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Chinese Automakers Are Copying The Tesla Model X – And It’s Electric

It’s a well-known fact that China is friendly with the idea of copying car ideas from the Western world. We’ve seen some amazing copycats which we’re sure The Grand Tour may discuss when they go their during their third Season. But this has just taken the term ‘copycat’ to the next level with a car that looks almost identical to the Tesla Model X. Even the interior shares very similar characteristics. Let’s get into it.

It’s called the Xpeng G3, and is on sale for 227,800 yuan which is about £25,000 at the time of writing. It’s quite weak with only 145kW 300Nm of torque – not quite Tesla numbers – and has a range of about 230km. If you haven’t already guessed, it is fully electric. Take a step back from underneath the chassis and you’ll find that its powertrain similarities to the Model X is only the start.

It has a very similar shape to the Tesla, with a vast windscreen and a darkened panoramic roof. The LEDs within the headlights even share a similar shape, as does its nose cone. The rear looks more Evoque or Velar to me, but open the doors and there’s no denying where they’ve drawn their inspiration.

The back doors aren’t gull-wing, but look to the dashboard and you’ll see a large touchscreen in the centre showing Tesla-esque graphics that definitely aren’t a coincidence. There’s also a screen behind the wheel which again, features similar graphics to the Californian company’s car. It even shares the same Mercedes-Benz stalks on the steering wheel.

I must admit here that Tesla has made its technology available to use in their mission to increase EV sales and investment. But taking their whole design is pushing it a little, surely?

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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