In the first week of June 2026, Al-Futtaim BYD UAE launched the all-new BYD Ti 7 Plug-in Hybrid SUV in the UAE. BYD claims the Ti 7 is a bold, boxy lifestyle PHEV SUV engineered for both city driving and tough terrain capability. The Cornea Impression was invited to experience the new BYD Ti 7 PHEV SUV first-hand. Here are our first impressions.
What are the features in the BYD Ti 7 PHEV?
The BYD Ti 7 PHEV boasts a premium, well-equipped cabin. The dashboard is finished in soft-touch materials and is dominated by a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, accompanied by a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster ahead of the driver. Creature comforts such as a 14-speaker Dirac sound system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a 50W wireless charger on the center console along with ventilated and powered front seats are offered as standard.
The top-end Premium trim adds a 26-inch head-up display, an in-built dashcam, a 4.5-litre refrigerator beneath the armrest, and massage and memory functions for the front seats. The 60:40 split rear seats also get ventilation and power-reclining backrests – a major advantage during long-distance travel.
How does the BYD Ti 7 PHEV drive?
We drove the BYD Ti 7 for over 100 km across Dubai’s city roads and highways, along with a brief sandy terrain section. In the city, the Ti 7 felt easy to drive with great visibility and a feather-light steering wheel. Despite its sizable proportions, the Ti 7 was easy to place and rode over brick roads with impressive composure.
On the highways, the Ti 7 felt powerful enough to pick up the pace when needed. BYD has integrated an entire suite of driver-assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Control in the Ti 7, most of which is available even on the base trim, resulting in a stress-free cruising experience. The adaptive cruise control worked well during our drive, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while the lane-keeping system helped keep the SUV centred in its lane. One of the elements that would need getting used to is the braking response, which felt quite sensitive to input.
What is the range of the BYD Ti 7 PHEV?
The Ti 7 rides on an intelligent dual-motor plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive platform. Essentially, the SUV integrates a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, together producing 480 hp and 630 Nm of torque. This allows the SUV, which weighs over 2.4 tonnes, to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, which feels positively aggressive in the ‘Race’ drive mode.
However, features such as regenerative braking and intelligent power management ensure that efficiency remains a priority on the Ti 7. The claimed combined range stands at an impressive 870 km, while the 80 km pure-electric range allows for fuel-free city commutes. To complement its all-wheel-drive capability, BYD has added Mud, Sand, Snow, and Mountain terrain modes, which alter powertrain behaviour and traction-control settings.
What are the standout features of the BYD Ti 7?
During our half-day drive, the one area where the Ti 7 truly excelled was ride comfort. The suspension absorbed the undulations and kept the passengers relaxed. There is also plenty of adjustability for the suspension and vehicle dynamics, allowing the Ti 7 to ride firmer and corner flatter when required. However, the Ti 7 felt at its best in its softest setting.
Factor in the softly cushioned rear seats, powered backrest recline, seat ventilation, multiple AC vents and the massive panoramic sunroof, and the rear-seat experience becomes one of the Ti 7’s strongest highlights.
How does the BYD Ti 7 PHEV look?
The Ti 7 features a bold “Interstellar Ark” exterior design with a distinctive boxy aesthetic. Both the headlights and taillights feature LED elements with squared-off graphics to complete the look. Overall, the SUV looks premium, modern and suitably rugged without appearing overly aggressive.
What is the price of the BYD Ti 7 PHEV?
Prices for the BYD Ti 7 PHEV starts at AED 156,900 for the base ‘Design’ trim. The top trim called ‘Premium’ retails at AED 169,900 in the UAE.
What are the options available on the BYD Ti 7 PHEV?
Al-Futtaim BYD UAE offers the Ti 7 in two trim options for the UAE – Design and Premium. A total of seven exterior colour options along with three interior upholstery options are available, regardless of the trim selected.
Lucas Bellieud, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, commented: “The PHEV segment in the UAE is growing, and customer expectations within it are rising. Adding the Ti 7 to our lineup is a deliberate move to ensure we have the right product for drivers who want the flexibility of hybrid technology in a capable, lifestyle-oriented SUV. It reflects our broader commitment to making electrified mobility relevant and accessible for more people across the country.”
