BMW copy. Notoriety or scandalous Chinese cars? What's under the hood

Modern China is an amazing country. Only they produce clones for every global brand.

The Chinese did not miss automobile market. Under the guise own developments they exactly copy the design of global manufacturers, and sometimes they make an analogue, albeit with their own name.

Let's look at known fakes among popular European and Japanese brands.

Analogue BMW x5

China produces the most different cars. Available to choose from different models- both in quality and appearance. But they all have one thing in common – a relatively low price.

An example is a car with an unclear name Shuanghuan Sceo. Hidden behind these words is not just new idea Chinese engineers, but the real BMW copy x5 in the back of E53.

The first model rolled off the assembly line back in 2006 and continues to be produced today. For this period Chinese copy seriously frayed the nerves of the proud Bavarians. BMW has repeatedly tried to ban such cloning of its car, but failed. The result is the status of an illegal copy.

Interesting fact: the Chinese wanted to sell their car in Germany through the company China Automobile Deutschland GmbH, which greatly angered the Bavarians. Since then, Shuanghuan Sceo has been banned from entering this country.

Chinese car has ambiguous body dimensions. The developers did not make a 100% copy, but introduced “their” ideas. The photo shows non-classical side lines, like the x5, the geometry of the rear part has only a common spoiler.

Connoisseurs with a trained eye will recognize the familiar hood design of the Mercedes ML. The badge of the Chinese clone is somewhat reminiscent of the manufacturer SsangYong.

The front optics are completely generated by the minds of Shuanghuan Sceo designers. It’s hard to say that it’s copied from another brand, but you won’t find any outstanding style in it either. The front grille is also completely custom. In this situation, the Chinese acted in their own wise way - repeating the legendary headlights and grille BMW car x5, they would have buried their model alive after a few hundred copies were released.

The rear optics were clearly copied from the original. Upon closer examination, even outright plagiarism in details did not make the car anything remarkable. This factor is the reason for the defeat of this brand in many countries.

In the early stages, the Chinese Shuanghuan Sceo offered a choice of the following power units:

  1. Base gasoline engine, volume 2.4 liters. But even with this indicator, he gave out, in best case scenario, total 110 Horse power.
  2. “Charged” version of the engine of the same volume. In this version, the owner had access to 230 horses in engine compartment. But these numbers are only marketing ploy. IN real life It’s almost impossible to make this engine show all its agility. In terms of the nuances of operation, it was even worse - cars broke down for no obvious reason.
  3. Diesel unit, volume 2.8 liters. Power – 115 horsepower. This is far from the power mechanism to which we are accustomed. There was no talk of any lifting from below or pulling. The abundant appetite of this engine in terms of consumption erased any traces of joy on the faces of the owners.

All engines were manufactured in China. But they were not the development of Chinese specialists - they were licensed by Japanese engineers. They are not made in the best way. Today, engine Chinese BMW only one – gasoline, 125-horsepower with a volume of 2.4 liters. Has anything changed since previous years? Nothing.

Shuanghuan Sceo – regular frame car, which is a stretch called an SUV. Has a classic 5-speed gearbox manual transmission. Available only in this version.

All trim levels are equipped with plug-in all-wheel drive. Front suspension - independent, with double levers. Rear - axle, spring.

Features and price

The buyer is given several configuration options to choose from. The top one is equipped with the following functions:

  • climate control;
  • airbags;
  • electric seats and others.

It cannot be said that the listed systems can surprise the driver today. Most of them have become commonplace, without which it is impossible to imagine a car.

The interior of the Chinese X5 is one big problem. No, nothing falls off there. The strange thing is that it suspiciously catches the eye, and not with the best side. The steering wheel has an unusual shape and size, and the seats are noticeably uncomfortable. Many aspects of the interior seem simply outdated. We can say that inside there is some kind of “Chinese” chaos. Even if the designers were involved in the layout, it was without a proper understanding of the process.

Since the Chinese car has not gained popularity in Russia, price policy quite vague and starts at $30,000 for a new car. Used copies can be purchased at several times cheaper.

Comparison with the original

Shuanghuan Sceo looks quite ambiguous in appearance. The dimensions of the car look awkward from some angles, and the appearance of the front part is understandable only to the Chinese. The shape and design are reminiscent of the E53 body, but they are far from the Bavarian harmonious appearance.

