Al-Futtaim BYD has launched the all-new Ti 7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the United Arab Emirates, targeting drivers seeking a sport utility vehicle that combines electric driving within cities with a longer range for road trips, amid intensifying competition in the country's new car market.
The new vehicle, priced from 156,900 dirhams, forms part of the company's expansion of electric and plug-in hybrid models in the UAE, as automakers seek to attract customers who remain hesitant about switching entirely to electric vehicles due to concerns over charging and range.
Lucas Pelillo, General Manager of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, said the Ti 7 was designed to meet the needs of different categories of users, from daily urban driving to long-distance trips and some off-road use.
In exclusive comments, he said the vehicle is "capable of meeting multiple needs", noting that it combines comfort for city use, power for long journeys, and some off-road driving capability, alongside a suite of modern technologies.
The Ti 7 runs on a plug-in hybrid system based on BYD's DM-P platform, which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors. The vehicle's combined maximum output is 480 horsepower, with torque of up to 630 Newton-metres, and a 0 to 100 kilometres per hour acceleration time of approximately 5.3 seconds.
The company says the vehicle offers a total range of up to 870 kilometres under the WLTC standard, alongside a full electric range of 80 kilometres, placing it among vehicles aimed at reducing daily fuel dependence without forgoing an internal combustion engine for longer trips.
Pelillo said plug-in hybrid vehicles can be a practical solution for customers not yet ready to make the full switch to electric vehicles. He added that he personally drives a plug-in hybrid for his daily commute, using it almost entirely on electric power thanks to the ability to charge it at home or the office.
He went on to say that this type of vehicle gives drivers a near-electric experience within the city, while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer distances — such as trips to remote areas within the country — where some users do not wish to plan ahead for charging stops.
The vehicle features four-wheel drive, a DISUS-C intelligent suspension system, and dedicated driving modes for mud, sand, snow and mountain terrain, as well as functions including crawl control, a high-performance mode and tank-turn capability — features targeting a market where four-wheel-drive vehicles and those capable of handling varied terrain enjoy wide popularity.
The Ti 7 has a boxy exterior design and a cabin equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch LCD screen and a 26-inch head-up display. Interior features include a 14-speaker audio system, ventilated seats, a massage function in higher trim levels, a 4.5-litre mini refrigerator and an air purification system.
On safety, the vehicle includes 9 airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera and the DIPILOT 5 system, along with a range of driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and a tyre-burst stability control system.
BYD competes in the UAE in an open market that includes a large number of global, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and European brands. Pelillo said the UAE market is "very open" and does not feature significant barriers to competition, viewing this as beneficial to the consumer because it pushes companies to improve their products and services.
Responding to a question about the traditional image associated with some Chinese cars, Pelillo said customer perceptions have changed in recent years, arguing that major Chinese brands now offer better products in terms of quality, technology and manufacturing. He noted that BYD benefits from its position as a major technology company in the automotive sector and from its investments in batteries and electric drive systems.
He added that Al-Futtaim is a name with a long history in the UAE and Gulf market, and that quality is therefore a foundation the company does not compromise on across all the products it brings to market, ensuring the full availability of spare parts and maintenance services. The partnership between BYD and Al-Futtaim, he said, confirms to the market that it is dealing with a vehicle it can rely on.
Pelillo noted that vehicles offered in the UAE undergo market-suitability testing, including tests in high temperatures and harsh conditions, before going on sale.
Pelillo also spoke about the impact of logistical disruptions on the automotive sector, saying the situation is no longer merely "difficult" but has become "highly complex", due to changes in shipping routes and supply chains compared with what they were before recent regional disruptions.
He said the company is continually having to adjust its operating methods, transport routes and suppliers, but added that Al-Futtaim BYD currently has vehicles and spare parts available and that supplies are ongoing. He noted that BYD owns its own ships, while Al-Futtaim benefits from its logistics arm in the region.
On pricing, Pelillo said the company is trying to limit the impact of rising shipping costs and logistical disruptions on consumers, adding that it has not directly raised prices but has made some adjustments due to increased costs.
BYD is seeking to expand its presence in the UAE by launching new models across different segments. Pelillo said the company has released a large number of products in a short period, and that its forthcoming plans include covering a wider range of market segments — from lower-priced vehicles to higher-spec models, including off-road vehicles and pickup trucks at later stages.