BYD S6

This S6 SUV will be amongst five new models BYD Auto Co. is set to display at the Beijing motor show next week. The S6 will be the BYD's first SUV, but judging from these photos the new car's design seems to be akin to another similarly-sized SUV we've seen before - notably the previous generation Lexus RX.

Measuring 4740mm long, 1845mm wide and 1635mm tall, the S6 is only 30mm shorter in overall length and loses 40mm in width compared to the RX 350. It also stands 85mm shorter and rides on a 2715mm-long wheelbase; 25mm shorter than that of the RX. This isn't the first time we've seen a Chinese automaker copy an existing design and it surely won't be the last. But if copying is the greatest form of flattery, then Lexus designers should indeed feel privileged...

The S6 will go head to head with the Haima S3 and Chery Rely X5 domestic SUVs when it hits the market later this year. BYD's other new models on show will include the G6 full-size sedan, the M6 MPV and the I6 and L3 compact sedans.