BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: BAIC C90L

Of all the cars in the world, why would anyone want to copy a Maybach?

Well, apparently there's no accounting for taste because China's BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co Ltd) rolled out this gargantuan concept at the Beijing motor show, and its inspiration clearly comes from the now-defunct German uber-premium brand.

Known as the BAIC C90L, the 5.2m long limo is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, so it obviously adheres closely to the Maybach formula.

The big black VIP chariot was penned by BAIC's in-house crayon wielders as well as by Italian design house Fioravanti, and although the result looks imposing, calling it elegant would be a stretch.

Notwithstanding its obvious German connection, the fastback roofline and high-hipped rear end were allegedly designed to look British. Again, we would ask why its creators felt this would boost the C90L's desirability?

Whatever the case, BAIC has ambitiously spelt out its aim to become the first premium Chinese luxo brand, and the C90L is said to be a portent of what's to come. Don't know if they'll manage to pinch any sales off the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, but good luck with that…

Meanwhile, BAIC also used the Beijing show to reveal its Mercedes B-Class-mimicking E150, of which the company also revealed a range-extender electric version (known as the E150 REEV). The electric variant packs a 795cc two-cylinder engine, but this is used purely as a back-up generator for the battery.

Also on display from BAIC was the C51X SUV concept that appears a fairly blatant knock-off of Kia's stylish Sportage with its sleek schnoz and heavily tapered roofline.

As is the case with most Chinese manufacturers, BAIC is a state-owned entity that's reportedly the fifth largest carmaker in the country, with 2011 production allegedly amounting to 1,389,800 vehicles.

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