Shenlan SL03: The Chinese Clone of Tesla

Dreaming of the Tesla 3, but can’t afford it? That’s great news, because the Shenlan SL03 offers an enticing specifications sheet… For €26,000!

Tesla clones still have bright days ahead. After the Chinese Xpeng, it’s now Changan Automobile‘s turn to reinterpret the American bestseller.

The resemblance between the Tesla Model 3 and the Shenlan SL03 is quite striking, especially from this front view. Likewise, the dimensions are fairly close, with only a 10 cm difference between the two models. The Shenlan 03 measures 4.82 meters in length and 1.89 meters in width. Its massive 2.90-meter wheelbase suggests a very spacious rear seating area. Fortunately for Tesla, the profile and rear of the Chinese sedan are different.

Tesla-Inspired

Inside, the Shenlan SL03 again draws inspiration from its idol, with a very minimalist interior centered around a large 14.6-inch multimedia screen. However, the Asian sedan features a digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, which Tesla does not have. Among other features, there’s a two-spoke steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, and perforated leather upholstery.

Promising Autonomies

On the technical side, the Chinese car offers two battery configurations. The entry-level version can theoretically reach 515 km, while the long-range model can cover up to 705 km according to the manufacturer (using the Chinese CLTC cycle, which is more optimistic than our European WLTP). Performance appears more modest than the American counterpart, with 218 hp for the “base” rear-wheel-drive model and 258 hp for the high-end version, which is evidently equipped with four-wheel drive.

Note that Changan Automobile benefits from the expertise of Huawei and CATL for battery development. This can reassure future customers. The manufacturer has already received nearly 15,000 reservations and plans to produce around 15,000 units per month, totaling 180,000 annually. At €26,000 per unit, compared to €40,000 for the entry-level Tesla Model 3 in China… The choice is quickly made. For comparison, the French Tesla Model 3 is sold from €53,490.

Read also: Tesla Model Y: a new entry-level model under €50,000