BYD Ti 7: Land Rover Defender rival confirmed for South Africa in 2027

We can confirm the BYD Ti 7, replete with 360 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, is en route to South Africa. Here’s when it’s coming…

BYD Fangchengbao Tai 7 front

Image: BYD Fangchengbao

In May 2026, we pondered the question on whether the BYD Fangchengbao Tai 7 could make its way to South Africa. Earlier this month, a BYD dealership posted on its Instagram page that pre-orders for the Ti 7, as it will be known in our market, are open. We reached out to the dealership to find out more. We can confirm when the Ti 7 will launch in South Africa, along with which powertrain it will employ.

Locally, the Ti 7 will be offered with BYD’s DM-p (Dual Mode-performance) powertrain, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup comprising a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors. From what we were told, the DM-p arrangement produces combined power and torque outputs of 360 kW and 620 N.m of torque – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.3 seconds. Power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel-drive system. The dealership also revealed that the Ti 7 will offer a claimed electric-only operating range of 130 km, which suggests it will feature the 35.6 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. 

BYD Ti 7 launch date in South Africa

While pre-orders are already open, the dealership has confirmed the Ti 7 will launch in South Africa in either January or February 2027. However, it did say that it might be here sooner.

The Ti 7 measures 4 999 mm in length and 1 995 mm in width – dimensions comparable to the Land Rover Defender 110 and Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The BYD stands 1 865 mm tall, with the wheelbase spanning 2 920 mm. The Ti 7 sports a ground clearance of 210 mm, and 24-degree approach and 25-degree departure angles. The water-wading depth is rated at 600 mm.

 

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