BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand has introduced a battery electric vehicle (BEV) variant to its top-selling Tai 7 SUV, offering rear-wheel-drive (RWD) at 402 hp and all-wheel-drive (AWD) at 691 hp. This all-electric addition expands the family-oriented model’s appeal beyond its established plug-in hybrid versions, which launched in September 2025 starting at $25,250. EV buyers gain a zero-emission option in a competitive mid-size SUV segment without the 1.5T engine of the hybrids.
Background: Fang Cheng Bao’s Rise in BYD’s EV Portfolio
Fang Cheng Bao, a BYD sub-brand launched in 2023, focuses on rugged yet practical SUVs, bridging off-road capability with family usability. The Tai series, including the smaller Tai 3, targets urban families, contrasting the Bao series’ hardcore off-roaders like Bao 5 and Bao 8. The Tai 7, BYD Fang Cheng Bao’s second Tai model, debuted on September 9, 2025, as China’s first hybrid SUV with a unibody design from the brand, priced from RMB 179,800 ($25,250) to RMB 219,800 ($30,900).
The Tai 7 quickly became a bestseller, undercutting rivals like GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T and Li Auto L6, both starting at RMB 249,800. Its success stems from competitive pricing, long range over 1,300 km CLTC combined, and features like BYD’s in-house tablet for multi-screen collaboration. Now, with the February 2026 BEV announcement, Fang Cheng Bao strengthens its position in China’s booming EV SUV market, where BEVs hold a growing share amid policy pushes for emissions reduction.
Key Specifications
The original Tai 7 hybrids measure 4,999 mm long, 1,995 mm wide, 1,865 mm high, with a 2,920 mm wheelbase. The new BEV variant retains this footprint for five seats and family practicality. Detailed hybrid specs are below; BEV powertrain details remain limited beyond power outputs.
| Variant | Drivetrain | Engine/Motor Power | Battery | 0-100 km/h | CLTC EV Range | Price (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Hybrid | FWD | 1.5T 115 kW + 200 kW motor | 26.6 kWh | 7.5-7.9 s | 135 km | 179,800 |
| Mid Hybrid | FWD | 1.5T 115 kW + 200 kW motor | 35.6 kWh | 7.5-7.9 s | 170 km | 189,800-206,800 |
| Top Hybrid | AWD | 1.5T 115 kW + 160/200 kW motors | 35.6 kWh | 4.5 s | 200 km | 219,800 |
| Tai 7 BEV RWD | RWD | 402 hp (details not yet confirmed) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Tai 7 BEV AWD | AWD | 691 hp (details not yet confirmed) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
All hybrids include a 60 L fuel tank for over 1,300 km total range. Top hybrids feature God’s Eye B with LiDAR; others use God’s Eye C.
Powertrain and Performance Analysis
The hybrid Tai 7 uses BYD’s DM-O system with a 1.5T engine (115 kW/154 hp, 225 Nm) paired with motors: single 200 kW/315 Nm front for base models, or dual 160 kW front/200 kW rear for AWD. This delivers strong acceleration—4.5 seconds 0-100 km/h in top trims—while LFP batteries ensure safety and cost efficiency. The BEV shift to pure electric power promises even quicker response without engine noise, with RWD at 402 hp (likely ~300 kW) and AWD at 691 hp (~515 kW), rivaling performance EVs.
Dimensions support spacious interiors: five seats, a large sunroof, and rugged trim per spy shots. No ceiling screen noted, unlike some rivals, prioritizing a tablet-based interface. LiDAR on top trims enables advanced ADAS like DiPilot 300.
Design and Features for Family Use
Tai 7 blends boxy off-road styling—seen in green/yellow spy shots—with unibody comfort for city driving. Interior reveals black/white or black/orange themes, grab handles, and a floating screen. It positions between Leopard 5 and 8, offering storage on the tailgate and 360° cameras. The BEV variant likely mirrors this, enhancing appeal for zero-emission families seeking rugged looks without off-road extremes.
Market Comparison
| Model | Starting Price (RMB) | Powertrain | 0-100 km/h (top) | EV Range (CLTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 Hybrid | 179,800 | PHEV | 4.5 s | 200 km |
| GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T | 249,800 | PHEV | ~6 s | ~200 km |
| Li Auto L6 | 249,800 | EREV | 5.3 s | ~200 km |
| BYD Tang EV (ref) | ~300,000+ | BEV | 4.9 s | 530 km WLTP |
Tai 7 hybrids undercut competitors by 28%, with similar performance. BEV could challenge pricier BEVs like Tang if priced under RMB 250,000, though battery/range specs are pending.
Verdict
The Tai 7 BEV cements Fang Cheng Bao’s versatility, adding high-power electric options to a proven bestseller for families wanting rugged style, long range, and now pure EV efficiency. It’s ideal for Chinese urban buyers prioritizing value over luxury, but global availability and full BEV specs—like battery size and pricing—remain unconfirmed, leaving questions on competitiveness against Tesla Model Y or Zeekr 001. Wait for launch details before committing.
