Driving a large electric vehicle brings challenges in tight city spaces. You feel the size when you park. You feel the length when you make a U-turn. High speeds on the highway demand precise control. Wet roads test your tire grip. Selected IM models feature rear-wheel steering designed to support low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. The system coordinates front- and rear-wheel steering to improve low-speed agility and support stability during highway driving.
Understanding the Mechanics of Rear-Wheel Steering
Most conventional vehicles steer using only the front wheels, which respond to the driver’s steering input. Most conventional vehicles steer using only the front wheels. The steering wheel controls the front wheels. This standard setup can create a wider turning circle. A long vehicle generally needs more space to turn around. Rear-wheel steering helps reduce this limitation. The system coordinates front-wheel steering with rear-wheel steering actuators. The system coordinates front-wheel steering with rear-wheel steering actuators.
Vehicle sensors monitor speed and movement, while the control system calculates the appropriate rear-wheel steering angle and sends commands to the rear axle. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle and improves low-speed manoeuvrability. At high speeds, the back wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. This supports smoother lateral movement and greater stability during lane changes, while the wider chassis systems help manage body movement and available tyre grip.
IM 6: Rear-Wheel Steering Features
The IM 6 is well suited to urban driving and tight city spaces. The Intelligent Four-wheel Rear Steering System changes the handling limits of this model. You encounter narrow alleys and sharp corners in the city. The rear-wheel steering system is designed to improve low-speed manoeuvrability in urban environments. On wet or split-friction surfaces, selected chassis functions can help reduce path deviation under referenced test conditions.
Key specifications for the IM 6 steering system include:
- System type: Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering System
- Turning radius: 5.09 m
- Low-grip or split-friction path-deviation reduction: approximately 80% under referenced test conditions
- Rollover-risk reduction: approximately 33% under referenced test conditions
IM 5: Rear-Wheel Steering Features
This vehicle features an advanced Intelligent Four-wheel Rear Steering System. The IM 5 places a strong focus on low-speed manoeuvrability. The rear wheels can turn to help reduce the turning radius at low speeds. The car fits into tiny parking spots. The wider chassis-control system also supports stability in wet or low-grip conditions.
Key specifications for the IM 5 steering system include:
- System type: Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering System
- Turning radius: 4.99 m
- Low-grip or split-friction path-deviation reduction: approximately 80% under referenced test conditions
IM LS9: Rear-Wheel Steering Features
The IM LS9 stands as the flagship model. This vehicle is a large six-seat SUV. Massive SUVs struggle in city traffic. IM Motors addresses this challenge with its Bi-Directional 24° Large-Angle Four-Wheel Steering System. This large steering angle improves low-speed manoeuvrability for a vehicle of its size and supports more controlled handling in suitable driving conditions.
Key specifications for the IM LS9 steering system include:
- System type: Bi-Directional 24° Large-Angle Four-Wheel Steering System
- Vehicle classification: Flagship 6-seater large SUV
- Stability system: Rolling Prevention 3.0
- Rollover-risk reduction: up to 54% under referenced test conditions
- High-speed stability: Improved handling during sudden avoidance manoeuvres
The Value of Low-Speed Agility
City parking structures present daily challenges. Concrete pillars block your path. Narrow ramps restrict your movement. A standard large SUV requires three or four attempts to park. The Intelligent Four-wheel Rear Steering System changes this routine. Rear-wheel steering helps position the vehicle more easily at low speeds and can reduce the number of steering corrections needed in suitable parking spaces.
U-turns present another daily hurdle. Longer vehicles may require additional space or several steering corrections to complete a U-turn. Other drivers blow their horns. Rear-wheel steering can reduce the number of steering corrections needed during a U-turn where road conditions permit. You continue your journey without delay.
The Value of High-Speed Stability
Highway speeds change the rules of driving. A small steering input creates a huge vehicle reaction. A sudden obstacle requires a quick lane change. During a sudden lane change, vehicle weight shifts and the chassis must manage steering, body movement, and tyre grip. At higher speeds, rear-wheel steering can turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. This supports smoother lateral movement and can reduce sudden yaw, while other chassis systems help manage stability and body control.
Weather conditions can add risk at higher speeds. Rain creates slippery surfaces, and low-grip conditions can reduce stability. The IM Digital chassis coordinates multiple vehicle systems to support stability in supported driving conditions. Rear-wheel steering can work with other chassis functions to help reduce path deviation. In selected IM models, the wider chassis-control system is stated to reduce vehicle deviation by approximately 80% under referenced low-grip or split-friction test conditions
The IM Digital Chassis Integration
In selected models, the Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering System is integrated with the IM Digital Chassis. In selected models, the Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering System is integrated with the IM Digital Chassis, which coordinates multiple chassis-control systems. The steering system can coordinate with braking, power-delivery, and available suspension systems. The onboard control system processes data from multiple vehicle sensors in real time to support coordinated chassis functions. The result is a more coordinated driving experience.
The integrated components are designed to work together. When you steer to avoid an obstacle, the system coordinates steering response with rear-wheel steering and available suspension controls. On models equipped with adaptive damping, the system can adjust damping characteristics in supported situations. This is designed to support ride comfort and vehicle control.
Experience the IM Motors lineup firsthand and discover which model best suits your lifestyle. Compare selected IM models equipped with rear-wheel steering, including the IM LS9, IM 6, and IM 5 in person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a rear-wheel steering system do?
The system turns the rear wheels of the vehicle. At low speeds, it helps reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, it can support vehicle stability during lane changes and manoeuvres.
Which IM models feature rear-wheel steering?
IM Motors includes rear-wheel steering technology in selected models.The IM 6 and IM 5 feature Intelligent Four-Wheel Steering, while the flagship IM LS9 features a Bi-Directional 24° Large-Angle Four-Wheel Steering System.
How does the technology support stability on wet roads? ?
The rear-wheel steering system works with the wider chassis control system to help reduce path deviation on wet or low-grip roads. In the IM 6 and IM 5, the wider chassis-control system can reduce vehicle deviation by approximately 80% under referenced low-grip or split-friction test conditions.
Does the flagship IM LS9 have rear-wheel steering?
Yes. The IM LS9 features a Bi-Directional 24° Large-Angle Four-Wheel Steering System. This system supports greater low-speed agility for the large six-seat SUV.
Does rear-wheel steering lower the chance of a rollover?
The wider chassis system helps improve balance and vehicle control during sudden manoeuvres.Selected IM chassis systems are stated to reduce rollover risk by approximately 33% under referenced conditions, while the IM LS9’s Rolling Prevention 3.0 supports a reduction of up to 54% under referenced test conditions.