BYD, expanding its presence in the Australian market through its premium Denza brand, may soon introduce another model: the boxy, all-electric Ti7 SUV. Originally launched in China last September as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Ti7 is now available with a fully electric powertrain, as revealed in a recent filing by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
Powertrain Options and Specs
The electric Ti7 offers two variants. A single-motor, rear-wheel drive model delivers 300kW of power, while a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version combines 215kW front and 300kW rear motors. Like other BYD vehicles, the Ti7 will utilize the company’s signature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ battery technology.
The exterior dimensions remain unchanged from the PHEV version, measuring between 4999-5050mm long, 1995mm wide, and 1865mm tall, with a 2920mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than the Hyundai Santa Fe but still limited to five seats.
Interior and Off-Road Capabilities
Inside, expect a carryover design from the PHEV model, including a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 26-inch head-up display.
Despite its unibody construction, the Ti7 demonstrates respectable off-road credentials with a 600mm wading depth, a 24-degree approach angle, and a 25-degree departure angle.
BYD’s Confirmation and Australian Testing
BYD executives have hinted at the Ti7’s potential arrival in Australia. Chief product officer Sajid Hasan confirmed that local R&D teams in Queensland are currently testing and tuning the vehicle for Australian conditions.
“They are tuning the suspension, electric motor output, petrol motor output, acceleration response, traction control system… that tune will be deployed for the Australian vehicles.”
Given its off-road focus and rugged styling, the Ti7 would likely fit better under the Denza brand in Australia, alongside the B5 and B8 off-road SUVs already sold locally.
Market Performance
The Ti7 has already gained traction in China, ranking as the 18th best-selling model in January, outperforming the Tesla Model Y. The addition of electric variants is expected to further boost its sales.
The Ti7 is part of Fangchengbao’s lineup, which includes body-on-frame Leopard series SUVs (sold as Denzas in Australia) and Titanium-series unibody SUVs like the Ti7 and the mid-size Ti3 EV.
The introduction of the electric Ti7 into the Australian market would fill a unique niche, offering a blend of electric power, off-road capability, and bold design—a combination not yet widely available in the local SUV segment.
