In our time, Chinese automakers started a revolution against the copycat stereotype by adopting original and high-quality designs for their products. Still, there are plenty of companies that unashamedly create copies of popular models, taking advantage of the absence of strict copyright laws in China. A new brand called Mecides (hear that Mercedes?) takes the replica business to another level, offering mini electric trucks and SUVs that look like caricatures of whatever model you can think of.
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The variety of replicas in the Mecides lineup is so vast, that we had to organize them into three different categories. We chose to separate them into replicas of luxurious SUVs, trucks and boxy off-roaders, plus mainstream SUVs. Judging from the nearly identical sizes and specs, all of the EVs appear to share the same underpinnings, so choosing among them is a matter of taste.
Luxurious SUVs
Mecides / Facebook
The most interesting group is the replicas of luxury SUVs. While their proportions and tiny wheels won’t fool anyone, the similarities with much more expensive offerings are quite profound. Bugatti has yet to launch a high-riding model, but thankfully, Mecides MBJD is here to correct this. The model’s face is styled after the 2009 Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept, with a massive chrome-finished horseshoe grille flanked by fancy LEDs.
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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 / Facebook
Moving on to our next category, the star here is the 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, losing their full-size pickup characteristics in the process. These two are longer than the aforementioned SUVs, offering a dual-cab layout and a rear bed with a cover despite their inability to haul or carry anything heavier than a backpack.
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If you thought that the Chinese escaped from their compatriots then you’re wrong as Mecides copied 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.
We have already moved to the mainstream model category and our favorite model here is the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. Its size is closer to a Mini than the second-gen Countryman itself, with the short hood and the 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.
Mainstream Models
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Mecides / Facebook
Under their bodies, the replicas hide a metal frame that is large enough to facilitate seemingly spacious five-seater cabins. All of the interiors come equipped with digital cockpits and mimic the style of each model albeit with cheaper-looking plastics and upholstery materials.
What About Specs?
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In terms of length, the most common sizes are 3,050 mm (120 inches) or 3,800 mm (150 inches) for the SUVs, and up to 4,800 mm (189 inches) for the long-wheelbase trucks. Thankfully, all of the EVs come standard with four-wheel disc brakes and shock absorbers, although no sane person expects a “magic carpet” ride from dirt-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 with 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 360 Ah and the 72V of the battery pack listed on the official website translate to a capacity of 26 kWh. Of course, this is not the only option as, according to Mecides, their EVs can drive 300 km (186 miles), 500 km (311 miles), or 800 km (497 miles) between charges, depending on the version.
Pricing is not publicly disclosed but Mecides is accepting orders. If the replicas are as cheap as we expect them to be, prospective buyers will be able to create an entire collection for the price of one of the real “Western” EVs. The production line in the videos below looks crowded, so we guess there are plenty of orders to be fulfilled.