A BYD executive has confirmed the new Ti 7 is “under evaluation” for South Africa, saying the boxy 7-seater model would be a “great fit” for the local market…
- BYD Ti 7 is under consideration for SA
- Local exec says it would be a “great fit”
- PHEV powertrain generates 300 kW
The new BYD Ti 7 is officially “under evaluation” for South Africa, with the Chinese brand’s local commercial director suggesting the boxy 7-seater vehicle “would be a great fit for our market”.
In May 2026, we reported that this large unibody model – which is sold under BYD’s Fangchengbao sub-brand in China – was firming for Mzansi, with the Shenzhen-based new-energy vehicle (NEV) company having filed to trademark the “Ti 7” badge locally on 22 April 2026.
Now, Mark Handley, BYD Auto South Africa’s Director of Commercial Operations, has confirmed to Cars.co.za that this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is very much under consideration for the local market.
“The BYD Ti 7 is an amazingly successful vehicle – it is awesome. It’s exactly what customers are looking for: the box shape, very practical, lots of headroom at the back, lots of luggage space, looks cool,” Handley told us, adding that it “performs like a supercar”.
“I’m looking at it. I’m evaluating [it] and doing a [feasibility] study. We would very much like to bring the car, but it’s currently under evaluation for South Africa. We believe it would be a great fit for our market,” Handley revealed, saying the vehicle had proven to be “an amazing sales success” in China.
For the record, the export version already confirmed for fellow right-hand-drive market the United Kingdom measures 5 146 mm from front to back, making it some 128 mm longer than Land Rover’s Defender 110. The vehicle features 3 rows of seating, along with what the Chinese brand describes as a “generous load space”.
In the UK, the Ti 7 will feature BYD’s so-called “Dual Mode Performance” (DM-p) plug-in hybrid powertrain. The system includes a pair of electric motors (one on each axle), a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 35.6 kWh (gross) battery pack. The brand claims peak power of 300 kW and a 0-100 kph time of 4.8 seconds.
Inside the UK-spec Ti 7, you’ll find items like a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 18-speaker sound system, leather upholstery, 3-zone climate control and an in-car refrigerator (plus drinks warmer).
According to BYD, middle-row passengers benefit from 4-way-adjustable seats, while the luggage capacity of 126 litres can be expanded to 970 litres by folding down the 3rd row. Drop the 2nd row as well and utility space increases to a claimed 1 830 litres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the new BYD Ti 7 coming to South Africa?
A: The BYD Ti 7 is currently “under evaluation” for South Africa. BYD Auto SA’s Director of Commercial Operations, Mark Handley, confirmed to Cars.co.za that a local feasibility study is underway, noting that the boxy 7-seater plug-in hybrid would be a “great fit” for the market.
Q: What engine and performance specs does the BYD Ti 7 offer?
A: The Ti 7 features BYD’s Dual Mode Performance (DM-p) plug-in hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a 35.6 kWh battery pack. Together, they generate a total output of 300 kW, allowing the unibody SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Q: How big is the BYD Ti 7 and what features are included inside the cabin?
A: Measuring 5 146 mm in length with 3 rows of seats, the Ti 7 offers up to 1 830 litres of utility space with the rear rows folded down. Interior highlights include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, an 18-speaker audio system, 3-zone climate control, leather seats and an integrated in-car refrigerator/drinks warmer.
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