Discover BYD’s new Ti7 plug‑in hybrid 7‑seat SUV, built to rival the Land Rover Defender. Learn specs, design, and launch plans – read more now!
Introduction
Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled the Ti7, its first seven‑seat, high‑ground‑clearance SUV aimed at the global market. Slated for a UK debut in late 2026, the Ti7 will go head‑to‑head with iconic off‑roaders such as the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Exterior Design
The Ti7 sports a boxy, masculine silhouette reminiscent of classic rugged SUVs. A bold LED light strip runs across the front fascia, while black‑painted front bumper, angular wheel arches and a rear‑mounted spare‑wheel carrier underline its adventurous character. Large door handles, a panoramic roof and sharply defined wheel wells complete the look.
Dimensions
Measuring 5,146 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,865 mm tall, with a 2,920 mm wheelbase, the Ti7 is slightly longer yet narrower than the Defender 110, giving it a distinctive profile while maintaining ample interior space for seven passengers.
Powertrain & Performance
For the UK market, BYD will equip the Ti7 with a DM‑P plug‑in hybrid system: a 1.5‑litre turbocharged gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and a 35.6 kWh LFP battery. The combined output is expected to exceed 600 hp, propelling the SUV from 0‑100 km/h in about 4.8 seconds. The electric‑only range is quoted at 127 km.
In China, a fully electric version is already available under the Fang Chen Bao brand. Buyers can choose between a rear‑wheel‑drive model delivering 402 hp or an all‑wheel‑drive variant with a total of 691 hp, supported by either a 92 kWh or a 105.7 kWh battery pack.
Interior & Technology
The cabin follows BYD’s premium design language, featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and a four‑spoke steering wheel. High‑grade materials and spacious seating aim to provide a near‑luxury experience for all seven occupants.
Market Strategy
After a 2025 launch in Thailand under the local brand Fang Chen Bao, BYD plans to introduce the Ti7 to the United Kingdom in the second half of 2026, positioning it as a direct challenger to the Land Rover Defender. The move signals BYD’s ambition to become a serious player in the global SUV segment.
Why It Matters
With its powerful hybrid drivetrain, generous interior, and aggressive pricing, the Ti7 could reshape the competitive landscape for large, off‑road‑capable SUVs. Industry observers, including Carscoops’ Minh Vũ, see the Ti7 as a bold statement of BYD’s intent to go beyond the domestic market.