- BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand is gearing up to introduce a new two-row luxury SUV.
- Known as the Tai 7, the model features a rugged design that echoes the Defender.
- This plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-liter engine, electric motor, and lithium battery.
Being a car designer isn’t easy as everyone sees your work and has an opinion. If that wasn’t enough pressure, some designers are tasked with creating boxy SUVs that are rugged, but also unique. Some knock it out of the park, while others swing and miss.
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That brings us to Fang Cheng Bao’s latest model, the Tai 7, which was recently revealed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It resembles a hodgepodge of other luxury SUVs, most notably the Land Rover Defender.
More: BYD’s New Fang Cheng Bao Titanium 3 Electric SUV Sure Has A Funky Design
This probably shouldn’t be surprising considering Fang Cheng Bao is BYD’s luxury brand, but some of the similarities are pretty stark. The front end is a rather blatant Defender clone as the design is a pretty close match. However, instead of circular headlights, the company went with split lighting units.
The Defender-esque design continues further back, but it’s mixed in with some elements from the Lexus GX. Key highlights include angular fender flares, bulging bodywork, and a Defender-like greenhouse. The company even appears to have kept Land Rover’s controversial ‘side plate,’ although it’s thankfully smaller and tucked out of the way.
Out back, there’s a Defender-inspired bumper with a contrasting silver section. We can also see a squared off rear carrier similar to the one found on the Mercedes G-Class EV.
While the design won’t win any points for originality, the Tai 7 has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) 1.5-liter engine, a 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) electric motor, and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. This enables the 4,916 lb (2,230 kg) SUV to hit a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
Little else is known about the model at this point, but it will be offered with 18- and 19-inch wheels. In terms of size, it measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) long, 78.5 inches (1,995 mm) wide, and 73.4 inches (1,865 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 115 inches (2,920 mm).
To put those numbers into perspective, it’s 4 inches (102 mm) shorter than the Defender 130 and also has a 4 inch (102 mm) shorter wheelbase. The model is also 9.5 inches (241 mm) longer than the Defender 110.
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The Tai 7 is expected to launch later this year, with Chinese media speculating a starting price of just 300,000 yuan, or under $42,000 at current exchange rates.
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