China loves large SUVs: new flagship from BYD
China’s market continues to show incredible demand for oversized SUVs. Fangchengbao, a brand owned by BYD, has decided to offer its own version of such a vehicle — the new flagship Tai 9. It is a large three-row model focused on luxury, but with a characteristically rugged, angular exterior that Chinese buyers love.
Powertrain: hybrid with a long range
According to regulatory documents, the Tai 9 will get a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 147 hp (110 kW). It works as a generator for a large 66.5 kWh battery and two electric motors, each producing 268 hp (200 kW). The manufacturer has not yet revealed total power and torque.
However, it is already known that on electric power alone, the Tai 9 can drive 192 miles (310 km) — a fairly impressive figure for such a large vehicle. In addition, the model will support BYD’s proprietary fast-charging technology with up to 1500 kW.
Dimensions: bigger than BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS
The dimensions of the new Fangchengbao are impressive. The vehicle is 5270 mm long, 1999 mm wide, and 1850 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3130 mm. That makes it roughly the same size as the Zeekr 9X and longer than traditional large SUVs, including the BMW X7 (5171 mm) and Mercedes-Benz GLS (5208 mm).
Design: luxury in angular forms
The published images of the new Tai 9 show the car in a two-tone black-and-gold finish. This combination immediately hints at a high level of luxury. At the same time, the backdrop in the photos is mostly off-road landscapes, so the model appears to retain a significant portion of the go-anywhere character inherent in other Fangchengbao models.
At the front, there is an LED strip spanning the full width of the body and a silver element in the center of the bumper. Other details include square wheel arches with black inserts, running boards, roof rails, and considerable ground clearance. At the rear, T-shaped taillights and additional silver accents can be seen.
Interior and layout
Fangchengbao has not yet published official photos of the Tai 9’s interior. However, it is known that the vehicle will be offered in a 2+2+2 configuration, meaning three rows of seats. Spy shots taken in China show that the cabin will include a digital instrument cluster and a large single screen that combines the infotainment system and the front passenger display.
What this means for the market
Thus, the Tai 9 becomes another very ambitious step by BYD in the large premium SUV segment. It combines a spacious cabin, a hybrid powertrain with a solid all-electric range, and a distinctive off-road style. Given the rapid development of China’s EV market and the continued growth in demand for large SUVs, the Tai 9 can be expected to attract the attention of both local buyers and those watching BYD’s expansion into international markets. The focus on luxury and fast-charging technology could become an important advantage in the fight against traditional German rivals.