China's Tesla Model S copycat revealed – the Youxia Ranger X

These are the first pictures of the Youxia Ranger X, a Chinese-made copycat of the Tesla Model S.

Its makers say the Ranger X, which looks almost identical to Tesla's executive saloon, is powered by an electric motor producing 352bhp and 325lb ft, with electricity coming from a battery pack mounted under the floor. The saloon is capable of reaching 100kph in 5.6sec and has a range of 450 kilometres in top-spec form.

Youxia also says the Ranger X features technology used on the BMW i3 and the Model S. The company says the car’s handling has been developed by “the world’s leading engineering companies”.

Safety technologies include adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.

By comparison, the entry-level Tesla Model S is powered by a 324bhp electric motor and is capable of reaching 100kph in 5.2sec, with a top speed of 140mph/224kph. 

Inside, the Ranger X features a large central screen, reminiscent of that found in the Tesla, and includes sound symposers to make its engine note sound like other cars.

Youxia’s owner – 28-year-old Huang Xiuyuan – is reportedly a big fan of the 1980s TV programme Knight Rider, and has included in the car elements inspired by the show. The company's name, Youxia, is apparently the title of the Knight Rider programme in China.

The car's front bumper even features an LCD panel that is capable of recreating Kitt’s oscillating LED lights. The Android-based operating system used by the car’s infotainment services is also called Kitt.

Production of the Ranger X is due to begin later this year, with Chinese media reporting that the car will be priced from around $32,000 (about Rs 20.2 lakh). In the UK, the Model S costs £45,800 (Rs 45 lakh) including the government's £5,000 (Rs 4.92 lakh) EV grant.

Tesla declined to comment on the car when contacted by Autocar UK.

Copycat design in China has recently been highlighted with the Land Wind X7, a clone of the Range Rover Evoque. Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth has said companies are "powerless" to stop Chinese manufacturers from copying their designs, after JLR’s challenge against Land Wind was thrown out by the Chinese courts.

Earlier this year, Chinese car designers hit out over claims that copycat designs were once again becoming more prevalent in the country. Speaking at the Global Automotive Forum in June, Changan design boss Chen Zheng said: “We have a lot of copycats but we also have a lot of audacious designs. Globally there are also disputes and arguments over similar designs. 

"The truth is that car designs are becoming more and more homogenous. The situation is chaotic."

Also read: Chinese Range Rover Evoque-like LandWind X7 cleared of copycat design