on road conditions.

Segment E, front trunk, and price

Although the IM LS9 is larger, the LS8 Neo isn’t exactly small either. It measures 5,085 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,807 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,060 mm—same as the extended range version. The main difference is that, without a gasoline engine, it features a 168-liter front trunk. It’s available in five or six passenger configurations, and all versions come equipped with massage seats, a 12.3-liter refrigerator, and Bang & Olufsen audio system.

In China, the LS8 Neo 93 Max+ costs 239,800 yuan, approximately 31,174 euros, while the 103 Max+ is priced at 259,800 yuan, around 33,774 euros. These are launch prices that are 10,000 yuan (1,300 euros) lower than the pre-order prices, and they include a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first owner. The LS8 with extended range was launched in April at 249,800 yuan (32,474 euros), so this electric vehicle is about 1,300 euros cheaper, with more charging space and a cable chassis as standard features.