BMW has basic configuration the volume is 3 liters, with a power of 231 hp. The Chinese clone's 2.4-liter engine produces only 110. There can be no talk of any dynamism.

The German original is distinguished by comfortable and confident handling. Shuanghuan Sceo cannot boast of such indicators.

The audio system of the Chinese car is quite mediocre. There is no point in comparing it with BMW. Although it will satisfy owners who are unpretentious to music.

Analogue BMW x6

At one time, large Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors was absolutely not embarrassed by the fact that their creation, the IF Concept, strongly resembles the BMW x6. This is another example of blatant copying legendary brands. But this car remained a concept.

The Chinese auto industry does not stand still, and recently showed the world a new x6 clone - Bisu T7.

Design and specifications

It makes no sense to say specific things about this car - just look at the original. The Chinese clone surprisingly accurately adopted the features of the x6 model, albeit with its own “solutions”.

Dimensions are slightly different from BMW. Wheelbase longer, but the width of the car is smaller.

The engine is supplied in this version:

  • volume 2 liters, with turbine;
  • 197 hp

Diesel models were not introduced in the Chinese car.

The gear shift mechanism is equipped automatic transmission 8 speed or 6-speed manual transmission. This is an unusual step for Chinese auto industry.

In addition to everything, it comes with all-wheel drive.

Features and price

The front of the car shows its personality. The designers made their own version of the optics and grille. But common features reminiscent of the famous x6.

The rear lights are equipped with LEDs. They also don't have general design with the original. But the lines and the “cut” roof reveal the source of inspiration of the Chinese craftsmen.

The interior, by today's standards, is quite technologically advanced:

  • full-fledged media system;
  • 12 inch display;
  • electronic instrument panel;
  • automatically adjustable ventilated seats and other technologies.

The price for the basic model is $20,000.

Comparison with the original

No matter how much Chinese designers want to make the car unique, obvious copying is noticeable. Externally, the car looks a little strange - the designers achieved a futuristic effect, although not entirely clear.

Chinese cars, in principle, have a strange appearance. In order to at least slightly disguise the copying, designers change the dimensions, which is why the car takes on an unusual appearance.

The engines are far behind the Bavarian model. BMW starts the power mark at 306 hp. In their arsenal the Germans have diesel units, which the Chinese clone does not have.

When comparing the two cars, the difference in interior quality is obvious. Although the Bisu T7 is equipped with a modern interior, it does not have the same approach to detail and ergonomics.

Analogue Infiniti

Luxury Japanese manufacturer Infiniti could not stay away from the attention of the Chinese auto industry. The small company Yema has released its version of the original EX-series - Yema E-Series.

Design and specifications

It makes no sense to compare the design of a clone. It exactly replicates the look of the Infiniti. And if in previous models there was at least some hint of individuality, the E-Series completely repeated the appearance of the original. The only difference is the manufacturer's emblem.

The Chinese car is also not filled with technical indicators. The power unit is presented as old Toyota engine, volume 1.5 liters. The indicators are modest:

  • 95hp;
  • 130 N/m torque.

The unit is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is standard for such an engine.

Features and price

The interior of the car is made in Chinese style. There is no hint of luxury or functionality like the Infiniti. But it could satisfy the average buyer.

Some models included climate control. The car was equipped standard package options.

A Chinese clone was made on the Austin Montego platform, which the company acquired in 2000. And although it has successfully outlived its period, in China they simply don’t throw anything away.

The E-Series remained in concept car status. Its exact price is unknown, but it would not exceed several tens of thousands of dollars.

Comparison with the original

Despite the blatant copying, it is difficult to compare the clone with the EX series. They share a similar appearance. Otherwise, these are radically different cars.

Yema couldn't afford the luxury and road characteristics, so I went my own way. Infiniti has several options in its trim levels power units– EX35 and EX50, and additional package options.

The list of Chinese cars includes only one power unit.

Conclusion

The main factor in buying a copied car is the price. It is several times smaller than global brands. Flashing lights and imaginary technology are a cover to attract buyers.

Let the Chinese car have low cost, do not forget - it is very far from the quality and reliability of European and other brands.

