The model comes with an extensive sports package and an enhanced motor cooling system that raises the power to 445 kW.

(Image credit: IM Motors)

IM Motors, the premium electric vehicle brand created by China's largest car company SAIC and e-commerce giant Alibaba, officially launched the performance variant of its first model, the IM Motors L7, on Tuesday and began accepting pre-orders.

The model is offered in two versions, IM Motors L7 Snake Performance Lite and IM Motors L7 Snake Performance, with starting prices of RMB 478,800 ($65,500) and RMB 578,800, respectively.

The L7 Snake Performance is built by IM Motors' performance sports division and features a sports package that includes a high-performance braking system, high-performance sports suspension and lightweight forged wheels, the company said.

The regular version of the IM Motors L7 is a mid to large-size sedan with a length, width and height of 5,098 mm, 1,960 mm and 1,482 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.

The company previously released two versions of the L7, including the L7 Dynamic, and L7 Pro, priced at RMB 368,800 and RMB 408,800 respectively.

Supported by the sports package, the L7 Snake Performance chassis can be lowered by up to 45 mm, resulting in a low center of gravity of 445 mm for better dynamic performance, the company said.

Its motor cooling system has been enhanced to allow for an increase in ultimate power to 445 kW and a maximum torque of 730 Nm, with power output that can exceed 600 hp.

As a comparison, the regular L7 comes with dual motors with a peak power of 425 kW and a maximum torque of 725 Nm.

In addition to the powertrain, the car is equipped with sportier suspension system, braking system, and tires. Its steering wheel has also been replaced with one similar to that fitted to 's new Model S.

The difference between the L7 Snake Performance Lite and the IM Motors L7 Snake Performance is that the latter comes with a more advanced sport package.

IM Motors was jointly built by SAIC, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech and Alibaba, with SAIC holding a majority stake.

The IM Motors L7 was available for pre-order during the Shanghai auto show last April, and deliveries began in June of this year.

IM Motors delivered 1,019 L7s in September, slightly up from 1,007 in August, data it released last month showed. Cumulative deliveries of the model since June totaled 3,077 units. Delivery figures for October have not yet been released.