IM Motors, an automotive startup founded by SAIC and Alibaba, otherwise known as Zhiji Auto, has finally begun shipping its all-electric sedan named the L7. Aside from the mandatory ‘Tesla killer’ nickname, it comes with an original means of compensation for the long wait.
The company originally intended to start
deliveries two months ago, but a Covid outbreak disrupted those plans. For
every day of waiting beyond due date, buyers will be credited 1,000 Waiting
Crystals. The virtual currency will be awarded as soon as the buyer activates
the car and simultaneously submits telematic data to the manufacturer.
The Waiting Crystals will then be
available for spending on real options, accessories, extra equipment and the
like. IM Motors has yet to provide a specific list of these, but the company
assures us the trade will leave customers happy. And no, you cannot exchange
for cash. The IM L7 is a luxury saloon five meters long with dual electric
motors driving its wheels with 578 PS and 725 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h time is given as ‘under 3.9 seconds’, and the range
maxes out at 615 km thanks to a large 93-kWh traction battery.
Buyers can choose between two trim levels
right now. Both come with a giant 39-inch dashboard display spanning the entire
dash width and divided into three sections. An extra 12.8-inch screen sits on
the center console. Every car supports semi-automatic driving based on data
from five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 26 cameras.
Prices range between 369,000–409,000 Yuan.
