IM LS8 NEO Steer-by-Wire SUV Launches in China From 35,970 Dollars With Up to 752 km Range

SAIC brand IM Motors officially launched the pure electric LS8 Neo on November 5, 2026. Built on an 800V high-voltage platform, the mid-to-large-sized SUV joins the existing range-extended lineup, offering two distinct trim levels. The 93 Max+ costs 239,800 yuan, about 35,970 dollars, and the 103 Max+ costs 259,800 yuan, about 38,970 dollars. The six-seat layout costs 20,000 yuan more.

The LS8 NEO is the all-electric version of IM Motors large five-seat flagship SUV, with a single 300 kW rear motor producing 402 horsepower and a claimed range of up to 752 km. Both launch prices include an offer in which a 5,000 yuan deposit counts as 15,000 yuan off, for orders placed by December 13, 2026. The electric version now starts 10,000 yuan lower than the range-extender LS8, which launched in China in April 2026 from 249,800 yuan. The NEO also brings a steer-by-wire chassis, a technology still rare at this price.

IM says the NEO will go on sale in Europe in 2027, and it showed its driver assistance handling complex traffic at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. IM has not named countries, prices or a homologation date for Europe, so availability outside China is unconfirmed. The car is rear-wheel drive only, and the 0 to 100 km/h times are reported rather than official, so buyers should treat the performance figures as indicative until IM publishes certified numbers.