The Chinese concept aiming to take on Tesla

Last summer, Jia Yueting - co-founder of the Chinese tech company now called LeEco - promised to create an autonomous electric car to take on Tesla’s Model S.

The announcement didn’t cause much of a stir back then, but we’re certainly paying attention now.

Revealed in the build-up to the Beijing motor show – where the car will be on display next week – the LeSee concept pictured above is one of the group’s many vehicular projects, which includes an agreement with Aston Martin to manufacture an all-electric Rapide.

There are no confirmed details about the car just yet, although a 130mph top speed is apparently a development target.

Something we can assess is the styling. And boy, does it make an impression.Topped off with a glass roof, the four-door sedan does away with mirrors and instead uses cameras to monitor traffic approaching from behind.

Inside there are no buttons to control any of the supposedly high-tech features, but instead just a touch-sensitive screen in the centre of the dashboard. Bit like a Tesla, then.

Most striking though are the back ‘seats’, if indeed you can refer to them such. Instead of resembling chairs, the, um rear passenger area features a stepped design where occupants can recline in comfort. We suspect it will be difficult to incorporate these into an MPV...

We’ll reserve judgement until some specs and an asking price are worked out, but if it all comes together, the LeSee might be work a second look...

Photo credit: LeEco