A Dutch court has handed BYD an early victory in a legal battle with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) regarding the design of the BYD Ti 7 SUV. JLR previously had BYD’s Netherlands offices raided by authorities, seizing digital records including launch plans and technical data. On November 11, a court in The Hague ruled that JLR must destroy the seized documents within 24 hours or face a penalty of €50,000 ($55,000) per hour of delay, up to a maximum of €500,000 ($553,000). Additionally, JLR must provide third-party confirmation of the destruction within 24 hours.
BYD Ti 7 Specifications and Pricing
The BYD Ti 7 features a boxy, rugged SUV design and includes a seven-seat arrangement specifically designed for the European and UK markets. It utilizes a DM-p (Dual Mode performance) powertrain setup combining three electric motors and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. This configuration delivers a combined 402 horsepower (408 PS) and enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.
The system is paired with a 35.6 kWh BYD Blade Battery, providing a pure-electric WLTP driving range of up to 74 miles, which extends to up to 102 miles in city driving conditions. In the UK, the SUV is available exclusively in the flagship Excellence AWD trim, starting at £47,995 ($64,000) on the road. By comparison, the plug-in Defender 110 starts at £71,840 ($95,500) in the UK.
Legal Arguments and Ongoing Proceedings
JLR alleges that the Ti 7 is a “slavish imitation” infringing on Land Rover Defender intellectual property and claims BYD reverse-engineered some of its technology. BYD’s legal counsel described the raid as a “fishing expedition” with excessive file seizures. While the Dutch court ruled that JLR must destroy the documents because the Ti 7 has not yet been sold in the European Union and the files are unnecessary, JLR is prohibited from further legal action under the initial seizure order. However, summary proceedings initiated by JLR regarding the alleged infringement remain active in Rotterdam and The Hague.
Relevance for European Buyers
For European and UK vehicle buyers, this ongoing legal dispute intersects with the market rollout of a new plug-in hybrid alternative in the large SUV segment. With confirmed UK pricing starting at £47,995, the Ti 7 enters the market significantly below established plug-in luxury rivals while offering a distinct powertrain configuration and a seven-seat layout. Monitoring these legal developments provides context on how imported models from new market entrants navigate regional intellectual property challenges.
Practical Takeaway
European buyers evaluating the BYD Ti 7 can purchase the vehicle in the UK starting at £47,995 for the Excellence AWD trim, featuring a 35.6 kWh Blade Battery and a 74-mile WLTP electric range. While legal proceedings between JLR and BYD continue in the Netherlands, current court orders do not prevent the availability of the vehicle where it is currently on sale.
Source: Original report