Chinese Vehicle Plagiarism? Dongfeng’s BMW-Inspired Minivan Under Fire

BMW’s strikingly similar front end
Revisiting Dongfeng’s minivan|
China’s plagiarism is considered excessive

Would you believe that BMW once considered launching a minivan model? Although it would have succeeded significantly, BMW never followed this idea. Meanwhile, the Chinese auto market, often criticized for design imitation, released a minivan resembling a BMW in its front-end design.

This vehicle, produced by Dongfeng Motor, features a front end that strikingly imitates BMW’s signature kidney grille. The latest models have been modified to reduce the resemblance in response to past criticisms. However, questions remain: Can this vehicle, which bears such a strong resemblance to BMW, match the performance of its inspiration? What does it look like now?

Similar to BMW in the early 2000s
Used as a propaganda vehicle in North Korea

Dongfeng Motor, China’s leading truck manufacturer, launched the DFSK K series, which includes a range of multi-purpose vehicles like 5-door micro vans, 2-door micro pickups, and 4-door micro pickups. Despite its modest engine options of 1.0L and 1.3L, the DFSK K series is well-regarded for its versatility in commercial use.

Introduced in 2005, the DFSK K series is still in production today. Notably, the DFSK K07 model has found a unique role in North Korea, where it has been adapted into a propaganda vehicle. This modified version features speakers mounted on the roof and is frequently observed in North Korean settings.

Although the design has changed, it has been seen in some parts of Southeast Asia

Dongfeng Motor’s K series, which has faced criticism for closely imitating BMW’s front end since its debut, underwent some design changes, starting with the second-generation model released in 2015. The distinctive kidney grille was replaced with a new grid pattern, shifting away from the previous BMW-like appearance.

While the updated models are moving away from the controversial design, the first-generation K series—often criticized for its striking resemblance to BMW—is still being produced and sold in Southeast Asian markets like the Philippines and Vietnam. Despite the ongoing debate, the K series continues evolving, with new EV variants entering the lineup.

Serious Chinese Vehicle Plagiarism

China has a history of facing plagiarism controversies in the automotive industry. Xiaomi’s first EV, the SU7, has been criticized for its striking resemblance to existing models, often compared to the Porsche Taycan. Many Chinese companies recently released SUVs and pickup trucks similar to American vehicles from Ford and Jeep. This trend of design imitation highlights ongoing concerns about originality and intellectual property in the industry.