This Chinese SUV combines elements of Lexus, Land Rover, and a hint of G-Class | Carscoops

      A new luxury SUV from China is anticipated to have a starting price of approximately $42,000 when it becomes available later this year.

      BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand is preparing to unveil a new two-row luxury SUV, named the Tai 7, which features a rugged design reminiscent of the Defender. This plug-in hybrid model incorporates a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a lithium battery.

      Designing cars is challenging since everyone sees and critiques your work. To add to the pressure, some designers are responsible for crafting rugged yet distinctive boxy SUVs. Some succeed brilliantly, while others fall short.

      This leads us to Fang Cheng Bao’s newest model, the Tai 7, which was recently disclosed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It appears to be a blend of various luxury SUVs, particularly the Land Rover Defender.

      It’s not surprising that Fang Cheng Bao, as BYD’s luxury brand, has drawn significant design inspiration, with some similarities being quite pronounced. The front end is notably similar to the Defender, although the headlights feature a split design instead of the traditional circular ones.

      The Defender-inspired design continues towards the rear, combined with features from the Lexus GX. Highlights include angular fender flares, pronounced bodywork, and a greenhouse that resembles that of the Defender. The model also appears to include a smaller version of Land Rover’s contentious ‘side plate.’

      At the back, there is a bumper inspired by the Defender, featuring a contrasting silver section. Additionally, there’s a squared-off rear carrier akin to that of the Mercedes G-Class EV.

      While the design isn’t particularly original, the Tai 7 boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes 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 configuration allows the 4,916 lb (2,230 kg) SUV to achieve a maximum speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).

      Currently, not much else is known about the model, but it will come equipped with 18- and 19-inch wheels. In terms of dimensions, it measures 196.8 inches (4,999 mm) in length, 78.5 inches (1,995 mm) in width, and 73.4 inches (1,865 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 115 inches (2,920 mm).

      For context, it’s 4 inches (102 mm) shorter than the Defender 130 with a corresponding 4-inch (102 mm) shorter wheelbase, and it is also 9.5 inches (241 mm) longer than the Defender 110.

      The Tai 7 is expected to be launched later this year, and Chinese media are speculating a starting price of around 300,000 yuan, which is less than $42,000 based on current exchange rates.