BYD Ti7 SUV to Challenge Land Rover Defender in UK Market

BYD's new UK division will launch the Ti7, a three-row plug-in hybrid SUV, as its flagship model, directly competing with Land Rover's Defender. The Ti7, originally released in China under BYD-owned Fangchengbao, will bear the BYD badge in the UK. Its boxy shape, strong lines, and hearty proportions resemble the Defender, though it is not identical. The vehicle measures 203 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 73 inches tall, seating up to seven adults. It features a Dual Mode Performance (DM-P) plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine and two electric motors driving all four wheels. BYD claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and an electric-only range of 79 miles (WLTP). Pricing and further specs will be announced in the coming weeks. The Ti7 may not match the Defender's recognition but could attract buyers if competitively priced.