This plush looking car is the Geely GE, and it has just been unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show. Look familiar? Well, Rolls-Royce thinks so, because reports claim the Goodwood maker is 'consulting lawyers' over remarkable similarities between the Chinese Geely and its own Phantom saloon.

 

The comparison is an obvious one: every line of the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom is seemingly pilfered for the Geely, which may cost as little as $54,000 when it goes on sale in China. Production isn't confirmed yet, but compare that price to the $487,000 asked for the Phantom. And the similarities aren't just skin deep either: the GE is over five metres long and features wool carpet, a single leather 'throne' for the separate rear passenger compartment, real wood inlays, cigar storage and a fridge.

Rolls-Royce has specific copyright protection for the iconic 'Spirit of Ecstasy' mascot on the prow of its cars, and for its monolithic front grille - both of which have obviously 'influenced' the Geely. A Rolls-Royce spokesman said: 'Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is very protective of its brand image and takes seriously any attempt to imitate its products. [The company] is currently keeping its options open and is in consultation with its legal advisers.'

There are no plans to bring the GE to the UK, although Geely does have a link to the UK - it's licensed to build London taxis.