BMW says the Shuanghuan's CEO model is too similar to its X5

BMW is said to consider Shuanghuan Automobile's CEO model to be too similar to its own X5.

Daimler says Shuanghuan's Noble is too close to its Smart Fortwo.

A Shuanghuan official insisted the cars were legal and approved by the Chinese government, and blamed the media for "hyping things".

"We don't think our autos are identical," the official said.

Frankfurt motor show

Both German car makers have said they might take legal action if the models are displayed at the Frankfurt motor show next month by German importer China Automobile Deutschland (CAD), according to the German automotive trade magazine Automobilwoche.

"We've already taken measures against the distribution of the CEO in Europe," a BMW spokesperson told the magazine.

"The discussion might even be helpful," responded CAD boss Karl Schloessl in the Automobilwoche article. "It elevates our products to the same level as BMW and Smart."

Shuanghuan also produces the UFO, which is said to resemble the Toyota Rav4.

Beijing has faced repeated calls to stop its firms copying Western designs.