In 2011, a Chinese car similar to the BMW X6 caused quite a stir. They promised to present it to the world on April 19 of that year. A week before this deadline, the entire automotive world I was excitedly looking for information about the new product and was looking forward to the Shanghai Motor Show. The novelty even managed to receive the nickname “ Chinese BMW X6", her spy photos were posted on the Internet, and a variety of rumors about the supposed engine compartment filling circulated among motorists.

Interest was fueled by the fact that the model was developed by the company Great Wall, which is considered the most successful among Chinese competitors, and its products are almost the most reliable and beloved, both in its homeland and in many countries, including Russia.

A Chinese car similar to the BMW X6 is called the IF Concept. His appearance (then - judging by photographs and reviews automotive specialists) was so reminiscent of the world famous German mark, which begs an obvious question about plagiarism to the designers of this Chinese miracle. Only, judging by the promises of the manufacturer, the car should have cost an order of magnitude cheaper compared to BMW. What came of all this, and how did the promising announcements end? But first, a little about the car itself.

Appearance and dimensions

Describing the appearance of the IF Concept is, in principle, a thankless task - just look at photo of BMW X6 to get a pretty good idea of ​​what the Chinese copycat looks like. However, corrosive journalists found out that according to Dimensions Concept different from the prototype. In length it exceeds the original by 15.3 cm, in height by 15. But the width of the Great Wall brainchild is 52 mm less than the Bavarian.

The wheelbase of the IF Concept reaches 3,075 millimeters, while BMW company puts a base of 2,933 millimeters on its super popular model. However, all these details are general view do not have a significant effect: in most cases, the appearance of the Chinese car almost exactly repeats the outlines of the BMW X6.

What's under the hood?

Just technical stuffing was kept in the strictest confidence by the manufacturer. The open promises included 6 airbags, xenon headlights, LEDs in rear lights, automatic and three-zone climate control and keyless access to the interior. In general, all the bells and whistles you need

When launching the series, it was planned to equip the IF Concept with two types of engines (both gasoline, diesel was not in the plans):

  • 2-liter, turbocharged;
  • 3-liter, 6 cylinders, V-shaped.

Front-wheel drive was promised in both versions, the transmission was exclusively a 6-speed automatic. For Chinese cars, such indicators can be considered simply excellent: most often, even their crossovers are equipped with weak engines.

Results

For better or worse, the Chinese idea of ​​outdoing one famous German brand is apparently a thing of the past. Later, things somehow didn’t work out, and a Chinese car similar to the BMW X6 never went into production.

The Shanghai Auto Show showed off a huge variety of more interesting versions other manufacturers: electric Emgrand EC7 EV from Geely, Compact Sport Concept (sporty, but budget hatchback) from Nissan, the city SUV XV Concept from Subaru, called the crossover of the future, the space A-Class, proposed by Mercedes.

The journalists argued and parted ways, auto experts did not treat the model with due attention... And the Chinese themselves, apparently, based on the results of the Shanghai Motor Show, began to guess that the practice of copying other people's ideas had ceased to justify itself. And the outlines famous models will not give the cars either originality, or, moreover, quality of workmanship.

Still, it is necessary to produce forms that are different from the known ones and that can interest a potential buyer. And in 2014, Great Wall rehabilitated itself by offering the world its own ideaHaval Coupe Concept 2015. There is nothing borrowed in the outlines of the model, although some generalized trends are visible.

In general, we can say that it is also close to the BMW X6 (but not in terms of similar external contours), since Pierre Leclerc participated in its development, who proposed the design of the famous Bavarian.

Over the past few years, it has riveted a huge number of clones of famous car models, thus trying to increase the popularity of the Chinese automobile industry. Among huge variety Chinese models The ones that stand out the most are obvious copies of cars that are popular all over the world. We offer a selection of comparisons of the most obvious violators of copyright law that we found on the Chinese car market.

Zotye T700 and Porsche Macan

This Chinese SUV is a clone of the popular car all over the world. Pay attention to their spring similarity. How is it going inside? After all, the Chinese usually don’t bother copying interiors. Even the interior elements are cloned in this model.


Why doesn't Porsche take any action? After all, this is an obvious clone that was created in violation of copyright? The thing is that there are no copyright laws in China.

Otherwise, the world would not only be unable to buy cheap copies of cars, but would also be deprived of cheap Adidas sneakers, fake "" and other copied goods.

