Video: SAIC IM L6 passes moose test without a driver

SAIC Group has posted test footage showing its electric IM L6 sedan in an unexpected new light. The car allegedly completed a moose test (a.k.a. double switchback or obstacle evasion test) without a driver in the cabin.

The IM L6 has only been partially revealed so far, but the company announced a technology conference on Monday, April 8 that will likely be dedicated to the sedan, among other things.

One of the vehicle’s biggest technological advantages, per SAIC, is the so-called “digital chassis” that combines adaptive suspension, rear-wheel steering, ECUs and sensors within a single complex system. It is assumed that the car can choose to move diagonally when it needs to, improving its maneuverability in a wide range of situations.

Despite the tech-laten platform, the sedan in the video only managed to pass the test at 71 km/h (44.1 mph). The typical target figure to aim for in Europe is 77 km/h (47.8 mph). Still, if you take a similarly-sized BYD Han driven by a human driver like the team of km77.com did not long ago, you may see that the car is unable to succeed at the test going any faster than 70 km (43.5 mph).

Rumor has it the new IM L6 will ship with two powertrains to choose between. The single-motor one is expected to produce 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) and the dual-motor one is rumored to have 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) at the front and 515 PS (508 hp / 379 kW) at the back. A large 130-kWh battery pack will allow the car to cover more than 1,000 km (621 miles) per charge according to the CLTC standard.

We will know whether these reports are accurate closer to the sales launch in May this year.