Modern MD12 Electric CUV Spied In China. Tesla Model Y Competitor

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The Modern MD12 is the second EV in the Modern Auto’s model line. It will become the brand’s flagship CUV. Recently, it was spied during road tests in China. It seems that the MD12 will become a Tesla Model Y competitor. Let’s get acquainted with this vehicle.

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What Is Modern Auto?

Modern Auto logo was inspired by Tetris

Modern Auto is a young electric vehicle startup that was founded in 2019 with HQ in Shanghai. There, they design and develop their cars, while Beijing Automobile (BAW) is responsible for the manufacturing. Worth mentioning that the founder of the Modern Auto Liu Xin has previously worked in SAIC Motor. To stand out from the mass of Chinese auto brands, Modern Auto is aimed at young buyers who live in big cities.

The first Modern Auto vehicle is the Modern In EV. It is a compact CUV with minimalistic design. It has a smooth shape with a slopped bonnet line, retractable door handles, and a coupe-like shape. Its dimensions are 4463/1823/1551 mm with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The Modern In is powered with an electric motor for 160 hp. As for the interior of this EV, it has got three screens. We don’t know the exact sales number of the Modern In, but we do know that in sold 325 units in September 2022, and 239 units in December 2022. So it isn’t really popular in China.

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Modern Auto’s Second Model: MD12

The MD12 will help Modern Auto enhance its sales. It is a mid-size CUV with the brand’s design language. Aside from the exterior design, it also shares the same OMEGA platform with the Modern in. The MD12’s first engineering prototype was manufactured in July 2022. And in August, this vehicle was undergoing warm climate tests in Turpan, China.

Modern MD12 CUV Spy Shots

Now, let’s move on to the fresh spy shots of the Modern MD12. As we can see, it is the same vehicle that we saw in Turpan last year. We can tell it by white bumpers and tape on the A-pillar. It is nice that Modern Auto holds tests with the same vehicle. This way, they can accumulate more valuable information.

Speaking about the styling of the Modern MD12, it also has a coupe-like roof line with a single taillight unit. Its rear end also got a quirky shape with a roof spoiler and some kind of duck spoiler. The MD12 has two charging ports on front fenders. Modern Auto also unveiled the MS12’s dimensions. They are 4605/1840/1630 mm. But its wheelbase is yet to be known. For a comparison, the MD12 is 145 mm shorter, 138 mm thinner and 6 mm higher that the Tesla Model Y.

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For the first time, we have seen the interior of the Modern MD12. Previously, it was only shown in render images. Its interior also stays in line with the Modern in. We can see the D-shaped two-spoke steering wheel with a gear shifter behind it. Its center console got a massive floating touch screen with a storage compartment below it. The MD12’s instrument panel is also a screen. Since it is an EV, it hasn’t really got the center tunnel. Instead, there is plenty of room. The seats of the MD12 are sporty, with an integrated headrest. All in all, it looks simple and nice.

The Modern MD12 can hit the market this year. But first, Modern Auto should get the Chinese regulator’s approval to start the production of this vehicle. After the market debut, the MD12 will try to compete in one of the toughest segments. Of course, the Tesla Model Y and the BYD Song will become its main competitors. The MD12 is an interesting car indeed, but right now it is hard to say if it will be able to attract consumers’ attention. More on the MD12 as we get it.

Source: Weibo, 16888

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