While some car importers are forced to stock thousands of Chinese electric vehicles, another Chinese brand is launching in Israel.
IM is the luxury division of Chinese automaker SAIC, which also produces MG and Maxus models, with Alibaba (18%) and Chinese technology group Zhangjiang (18%) as partners. The company began operating in 2000 and is imported to Israel by the Lubinski Group, which also imports MG, alongside Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel.
IM is one of the Chinese young-luxury brands, competing with XPeng, which has achieved great success in Israel, as well as Tesla and NIO, while attempting to attract customers from German luxury brands. It offers relatively high quality, with a focus on technology: All models have rear-wheel steering, some feature air suspension, sport versions reach up to 777 hp, and a range of up to 700 km. Rear-wheel steering has been seen in several German luxury models, but not at this price level.
The price is competitive: Starting from NIS 205,000 for the IM5 sedan and NIS 215,000 for the IM6 crossover, which shares mechanical components with it. However, the first brand showroom will open at the end of the month in Herzliya, while a display and test drive facility will operate from the Lubinski complex in Sorek Business Center. Later, showrooms will be established in Haifa and Jerusalem.
First Drive in IM Models
IM models are based on an NVIDIA processor and feature rear-wheel steering that adjusts according to driving speed. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels, up to an angle of 12 degrees, improving city maneuvering and parking, with a relatively short turning radius for their size—less than 5 meters for the sedan, for example. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability, steering precision, and reducing oversteer and understeer.
In trim levels with air suspension, the system adjusts suspension stiffness to road conditions, stiffening during braking and cornering to reduce roll angles and body lean. There is also a manual ride-height adjustment with three modes: Access—low mode for regular driving, Rough Terrain—raises the car for maximum ground clearance, and Load (in IM6)—lowers the rear for easier loading of the trunk.
The vehicle also has AI capabilities, used for example in low-visibility conditions like rain and fog, enhancing the display of hazards and obstacles using data from 9 cameras, 12 radars, and other sensors.
The specifications also include an automatic parking system, both perpendicular and parallel to the curb, exit from tight parking spaces, and memory of the last 100 meters traveled in reverse for easier maneuvering.
IM6: A crossover competing with XPeng G6, Tesla Model Y, and others. Dimensions: 4.90 m long, 1.99 m wide, 1.669 m high, with a 2.95 m wheelbase. The driver’s seat features a massage function.
The base version (NIS 215,000) with a 75 kWh battery accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, has a top speed of 210 km/h, and a maximum range of 450 km.
The mid-range version (from NIS 239,000) with a 100 kWh battery accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, has a top speed of 235 km/h, and a range of up to 625 km. This version offers an air suspension option (NIS 20,000, including upgraded 19-to-20-inch wheels).
The performance version (from NIS 296,000) switches from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive and 21-inch wheels, with 777 hp. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 3.48 seconds, a top speed of 240 km/h, and a range of up to 505 km.
IM5: A sedan competing with XPeng P7, Tesla Model 3, and others, with a low drag coefficient (0.226). Relatively large dimensions: 4.93 m long, 1.96 m wide, 1.474 m high, with a 2.95 m wheelbase.
The 75 kWh version (from NIS 215,000) accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed 200 km/h, and a range of up to 490 km.
The mid-range 100 kWh version (from NIS 229,000) accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, top speed 220 km/h, and a range of up to 710 km. The air suspension package is available for an additional NIS 20,000.
The performance version (from NIS 286,000) features all-wheel drive, air suspension, and 777 hp. Performance: 0–100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed 268 km/h, and a range of 575 km.