Zotye 2008 and Daihatsu Terios


The Zotye company likes to clone not only expensive ones. Their lineup also includes cheaper analogues of well-known models. For example, here is a Zotye 2008 clone, which is copied from the Daihatsu Terios SUV.

Zotye E200 and Smart ForTwo


At the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, Zotye unveiled the E200 electric model, which is clearly a copy of the . It is unlikely, of course, that Zotye E200 will be able to compete with the original Smart in various ways technical characteristics. But if we compare the appearance of the models, we must admit that Chinese cars designers are the best in the world at copying the exterior of cars.

Zotye Z700 and Volkswagen Passat


Another truly unique model in the Zotye line. We're talking about the Z700, which looks distinctly like a . True, the interior of the Zotye Z700 is more like premium Audi A6. The Chinese Passat is equipped with 1.8 and 2.0-liter turbo engines.

Zotye Z600 and Audi Q5


Zotye's design team has probably copied more than anything else in the automotive world. Here is an example of cloning for the Chinese market of the legendary.

Dongfeng Number 1 and Volkswagen Passat


Here is another VW Passat clone. The truth is that this is a product of another Chinese automobile company. Surprisingly, the Chinese even copy everything from each other (that's where there are 1.5 billion of them)

This clone of the German sedan was first introduced in 2015. The car is based on the PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) platform.

Henbao D80 and Mercedes C-class


The owners of Shenbao, Beijing Auto bought the rights to the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 back in 2009. As a result, we recently saw a clone based on the old Saab Mercedes C-Class. True, inside the copy of the C-class looks more like a Tesla.

Beijing B40 and Jeep Wrangler


This Beijing SUV looks quite good. There are rumors that mechanical part this Chinese SUV copied from the first generation (Willys).

Brilliance V3 and BMW i3


This copy implicitly indicates similarity. But if you look closely, you will certainly find many similarities with the model. But unlike the i3 electric car, the Brilliance V3 is actually a crossover.

Landwind X7 and Range Rover Evoque


SUV Range Rover Evoque enjoys huge success around the world. Company Land Rover reports record sales of this compact SUV every year.

I decided to take advantage of this Landwind company, releasing exact copy, which costs 2.5 times less than the original.

Shuanghuan Auto CEO and BMW X5 (E53)


Shuanghuan Auto CEO, released in 2007, is still considered the most blatant copy on the global car market in the history of the auto industry.


Let us remember that that year Shuanghuan Auto presented a brazen copy of .

CH Auto Lithia and Audi R8


SUVs and sedans are the most popular cars. But there is also demand for supercars. Especially their clones. Otherwise many car companies China would not produce its own sports cars. For example, here is the CH Auto Lithia, which is clearly an imitation of the .

Shuanghuan Auto Noble and Smart


Another Smart clone. This copy is based on the Suzuki Alto.

BYD S8 and Mercedes CLK


Owning a Mercedes car in China is prestigious. But it is very expensive, due to the highest import customs duties in the world. So only very rich people can buy a Mercedes. But there is on Chinese market alternative. For example, you can buy BYD S8, which is a copy of Mercedes CLK. Yes, of course, you will not receive the premium that is usually given to its owners Mercedes cars, but nevertheless, you will save money in any case, since BYD S8 costs three times less.

Great Wall Peri and Nissan Note


Great Wall Peri is like two cars at once. For example, one part of the clone is like Fiat Panda, and the other on a Nissan Note.

Brilliance V5 and BMW X1


If you can't do better then best alternative, is to copy something. Even great artists painted copies of famous masterpieces. Apparently, Chinese car companies are following this path.

For example, here is another copy. We are talking about the Brilliance V5 model, which, although implicitly similar, is nevertheless visible to the naked eye.

BYD S7 and Lexus RX


Another example of obvious theft. We are talking about a crossover that was copied Chinese company BYD, which released the S7 clone.

Lifan Motors 320 and Mini Countryman


Lifan Motors 320 is the most unusual BMW-Mini clone.

Great Wall Olay and Renault Twizzy


More than a billion people who live in China are increasingly willing to buy new cars every year. This is due to the growing prosperity of the Chinese population. As a result, more and more people can afford to buy a car.

