A new controversy has arisen in the automobile market regarding the design of the car. This time the British luxury car company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has raised questions on BYD, the world’s largest electric car maker. JLR alleges that BYD’s SUV Ti 7 looks similar to its popular model Defender 110. The dispute has also led to raids at two BYD offices in the Netherlands.
Digital records seized from BYD offices
In August 2026, court-appointed officials searched BYD’s offices in Schiedam and Hoofddorp, The Guardian reported. During this period, some important documents and digital records were taken into custody. The action was part of an ongoing legal case following a complaint by JLR.
JLR suspects that BYD completely opened up the Defender and gathered information about its design and technology. After this, this information was used to prepare Ti 7 through reverse engineering. However, BYD has not yet been proven in court to have violated any rights.
A court hearing will be held on November 11
A preliminary hearing on the dispute is scheduled for 11 November 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands. Byad’s lawyers have objected to the records seized in the raid. He termed this action as a ‘fishing campaign’. This means trying to gather information and evidence on a large scale without any set limits. Currently, both the companies have not made any official public statement on the matter.
Why does the BYD Ti 7 look like a Defender?
BYD launched the SUV in China in September 2025 as the Bao 7 under the Fang Cheng Bao brand. It was later renamed Tai 7. Its boxy design, tall and straight front, square wheel arches and rear storage compartment give it a Defender-like appearance.
The length of this SUV is 4,999 mm and the wheelbase is 2,920 mm. It is a 5-seater in China, while a 7-seater model is also planned for Europe. It has a PHEV option with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor. In April 2026, the company also introduced its electric model, which has a claimed range of up to 755 km.
The price is much lower than the Defender
The PHEV model of the Ti 7 in China starts at 1,79,800 Yuan. While the starting price of the electric version is 1,99,800 Yuan. BYD is now preparing to bring it to Europe as well. Its pre-bookings have started in Britain and it has been priced at 47,995 pounds (roughly Rs. 60.29 lakh). In comparison, the Defender 110 is priced at 68,465 pounds (roughly Rs. 86 lakh). Deliveries in the UK are expected to begin in January 2027.
JLR has already won such cases before
JLR has already fought a legal battle against a Chinese company over this design. In the year 2019, the company won the case against Jiangling Motor Corporation. In that case, the Landwind X7’s design is said to be similar to the Range Rover Evoque. Now the BYD Ti 7 controversy is also in discussion for this reason.
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