Every quarter seems to herald in the arrival of a new electric brand from China, so it takes something truly special to stand out.

On very first glance, the IM 6 admittedly doesn't make that big of an impression. That's not to say that car isn't big - it's got all the generous dimensions of a mid-sized SUV, stretching out at over 4.9 metres long and nearly two metres wide. Yet its general aerodynamic shape and sloping roofline put it in the exact stead of the countless electric coupe-SUVs on the market.

Just a bit more time, however, is all it takes for the IM 6's impressive idiosyncrasies to start revealing themselves. The plush cabin arguably plays the first big part, especially in making the brand's self-proclaimed premium ambitions manifest.

Sure - a lot of what you'll find here is also present in other modern cars. But the IM 6 sets itself apart with the finer details. Note the sofa-esque padded cut-outs on its cushy seats, as well as the varnished wood-mimicking pieces on the doors. We'd normally take issue with a full-length glass roof without a sunshade, but from our experience, IM's work on it even allows it the one on the IM 6 to effectively dispel heat.

Still, the focal point, of course, is the car's tech-y dashboard. This comprises a never-ending 26.3-inch 'immersive' screen, housing essential driving information and infotainment controls, as well as a separate 10.3-inch touchscreen mounted on the floating centre console. Dazzling to behold, it's not entirely overwhelming to use. Here, the sheer amount of digital space available actually helps to improve the conveyance of information.

The second knockout arrives when you take the IM 6 out for a drive. The Performance variant, which rides atop of an 800V platform and gets dual motors, boasts all the bells and whistles expected of a range-topper. While its power is already staggering (0-100km/h in under 3.5 seconds!), more fascinating is its software-defined 'Digital Chassis', which mixes adaptive air suspension and a continuous damping control system together with standard rear-wheel steering. The result? Surprising composure and poise. That applies even on a twisty road - all the more impressive considering this IM 6 weighs more than 2.4 tonnes

By this point, you'll probably also be able to appreciate the IM 6 for its own design flourishes - such as its wide haunches, and the way its tail light nicely traces the curves and edges of its tailgate, for a different yet sophisticated look. In an era where raw numbers and feature lists are starting to hold less weight, the IM 6 holds its own with something more valuable still: The power of individuality.