Naturally, the greatest demand for cars is observed in major cities. That's why most in demand In China today, small city cars are used for comfortable movement in the city. This is why many Chinese car companies produce big variety small cars, many of which are clones of famous models. For example, here is the Great Wall Olay, which is copied from the Renault Twizzy.

Beijing Auto Shenbao D320 and Mercedes E-Class


Although this car is not clearly similar to the E-Class, the similarity cannot be denied.

Dongfeng EQ2050 and Hummer


Perhaps Dongfeng EQ2050 is not even a clone, but a continuation Hummer history, which stopped producing the legendary SUVs.

Awtai and Porsche Cayenne


This SUV is similar to the Turbo S. Also in the Awtai design there is a hint of the Mercedes ML63 AMG and is even slightly visible Range Rover, as well as VW Touareg.

Lifan Motors 330 and Fiat 500L


It seems that Lifan is seeking to fill its the lineup cars completely similar to their European counterparts.

Beijing Auto E-Series Hath and Mercedes B-Class


You don't have to look long to understand what the Beijing Auto E-Series Hath is like.

Geely GE and Rolls-Royce Phantom


Geely GE looks as if the company's designers helped make it, but the translator who translated the instructions for the Chinese engineers made a mistake in translating the terms in the design.

It is no longer a secret that the Chinese are very good at copying a wide variety of things. And if previously everything was limited to clothes, electronics and household appliances, then recently Chinese cars began to come into our field of vision, having many similarities with the world's bestsellers from the automotive industry. By the way, accusing the Chinese of plagiarism is still not very correct, because due to their mentality, they have a different view of copying, different from ours. If they succeed in copying something, they believe that they have achieved a certain level of skill and are now no worse than the manufacturer of the original model.

Not long ago, photographs of the brainchild of the Chinese auto industry, the Shuanghuan Sceo crossover, began to appear on the Internet, which at first glance is very similar to the BMW X5 in the E53 body. But this is only at first glance; Sceo is not one hundred percent a twin of the X5.

  1. These two cars only have a similar silhouette, the Chinese did not completely copy the Bavarian car, this is evidenced by the differently drawn side lines of the body, and rear end a Chinese car that shares only a spoiler with the X5.
  2. Shuanghuan Sceo has body parts, borrowed from other cars: the hood is very reminiscent of the Mercedes ML, and the logo is similar to the SsangYong badge.
  3. The technological component has little in common with the German; Shuanghuan Sceo is a typically Chinese car with units manufactured in China, albeit under license from colleagues from Japan.

Technical features

Regarding design features, then the X5 and Sceo have even less in common. Shuanghuan Sceo is a classic frame SUV with all-wheel drive. The front suspension of the car is independent on double wishbones, the rear is dependent on springs.

The car has only one engine - a four-cylinder 125-horsepower gasoline unit volume 2.4 liters, produced under license from Mitsubishi. Naturally, this car is not designed for high-speed dashes from traffic lights. And who will do this on a two-ton frame SUV? Shuanghuan Sceo is designed for calm movement on the highway and combat off-road conditions.

Regarding the gearbox, there is also only one option available - a five-speed manual, which does not cause any complaints, the gears are engaged clearly and smoothly.

Unfortunately, not all cars have downshift, but the system of connected all-wheel drive Everyone has it. Although, I must say, in order to move through mud and sand, a connected rear axle. And the large suspension travel and its softness will ensure comfort when moving over any rough terrain.

Car interior

The creators of Shuanghuan Sceo failed to create an interior like a premium car. And this was largely influenced by the materials used: the seat upholstery made of genuine leather does not look natural, cheap plastic gives itself away, the audio system is very mediocre. Although we must give credit to the designers, the interior was designed really well, it was just a little underdeveloped. At least in the Sceo you won't find centimeter gaps in the panel or disgusting creaky plastic.

However, Chinese developers managed to create a good reliable car. We can’t say that it’s authentic, but you will be respected on the road, because at first glance Shuanghuan Sceo really looks like a donor in face of BMW X5.

The price of the car also plays an important role. IN maximum configuration The Sceo will cost around $33,000. For this money, of course, you can buy an X5, but it will not be new at all and it is far from a fact that with pure history and not twisted mileage. And servicing a Chinese car will be incomparably cheaper, because it uses only reliable, time-tested engineering solutions, which may be a little outdated, but this does not in any way affect their operation and service life.