Modern Auto, a new player in the Chinese electric vehicle market, has been working on its second EV, the MD12, since last year. The MD12 will be the company's flagship CUV and is set to compete with Tesla's Model Y, one of the most popular EVs in the Chinese market.
The MD12 is being developed by Modern Auto's design team in Shanghai, while Beijing Automobile (BAW) will handle the manufacturing process. The founder of Modern Auto, Liu Xin, previously worked for SAIC Motor and has aimed to target young buyers in big cities, in order to stand out from the crowded Chinese EV market.
The MD12 will share the OMEGA platform with the company's first EV, the Modern In, which is a compact CUV with a minimalist design. The MD12's first engineering prototype was manufactured in July 2022 and underwent warm climate testing in Turpan, China, in August.
Modern MD12
The recent spy shots of the Modern MD12 reveal its sleek design, with a coupe-like roofline, a single taillight unit, and quirky rear-end styling, complete with a roof spoiler and a duck spoiler. It also has two charging ports on the front fenders. Modern Auto has unveiled the dimensions of the MD12, which are 4605/1840/1630 mm, making it 145 mm shorter, 138 mm thinner, and 6 mm higher than the Tesla Model Y.
The interior of the MD12 has a D-shaped two-spoke steering wheel with a gear shifter behind it, a massive floating touchscreen in the center console, and an instrument panel that is also a screen. The MD12 does not have a center tunnel, and the seats are sporty with integrated headrests, making it spacious and comfortable for passengers.
Modern In
The MD12 could hit the Chinese market this year, pending approval from Chinese regulators. The MD12 will compete in the mid-size CUV segment, going up against tough competitors like the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Song. While the MD12 looks interesting, it remains to be seen if it will attract consumer attention in a crowded EV market.
In conclusion, Modern Auto's MD12 is a mid-size CUV that is expected to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Its unique design, dimensions, and interior features make it an interesting prospect for Chinese EV buyers. However, only time will tell whether the MD12 will be successful in a highly competitive market.
Source: Carnewschina
