Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.Chery has presented the Arrizo S at the Beijing Auto Show, showing it as a preproduction concept for a new mainstream sedan.At first glance, the car makes a strong impression, but not only because of its own styling. From several angles, the Arrizo S looks noticeably inspired by Audi models.Chinese automakers have moved far beyond the era when they were often dismissed as copycat brands. Many now compete seriously on technology, pricing, electric platforms, and interior quality.AdvertisementAdvertisementStill, cars like the Arrizo S show that visual inspiration from established European brands has not completely disappeared, even among major companies such as Chery.Audi Influence Is Clear OutsidePhoto Courtesy: Autorepublika.The Arrizo S is a four-door sedan with a very familiar visual identity. Its angular headlights, hexagonal grille, and aggressive lower bumper intakes immediately bring to mind performance Audi models such as the RS 6 and RS 7.The side profile also feels familiar, with proportions that resemble the latest Audi A5. At the rear, the thin light bar running across the full width of the car recalls the clean, high-tech look of the Audi A7.That does not necessarily mean the Arrizo S is a direct copy, but the influence is hard to ignore. Chery appears to be aiming for a more premium and sporty image, even though this model is expected to sit in the mainstream sedan segment.A Conventional Gasoline Engine Is ExpectedPhoto Courtesy: Chery.According to information from Chinese media, the production version should use a nonelectrified 122 cubic inch turbocharged gasoline engine.AdvertisementAdvertisementOutput is expected to reach 261 hp, which would give the Arrizo S respectable performance for its class. Power will likely be sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.That setup is interesting because many new Chinese sedans are moving quickly toward hybrid or fully electric power. With the Arrizo S, Chery appears to be keeping a more traditional gasoline formula, at least for the initial version.The Cabin Has more Chinese CharacterInside, the Arrizo S moves away from the Audi influence and follows a layout more typical of modern Chinese sedans.The cabin combines a digital instrument cluster with a large central infotainment screen. The dashboard looks clean and tech-focused, while the center console keeps several physical buttons and a rotary controller.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat mix of digital displays and traditional controls could appeal to buyers who want a modern cabin without losing every physical function to a touchscreen.A New Step Above Chery’s Current SedansPhoto Courtesy: Chery.The production version of the Arrizo S is expected to arrive late this year. In Chery’s sedan lineup, it should be positioned above the existing Arrizo 5 and Arrizo 8.That would make it an important model for the brand, especially if Chery wants to strengthen its image beyond affordable family cars and crossovers.For now, the Arrizo S is drawing attention mainly because of its familiar design language. If the production model keeps the same look, Chery will likely face more comparisons with Audi, but it may also gain exactly what it wants: attention in a crowded sedan market.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.