In this day and age, hearing about yet another fake product hailing from China - be it a smartphone or an entire car - is largely part of the norm, with the Chinese becoming known as some of the most prolific copycats in modern history.
When it comes to cars, most successful European models can meet up with their evil twins in less than a year after their introduction in some cases, as most Chinese copy centers automotive companies can move at a much faster pace than their counterparts.
This is happens mostly because the R&D departments are probably non-existent, as the development was already carried on the original vehicles.
Which brings us to the followingMercedes-Benz G-Class Beiqi BJ80, an all-new Chinese off-roader that was unveiled at this year's edition of the Beijing Auto Show and fitted with a four-liter V8 of unknown origin (Audi, maybe?). As you can see, the G-Wagen roots aren't hidden at all, but the overall design has also been adorned with a couple of Jeep/Hummer styling accents here and there.
As far as we know, the G-Class is the only Mercedes-Benz from the current lineup that hadn't been copied by a Chinese car manufacturer, but we may be wrong. One thing is for sure though, it took the people from the Middle Kingdom over 34 years to copy the legendary off-roader, so that must count for something.
Even more disturbing is the fact that the company behind the humorously-named Beiqi BJ80 is actually BAIC Group, who have been in a relationship with Daimler AG for quite a few years now. We wonder what Dieter Zetsche has to say about it.
This is happens mostly because the R&D departments are probably non-existent, as the development was already carried on the original vehicles.
Which brings us to the following
As far as we know, the G-Class is the only Mercedes-Benz from the current lineup that hadn't been copied by a Chinese car manufacturer, but we may be wrong. One thing is for sure though, it took the people from the Middle Kingdom over 34 years to copy the legendary off-roader, so that must count for something.
Even more disturbing is the fact that the company behind the humorously-named Beiqi BJ80 is actually BAIC Group, who have been in a relationship with Daimler AG for quite a few years now. We wonder what Dieter Zetsche has to say about it.