Update: All sections of the story have been revised.
The Ti7 is a large plug-in hybrid SUV that BYD has now confirmed for the UK market as its first seven-seat passenger vehicle. Developed by Fangchengbao under BYD, it is positioned in China as a five-seat SUV built on a unibody platform, using a single or dual-motor plug-in hybrid system.
Well ahead of the UK launch, we got to experience the design, interior, and features of the Defender-style Ti7 in a global specification, and here’s what we found interesting.
Design
At the front, the Ti7 uses a rectangular fascia with a horizontal glossy faux grille layout. Integrated lighting elements flank the grille structure. The headlamps adopt stacked L-shaped LEDs with squared outlines and are mounted high relative to the bumper. The lower bumper incorporates a straight air intake with skid-plate-style trim.
From the side, the Ti7 adopts a box-shaped profile with an upright windscreen, straight roofline, and conventional chunky door handles. A defined shoulder line runs from the front wing through to the rear quarter panel. Black lower cladding and roof rails complete the look from this angle.
The rear features a vertical tailgate with a mounted external storage housing. Rectangular tail lamps with stacked design similar to the headlamps are positioned high on the body. A rear bumper with integrated trim and black plastic sits below the tailgate.
Exterior colour options globally include black, green, silver, gold and blue finishes as standard with optional distinct shades of green and grey available as a paid extra. Wheel designs and sizes vary by trim, with different designs used between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions.
Interior
In the global specification, the cabin finish is available in three colours: orange, grey and blue, and follows a horizontal layout with a digital cockpit design.
The dashboard integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen which almost looks like a floating tablet instead of integrating into the dashboard coupled with a 26-inch head-up display.
Seating is configured for five occupants in the spec that we experienced, but the SUV will be a seven-seater in the UK. Front seats offer heating, ventilation, and massage functions depending on specification. The massage system uses multi-point airbags with selectable modes and intensity.
Rear seats support electric backrest adjustment, while higher trims include an extendable leg rest for the front passenger seat.
Material finishes vary by trim, with leather upholstery used on seats and main touch points on all grades. Also available on higher grades are optional tablets developed in-house by BYD that are attached to seat backrests for rear seat passengers for infotainment.
Experience in the Ti7
Even as a six-footer, getting into the BYD Ti7 is easy because the doors open wide, and it uses conventional pull handles. Once I sit in the front, the seat adjusts automatically, moving into position. Under-thigh support feels good, and back support is solid.
The seat massage function is noticeable, and the headrests feel comfortable. The driving position feels slightly upright, closer to a traditional SUV stance. Outward visibility is good, although the thick A-pillar creates a blind spot. The mirrors are large and help cover that area.
Up front, I see two 50 W wireless charging pads. The cabin includes physical buttons and a proper volume knob. The centre stack layout feels unusual, as several functions such as the volume roller, EV/HEV toggle, and park assist sit further forward than I would prefer, while the cupholders and charging pads sit closer to the driver.
Most HVAC controls are handled through the touchscreen, and the screen responds quickly. The digital instrument cluster is easy to read, and the steering wheel buttons use different shades of grey. The grey-and-cream cabin colour treatment looks cohesive.
In the rear, side steps are fitted, though I did not need them at my height. Opening the rear door triggers the front seat to move forward. The rear seats are electrically adjustable, including backrest recline, with controls placed on the door armrest.
Headrests are adjustable, and my size 10 shoes slide easily under the front seat. The floor is flat, and three-abreast seating looks feasible. Windows are large, and the glass roof brings extra light. Headroom, back support, and under-thigh support feel generous.
Rear passengers get central air vents, USB ports, a small storage cubby, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The outboard rear seats include both heating and ventilation, controlled through touch-operated switches.
Specifications
For the UK, BYD has so far confirmed that the Ti7 uses the company’s Dual Mode Performance (DM-p) plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors driving all four wheels. BYD quotes a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and an electric-only WLTP combined range of 79 miles.
1.5L PHEV system
Chinese-market figures, while not directly applicable to the UK car, offer a sense of the platform. The Ti7 uses a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 154 hp, paired to electric motors.
Two-wheel drive versions use a single 268 hp motor driving the front wheels. Four-wheel-drive versions use a dual-motor layout with outputs of 214 hp at the front and 268 hp at the rear.
Four-wheel-drive versions achieve 0-62 mph in around 4.5 seconds while the two-wheel drive does it in 7.5 or 7.9 seconds depending on battery version (26.6 or 35.6 kWh). Top speed is limited to 118 mph across all trims.
Battery options in the Chinese-spec models support electric-only driving ranges (CLTC) from 84 miles to 124 miles, depending on specification. The system automatically switches to hybrid operation when battery charge is low. The combined range is expected at 1,300 km (807.7 miles).
DC charging supports rates of up to 72 kW, with a 30-80 per cent charge achievable in 17.5 minutes. AC charging via a home wall box is expected to take roughly five hours. Vehicle-to-load functionality (6 kW) is also supported.
Price & Availability
As BYD’s largest and most versatile SUV for the UK, the Ti7 is expected to target buyers looking for a practical seven-seat SUV with rugged styling and highly capable plug-in hybrid performance.
The Ti7 is sold in four main trims in China. While it should be price positioned as a premium SUV in the British market, local pricing converted to UK currency places the 2WD Pro (84-mile range) at around £19,778, the 2WD Max (124-mile range) at approximately £20,878, the 4WD Max at about £22,748, and the range-topping 4WD Ultra at roughly £24,178.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
