IM Motors L7 Snake Performance starts at $65,500

The IM L7 Snake Performance is actually a very accurate name. The performance models we are used to just load up on power, put bigger brakes on if the brand is sensible and stiffen-up the suspension a bit. Then add some funky colors and spoilers here and there and - voila! Performance version is ready.

IM Motors went down a slightly different route - a bit sneaky if you like. Yes, there is a little bit more power, but nothing to shout about from the rooftops. The standard L7 comes with 425kW which already is plenty, the Snake Performance version takes it to 445kW or 596hp with the torque going up to 730Nm - only 5Nm more than standard model.

So where is the performance then? The clue is in the name - Snake Performance. The car comes with a advanced sport suspension and lowered ride height by 45mm - that’s nearly 2 inches closer to the ground. Then IM Motors slapped a set of seriously upgraded brakes back and front and painted the calipers in a vivid blue.

To further ensure snake-like performance, the car gets staggered 21-inch wheel setup with 245 tires up front and 275 tires taking care of the rear. The tires are of the more sticky performance oriented type in the form of Pirelli P Zero.

The interior gets a few upgrades as well - the most visually striking is the new steering yoke. The upholstery is dark and blue ambient lighting complements the effect. The sports seats finish off the changes.

The L7 Snake Performance is full of clever gadgets - for example the dashboard screens, both for the driver and passenger, are retractable and can hide into the dashboard leaving an unobstructed view forward. The LiDAR sensor on the roof pops-up only when in use, when not needed it neatly hides flush into the roof and the active pixel headlights can display various images to communicate with other road users.

There is no word yet from the company on improved acceleration times for the Snake Performance version, but the standard L7 deals with the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.87 seconds. I doubt the extra 5Nm and 20kW can put a meaningful dent into this 5.09 meter long, and nearly 2.3 metric ton luxury sedan’s performance. But I bet the new suspension and brakes make one heck of a difference to the way it handles, I’d even bet my lunch that it does handle like a snake.

The order books are open from now and the Snake Performance Lite starts at RMB 478,800 which works out at about $65,500. The apparently even more advanced Snake Performance starts at RMB 578,800 which is just over $79,000. IM Motors was founded by SAIC and Alibaba and those two understand customers rather well, despite the rather high price the demand for luxury sedans in China is not slowing down.

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