From Bugattis To Broncos, China’s Mecides Is The Mother Of All Replicas

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In recent years, Chinese automakers have made strides in shedding the copycat stereotype by embracing original, high-quality designs. However, there are still plenty of companies lurking in the shadows, producing knockoffs of popular models and capitalizing on lax copyright laws in China.

Enter Mecides (hear that Mercedes?), a fairly new brand taking the replica game to new heights with its lineup of mini electric trucks and SUVs that resemble caricatures of well-known models.

The variety of replicas in the Mecides lineup is so extensive that we’ve had to organize them into three distinct categories. We’ve opted to categorize them as replicas of luxurious models, rugged trucks and boxy off-roaders, and mainstream cars and SUVs. Given their nearly identical sizes and specs, it seems all the EVs share the same underpinnings, making the choice among them a matter of taste.

The Luxury Brand Range

Mecides

The most intriguing group comprises the replicas of luxury cars with a higher ride. Though their proportions and diminutive wheels won’t deceive anyone, their resemblance to far pricier counterparts is striking. While Bugatti has yet to unveil a high-riding model, Mecides MBJD has stepped in to fill the void. The model’s front end takes inspiration from the 2009 Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept, featuring a sizable chrome-finished horseshoe grille framed by sophisticated LEDs.

If Molsheim is not your preferred destination, there is a range of mini Porsche replicas, including the Cayenne, the Macan, and a more traditional 911-style SUV with round headlights. For something more distinct, you can always opt for the Aston Martin DBX or Maserati Grecale lookalikes. Curiously, the company stuck a Porsche-style emblem on the Grecale’s nose, which means that owners will need to source the correct Trident logo by themselves. Another great option is the mini Range Rover Sport which is also available with 13-inch steelies, looking mint.

Trucks And Rugged Off-Roaders

Mecides

Moving on to our next category, the star here is the Ford Bronco mini-me that looks like it just came out of a vertical crusher. With its oversized grille and headlights contrasting the tiny wheels, it could easily be mistaken for a cartoon character. The Mercedes G-Class replica is more successful, although its footprint is closer to the Suzuki Jimny.

On the truck front, both the Ram 1500 and the Toyota Tundra received a Chinese makeover, relinquishing their full-size pickup traits in the process. These two vehicles are longer than their luxury counterparts, boasting a dual-cab layout and a rear bed with a cover, albeit incapable of hauling or carrying anything heavier than a backpack.

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If you thought that Mecides spared their compatriots, you’d be mistaken, as they’ve replicated several models from Jetour, Tank, Dongfeng, Wuling, Hongguang (Mini EV), and BYD (Dolphin). Arguably, the Saic GM Wuling Bingo is the most convincing replica, and the only one that doesn’t look like a toy car – at least when looked at from a distance.

Mainstream Models

Mecides

We’ve now shifted our focus to the mainstream model category, and our standout pick here is the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. Its size is closer to a Mini than the second-gen Countryman itself, with a short hood and large headlights giving it a cute look. Other notable examples are the VW ID.4 and the Smart #1 clones which are fully electric, just like the originals.

Beneath their exteriors, the replicas conceal a metal frame spacious enough to accommodate what appears to be a comfortable five-seater cabin. Each interior is outfitted with a digital cockpit mirroring the style of its respective model, albeit with cheaper-looking plastics and upholstery materials.

What About Specs?

In terms of length, the most common sizes for the hatchback models range from 3,050 mm (120 inches) to 3,800 mm (150 inches), while the long-wheelbase trucks can stretch up to 4,800 mm (189 inches). Despite their diminutive stature, all of these EVs come equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and -wait for it- shock absorbers. However, one shouldn’t hold out hope for a “magic carpet” ride from these cheap Chinese knockoffs.

In most cases, power comes from a single electric motor producing 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) and 8 Nm (6 lb-ft) of torque. However, models like the Mini Countryman, the BYD Dolphin, and the Smart #1 have double the power at 26 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) and a car-like 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque. Those numbers are on par with heavy quadricycles in Europe, but the Chinese EVs tip the scales at 700 kg (1,543 lbs), making them heavier and most likely slower.

The battery pack specifications listed on their website, at 360 Ah and 72V, translate to a capacity of 26 kWh. However, Mecides offers various options for driving range, with their EVs claimed to cover distances ranging from 300 km (186 miles) to 800 km (497 miles) between charges, depending on the version.

Pricing details are not publicly disclosed by Mecides, but the company is currently accepting orders. If the replicas are priced as affordably as anticipated, potential buyers may have the opportunity to assemble an entire collection for the cost of just one authentic “Western” EV. Judging from the crowded production line showcased in the videos below, it appears that there are plenty of orders waiting to be fulfilled.