Smart Mobility International has confirmed that the first IM LS9 flagship SUVs are now being delivered to customers in the UAE, ending a wait of around six months for early reservation holders. The LS9 is positioned as IM Motors’ largest and most luxurious SUV to date, combining electric-drive performance with a range-extender system intended to reduce charging concerns on long GCC journeys.
For UAE buyers, the arrival matters because the LS9 targets a growing group of customers who want an electric-style driving experience without relying entirely on public charging infrastructure. It enters a premium SUV market already crowded with established petrol, hybrid and battery-electric alternatives, so real-world ownership support, software updates and after-sales service will be as important as headline performance figures.
Smart Mobility International Confirms First IM LS9 Deliveries in the UAE
Smart Mobility International, the UAE representative for IM Motors, has begun handing over the first customer cars after an extended period between reservations and deliveries. Early buyers had reportedly been waiting for vehicle allocation, local specification confirmation and the completion of delivery preparations.
The first deliveries are a significant step for the brand’s local rollout. A flagship SUV is often the model that introduces buyers to a new marque, particularly in a market where customers expect premium cabin materials, strong air-conditioning performance, dependable dealership support and convenient long-distance usability.
- Model: IM LS9
- Market position: Large luxury SUV
- Powertrain type: Range-extended electric vehicle, or REEV
- Local distributor: Smart Mobility International
- Key ownership appeal: Electric propulsion with petrol-backed long-distance flexibility
What Is the IM LS9?
The IM LS9 is a large, premium SUV from IM Motors, a Chinese intelligent electric vehicle brand associated with SAIC Motor and technology partners. It sits above smaller IM models in size and specification, with a focus on family space, advanced digital features and high-output electric propulsion.
Rather than following the traditional luxury SUV formula of a large petrol engine and conventional automatic gearbox, the LS9 is designed to be driven primarily by electric motors. Its petrol engine acts as a generator when needed, which means the wheels are powered by electricity rather than directly by the combustion engine in normal operation.
That layout is especially relevant in the UAE. Daily urban driving can be quiet and electric-focused when charging is available, while inter-emirate trips and journeys into remote areas are less dependent on finding a fast charger at the right time.
A flagship designed around technology
Like other IM vehicles, the LS9 places a strong emphasis on screens, driver-assistance hardware and software-led functions. Equipment can vary by market and trim level, so UAE customers should confirm the exact specification of their allocated vehicle rather than relying only on Chinese-market launch information.
Buyers should also ask which connected services are activated locally, whether navigation and voice-control functions support the UAE, and how over-the-air software updates will be handled. These details can make a meaningful difference to the ownership experience of a technology-heavy SUV.
How Does the REEV Powertrain Work?
REEV stands for range-extended electric vehicle. In an REEV, the electric motors provide the driving force, while a petrol engine generates electricity to maintain battery charge when the battery becomes low or when sustained high-speed travel demands more energy.
This differs from a conventional hybrid, where the petrol engine may directly drive the wheels through a transmission. It also differs from a pure battery-electric vehicle because an REEV can continue travelling after its usable battery charge has been depleted, provided there is petrol in the fuel tank.
What happens in everyday driving?
- When the battery has sufficient charge, the LS9 can operate largely as an electric vehicle.
- During acceleration, the electric motors provide immediate torque without the feel of conventional gear changes.
- When battery charge falls or extra energy is required, the petrol generator starts to produce electricity.
- On long motorway journeys, the system manages energy use to preserve sufficient battery reserve and maintain performance.
For owners, the main advantage is flexibility. Home or workplace charging can reduce fuel use for routine driving, while the petrol engine offers reassurance for longer trips through the UAE and neighbouring GCC countries.
There are trade-offs. An REEV has more mechanical complexity than a pure EV, and fuel consumption will rise if the vehicle is regularly driven without charging. Drivers who cannot charge at home or work should compare the expected running costs carefully against a conventional hybrid or petrol SUV.
IM LS9 Range, Power, and Performance Figures
The LS9’s published figures underline its role as a performance-focused flagship, although official UAE specifications should always take priority over overseas data. Chinese-market information points to a large battery pack, dual-motor all-wheel drive on higher versions and a combined driving range designed for journeys well beyond the capability of many battery-only luxury SUVs.
| Specification | IM LS9 reported figure |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Range-extended electric vehicle with petrol generator |
| Drive layout | Electric all-wheel drive on dual-motor versions |
| Battery capacity | Approximately 66 kWh, depending on version |
| Electric-only range | Up to approximately 400 km on the CLTC test cycle |
| Combined range | Up to approximately 1,500 km on the CLTC test cycle |
| Acceleration | Sub-5-second 0 to 100 km/h capability on higher-output versions |
Range figures should be treated as laboratory-cycle estimates, not guaranteed UAE real-world results. The CLTC test cycle is generally more optimistic than motorway driving in hot Gulf conditions. High air-conditioning demand, sustained speeds, heavy loads, sand, hills and aggressive acceleration can all reduce electric range and increase petrol consumption.
