Game-changing tech debuts in new Chinese car: Sedan from MG's parent company shows off 'crab walk' mode that will make parallel parking a cinch

For anyone who drives in urban areas, this technology is set to be a revolution.

Chinese brand IM Motors, which is a joint venture between MG’s parent company SAIC and retail giant Alibaba, released footage of a large sedan sliding horizontally into a parking spot. The images were shared again by CarNewsChina.

It is fair to say the manoeuvre is not a smooth one but appears to work effectively enough. Presumably, this ‘crab walk’ mode is still in development.

The slide is achieved by the four-wheel steering system, with the electric motor driving the wheels in opposite directions. Apparently, it reduces the required parking space length by 11 per cent – how efficient. This feature has not been confirmed for production yet. 

IM did not confirm the vehicle in the video but it looks a lot like the L6, its new hi-tech flagship. It features the brand’s ‘Digital Lizard Chassis’ that claims to control three axes of movement up to six degrees.

2025 IM Motors 'crab walk' (image: CarNewsChina)

Aside from the revolutionary parking manoeuvre, the four-wheel steering allows the L6 an impressive 4.99-metre turning circle. For reference, an average large sedan would be closer to 11 or 12 metres.

The IM L6 also claims to have broken the ‘Moose Test’ swerve and avoid record, though officially the Citroen Xantia Activa still has the accolade.

2025 IM Motors L6

SAIC’s IM is not the first company to show an innovative steering technology. Mercedes-Benz showed off its electric G-Wagon’s 360-degree ‘G-Turn’, though China beat the Germans to the punch with BYD’s Yangwang U8 large SUV’s ‘Tank Turn’ feature.

The IM Motors L6 is an advanced model designed to showcase the best SAIC has to offer. It will be the first mass-production vehicle available with semi-solid state batteries.

2025 IM Motors L6

The revolutionary battery technology is said to be faster charging, more efficient and safer than current lithium-ion batteries that use ‘wet’ electrolytes. Its large 133kWh size means around 800km (WLTP) from a charge and 12 minute fast charge. 

Toyota and Nissan are notable established names competing to develop a production full solid-state battery with limited series production expected from 2027 or 2028.