MG has pulled the wraps off the IM LS9 at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show, using the large SUV as a technology showcase for where its broader EV ecosystem could head in future.
The LS9 is not being presented as an immediate mainstream showroom model for Australia, but rather as an advanced SUV showcase, loaded with next-generation chassis, powertrain and automated-driving hardware.
At the centre of that is an 800-volt electrical architecture and an extended-range powertrain, pairing electric drive with a range-extender system. MG says outputs are rated at up to 390kW and 670Nm, while total combined driving range can stretch to as much as 1500km on the CLTC cycle, depending on specification.
Just as notable is the digital chassis technology. The LS9 features intelligent four-wheel steering and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems supported by lidar sensors and AI-based computing platforms. In other words, this is less about simple straight-line numbers and more about demonstrating the kind of integrated vehicle control and semi-automated capability Chinese brands are now chasing.
Inside, MG says the LS9 majors on a highly digital cabin environment, with large integrated displays, extensive connectivity, and luxury-focused seating layouts. That places it closer to a flagship technology statement than a conventional family SUV.
Whether this exact model lands here in meaningful numbers remains to be seen, but its appearance in Melbourne is still telling. It shows MG wants Australian buyers to see more than just the sharp end of its value-led range. It also wants locals to understand what sort of potential hardware and software it has access to.
In that sense, the LS9 may be one of the more interesting vehicles on MG’s stand, because it gives a clearer view of how far the brand’s ambitions stretch.
