The World’s Ugliest Car Is Back From the Dead as a Chinese EV

The World’s Ugliest Car Never Really Disappeared

Beauty is a moving target in the car world. Ask ten gearheads to name the ugliest car ever, and you’ll get ten different answers – though the Pontiac Aztek and SsangYong Rodius are always in the running. But nothing quite owns the title of awkward styling like the original Fiat Multipla.

When Fiat dropped the Multipla in 1998, jaws hit the floor. The tall greenhouse, stubby nose, bulbous body, and that infamous second row of “eyebrow” headlights made it look like nothing else on the road. Over time, its weirdness turned it into a legend.

Now, it looks like the Multipla’s spirit has been reincarnated. Meet the Wuling Cloud EV, or Baojun Yunduo if you’re from China. It’s not a straight-up copy of the Fiat, but if you squint a little, you’ll be able to spot the resemblance.

A Familiar Shape on the Streets of Indonesia

I was wandering the streets of Indonesia when I saw the Wuling Cloud EV parked quietly, and I had to do a double-take. From certain angles, it’s basically the Multipla’s long-lost cousin – just filtered through the world of modern EVs.

The Cloud EV has a clean, almost egg-like shape with a tall roof, stubby hood, and lots of glass – almost like a minivan that maximizes cabin space. Up front, skinny LED daytime running lights stretch across the nose, while the main headlights lurk lower in the bumper – giving it a split-light face that’s pure Multipla déjà vu.

On the sides, the Multipla vibes get even louder. The rounded body, almost upright tailgate, smooth flanks, and massive cabin scream one-box design. Even the aero wheels and flush door handles double down on the minimalist EV look instead of hiding its practical roots.

Unlike the Fiat, though, the Wuling actually feels more polished. Clean lines, blacked-out pillars, and subtle details give it a modern edge, even if most brands have ditched this kind of shape.

Not a Bad EV, Actually

Beyond the controversial looks, the Wuling Cloud EV is actually a pretty solid family hauler. With a 106.3-inch wheelbase packed into a body just 169.1 inches long, it’s clear Wuling prioritizes interior space over looks. Inside, you get a massive 15.6-inch infotainment screen, digital gauges, and a lounge-style seat configuration. The rear bench even reclines up to 135 degrees.

Under the hood – or, well, under the floor – you get a front-mounted electric motor with 134 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, hooked up to a 50.6-kWh LFP battery. Wuling claims up to 286 miles of range on the CLTC cycle, and DC fast charging gets you from 30 to 80 percent in about half an hour. Sure, it’s an easy punchline for its looks, but underneath, it’s a practical EV with real-world specs and enough space to win over anyone who cares more about comfort than curb appeal.

Close Ties With GM

The Wuling Cloud EV isn’t just another random startup car. It’s the product of SAIC-GM-Wuling – a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors. Wuling does its own thing, but GM has been in the mix for years, especially when it comes to building affordable EVs for the world.

That partnership is already going global. Earlier this year, GM took the Wuling Baojun Yep Plus, slapped a Chevy badge on it, and called it the Chevrolet Spark EUV for places like Brazil. Joint venture cars are popping up under the Chevrolet name outside China more and more.

The Cloud EV hasn’t gotten the Chevy badge, at least not yet. Whether you think it’s Multipla 2.0 in a good way or a bad way is up to you, but one thing’s clear: weird family cars aren’t extinct. They’ve just plugged in.