The UK family SUV segment is getting a major shake-up following confirmation that BYD will bring its first seven-seat model, the Ti7, to these shores.

The rugged, three-row plug-in hybrid SUV is aimed at the premium market, facing off the Land Rover Defender 130 with “competitive pricing”.

In its native Chinese market, the SUV is sold under the carmaker’s premium, upmarket Fangchengbao sub-brand as the Titanium 7, but will be repositioned under the core BYD badge for its British debut.

Measuring an imposing 5,146mm long, 1,995mm wide and 1,865mm tall, the Ti7 becomes BYD’s largest and most versatile model to date, catering for larger families and those with an active lifestyle.

The brand’s new flagship features a bold front-end with a prominent lower bumper section in a contrasting titanium finish, befitting its name and sitting beneath a dual-layer LED lighting signature.

Interior details are under wraps for now but BYD promises an “upmarket cabin design to set new standards for the class” along with generous load space.

The powertrain uses BYD’s ‘Dual Mode Performance’ (DM-p) plug-in hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors driving all four wheels, giving a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. BYD hasn’t announced battery capacity but says the Ti7 will have an electric combined (WLTP) range of 79 miles.

Further details, including pricing and specifications, will be released in the coming weeks.