What range can UAE owners realistically expect?
There is no single answer because use patterns matter more than the headline figure. Owners who charge frequently and make shorter daily trips may use very little petrol, while drivers covering long distances at high speeds may rely on the range extender more often.
The LS9’s advantage is that reduced electric range does not necessarily interrupt a journey. The system can continue operating with petrol, although it is still worth planning charging stops when convenient to get the best value from the electrified powertrain.
Why Did UAE Customers Wait Six Months for Delivery?
A six-month wait is not unusual for a newly introduced, low-volume flagship model, particularly when the brand is establishing supply, homologation and retail operations in a new market. The delay can involve more than simply shipping vehicles from the factory.
Before customer handovers begin, imported vehicles need local approvals, market-specific documentation, logistics coordination and dealer preparation. Premium vehicles with advanced software also require technicians, diagnostic equipment and customer support processes to be ready before deliveries scale up.
- Initial production allocation may have been prioritised for other markets.
- UAE vehicle certification and registration requirements need to be completed.
- Cars may require local software, connectivity or accessory preparation.
- Shipping schedules and port processing can affect arrival timing.
- Dealers need parts stock, trained technicians and handover arrangements in place.
For customers still awaiting their vehicles, the most useful step is to request a written update from the retailer covering the expected build status, shipping estimate, final specification and warranty commencement date. It is also sensible to confirm whether any promised accessories, charging equipment or service packages remain included in the original order.
Where Does the IM LS9 Fit in the UAE Luxury SUV Market?
The LS9 is aimed at buyers considering large premium SUVs but who are open to newer electrified powertrains and Chinese technology brands. Its closest rivals are not necessarily identical in mechanical layout, because the UAE market includes petrol luxury SUVs, plug-in hybrids, range-extended models and full EVs at similar price points.
Its strongest selling points are likely to be cabin space, strong electric-motor response, extensive technology and the ability to travel long distances without depending solely on public charging. This makes it particularly relevant to buyers who like EV refinement but are not ready to move to a battery-only vehicle.
Who should consider the LS9?
- Families wanting a large, high-tech SUV with three-row potential and generous interior space.
- Drivers who can charge at home, at work or at regular destinations.
- Owners who frequently travel between emirates and want a petrol-backed electric powertrain.
- Buyers willing to consider a newer brand in return for advanced equipment and electrified performance.
What should buyers compare before ordering?
Potential customers should compare more than purchase price. Ask about the battery warranty, vehicle warranty, roadside assistance, service intervals, replacement parts availability and the location of authorised service centres.
It is also worth checking the charging hardware supplied with the vehicle. Confirm AC charging capability, DC fast-charging compatibility, connector type, home charger installation support and whether the quoted price includes any charging equipment.
What Comes Next for IM Motors in the UAE?
The first LS9 deliveries will be closely watched because they provide the first meaningful indication of how IM Motors’ premium ownership experience works in the UAE. Early customer feedback will likely focus on real-world range, software stability, cabin cooling, service access and how smoothly the range-extender system performs in hot-weather motorway driving.
For Smart Mobility International, the next challenge is to turn initial interest into long-term confidence. That means maintaining clear delivery communication, keeping common parts available, training technicians and helping customers understand the charging and energy-management features of an REEV.
The wider UAE market is becoming more receptive to electrified vehicles, but buyers remain practical. A new luxury SUV will need to prove that it can handle summer heat, long road trips, family use and day-to-day service requirements as well as it performs on a specification sheet.
People Also Ask
Is the IM LS9 fully electric?
No. The IM LS9 is a range-extended electric vehicle. It uses electric motors to drive the wheels, while a petrol engine can generate electricity when the battery needs support.
Can the IM LS9 run on petrol after the battery is low?
Yes. When battery charge falls, the range-extender engine can generate electricity so the vehicle can continue driving. It is not the same as a conventional petrol SUV, because electric motors remain the main source of propulsion.
How long is the IM LS9 delivery wait in the UAE?
Early UAE customers waited around six months before the first deliveries began. Delivery timing for new orders can vary depending on vehicle allocation, chosen specification, shipping and local stock.
Does the IM LS9 need to be charged?
The LS9 can operate without regular charging because it has a petrol range extender, but charging is still recommended. Frequent charging allows owners to use more electric energy and may reduce fuel consumption for daily driving.
Is the IM LS9 suitable for long UAE road trips?
Its REEV setup is designed to suit long trips because it combines electric driving with petrol-backed range. Actual efficiency and range will depend on speed, air-conditioning use, passenger load, road conditions and charging habits.
