BYD’s upmarket Fangchengbao brand has unveiled a new luxury plug-in hybrid SUV to crown its Chinese range.

The Fangchengbao Tai 9, which will adopt the Ti9 moniker in export markets, joins a growing list of high-end full-size luxury crossover SUVs vying for attention in China and looking to secure buyers in international markets.

Gold SUV parked on a dirt forest path, surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight
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The Ti9 offers impressive dimensions: 5270mm long, 1999mm wide, and 1850mm to 1880mm tall depending on the variant, with a 3130mm wheelbase. That last measurement matches that of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 sold in Australia, but the overall length beats it by 201mm.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of dual electric motors, one at each axle, powered by a 66.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. That gives a claimed 310km of electric-only range, albeit with no mention of which test cycle was used, although optimistic CLTC testing is most likely.

A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, with the ability to top up charge or, in some situations, power the wheels directly, also forms part of the drivetrain system. Figures for the Chinese market suggest 100kW from the engine, with the front and rear motors producing 90kW and 70kW of continuous output respectively. Both motors are rated to a limited-time peak output of 200kW each.

Like the slightly smaller BYD Ti7, which is already on sale in the UK and expected to appear in Australian showrooms, official images show the Ti9 adopts a boxy design language, with prominent bulged guards, black cladding on the sills and wheel arches, and contrasting front and rear bumper inserts.

Gold SUV shown from a front three-quarter view with black roof rails and chrome accents on a reflective surface.
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With Fangchenbao also functioning as the sales outlet for cars like the Denza B5 and B8 in China, the Ti9 adopts some cues from those off-road SUVs, but with a more road-biased focus and a monocoque chassis, which limits its off-road potential.

A full list of interior appointments has yet to be announced, but in keeping with the expectations of China’s full-size luxury SUV class, expect 2+2+2 seating with heating, ventilation and massage, a panoramic glass roof, multiple screens throughout the interior, multi-zone climate control, premium audio, an in-car refrigerator, and more.

With BYD’s UK branch offering the slightly smaller Ti7 as a BYD-branded model, it’s possible the Ti9 could be offered through the more upmarket Denza brand as a way to more clearly separate the two models for markets outside of China.