BYD’s new Ti7 is a plug-in hybrid seven-seater taking aim at the Defender

BYD has revealed the new Ti7, a large seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV that looks set to take on cars like the Land Rover Defender, Volvo XC90 and Kia EV9 but likely at a much more aggressive price point.

And while the styling is all chunky off-roader and “school run meets mountain bike weekend”, the really interesting bit for fleets is underneath.

The Ti7 uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, delivering a claimed 0-62mph time of under five seconds. More importantly for company car drivers, BYD says it’ll offer up to 79 miles of pure-electric range.

That’s enough to secure a 7% Benefit-in-Kind rate, which could make this one of the more tax-efficient large family SUVs on the market despite its size.

And it is big. At over 5.1 metres long, the Ti7 is roughly Defender-sized, with room for seven seats and a focus on larger families, towing, outdoor lifestyles and long-distance comfort.

BYD hasn’t confirmed pricing yet, but if recent launches are anything to go by, expect the Ti7 to undercut traditional premium rivals while arriving loaded with tech and equipment.

The Ti7 is due to arrive in the UK later this summer, with full specs and pricing expected soon.

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