Youxia X: China’s Electric Saloon Channels Tesla Model S
The Youxia X, a Chinese electric saloon, draws heavily from the Tesla Model S in both design and technology, promising up to 460 km range and a starting price well below its American inspiration.
Chinese start-up Youxia Motors unveiled the Youxia X in 2015, a battery-electric saloon that borrows unmistakably from the Tesla Model S in both appearance and ambition. The car’s proportions, front grille and overall silhouette closely resemble the American original, while the interior features a large 17-inch central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, echoing Tesla’s approach to cabin technology.
The similarities are more than skin-deep. Youxia claims the X will be offered with three battery pack options: 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh. The largest battery is said to deliver a range of up to 460 km on a single charge, matching the figures quoted for early Tesla Model S variants. The most powerful version is rated at 348 hp, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. These numbers put the Youxia X in direct competition with established electric saloons, at least on paper.
Design cues from Tesla and beyond
Visually, the front end is a near facsimile of the Model S, down to the grille shape and headlight arrangement, though the lighting elements are sharper and more angular. At the rear, the Youxia X departs slightly, with some observers noting similarities to the Lexus NX crossover. Inside, the dashboard is dominated by the Tesla-style vertical touchscreen, reinforcing the impression that Youxia’s engineers took direct inspiration from the Californian EV maker.
Features and local market ambitions
The Youxia X is more than a visual clone. The company said it would offer features such as selectable virtual exhaust sounds, a digital instrument cluster and a range of personalisation options. Pricing was projected to start at $32,000 and reach $48,000 for the top model, well undercutting the imported Model S in China at the time. The car was aimed squarely at domestic buyers seeking the Tesla experience at a lower price point.
