GAC is making a direct play for Spain’s SUV market with the new Yue 7, a plug-in hybrid that takes clear design cues from the Land Rover Defender. It offers a large boot at a price that undercuts much of the competition. The launch comes as Chinese automakers continue to expand in Europe. Reuters reports that GAC is already active in several European countries, including Spain, and is considering expanding production in Europe with Magna or other partners.
The Yue 7 is over five meters long and two meters wide. With the rear seats folded, the boot holds up to 1,860 liters; with all seats up, capacity is 745 liters. That puts it among the most spacious SUVs in its class, making it an option for families and anyone who needs room for gear.
Under the hood, the Yue 7 pairs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid system. The base version produces 170 CV from the petrol engine and 279 CV from the front electric motor, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.5 seconds. The all-wheel-lead version adds a rear electric motor, bringing total output to 299 CV and cutting the 0 to 100 km/h time to 4.2 seconds. Industry sources describe the Yue 7 as a large plug-in hybrid SUV, sized and powered to compete directly with other major hybrid SUVs in Europe.
Buyers can choose between two battery packs: 28.3 kWh or 50 kWh. They deliver an electric range of 161 to 261 kilometers on the CLTC cycle, or 132 to 214 kilometers under the European WLTP standard. Sector analysts say the model is part of GAC’s wider plan to expand its European lineup, with up to six models by 2028 and eight by 2030.
Inside, the Yue 7 pairs modern technology with touches inspired by classic 4x4s. The dashboard features a wide 1.1-meter display like the BMW iX3, alongside a 15.6-inch touchscreen; three analog dials sit behind the wheel. Practical details include a column-mounted gear selector and physical buttons on the center tunnel. The cabin also has wireless phone charging and hidden storage. The rear seats recline up to 127 degrees for comfort on long trips.
Industry publications say GAC and other Chinese brands still largely assemble vehicles in Europe from Chinese kits. They have yet to reach the localization threshold required for full European production status. That has implications for regulatory and tariff risks as sales expand in the EU.
Driver assistance comes standard. The Yue 7 has the ADiGO 3.0 suite, which uses 27 sensors. The top trim adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor with 192 lines of resolution, enabling navigation-assisted driving (NOA) in both city and highway settings. The system is Level 2, so the driver must stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. WeRide announced on September 22 that the Yue 7 would be its first mass-market passenger model with the WRD 3.0 system, featuring end-to-end assisted driving and off-road support. GAC and WeRide say the system gives the SUV a tech edge over many rivals.
Price is where GAC aims to make its biggest splash. In China, the Yue 7 starts at 169,800 yuan (about €22,074) and goes up to 215,800 yuan (€28,054) before discounts. A limited-time offer lowers the entry price to 161,800 yuan, just over €21,000. That is less than the BYD Ti 7, which ranges from 179,800 to 239,800 yuan (€23,374 to €31,174). GAC pitches the Yue 7 as a value choice for buyers seeking space and technology without paying for a premium badge. Independent automotive media describe it as a full production model, not a concept, and its Chinese pricing sets the tone for its international rollout.
The Yue 7’s tough, boxy look is deliberate: GAC is targeting buyers who want the presence of a Land Rover Defender, along with the efficiency and lower running costs of a plug-in hybrid. The international version, called the GAC XT80, is expected to follow, taking the brand further beyond China. Reports say the Yue 7’s unusual design helps distinguish it from the Defender, while its high-tech interior adds another point of difference. The Defender remains a styling reference.
Spanish buyers have already shown strong interest in hybrid SUVs from China, as other recent launches show. The Yue 7 enters a fast-changing segment where buyers expect electrification alongside bold design and practical space.
GAC plans to offer an SUV packed with features and priced to put pressure on established brands. The Yue 7’s space and technology, combined with its pricing, could shift Spanish families’ expectations for a hybrid SUV. If GAC delivers on after-sales support and reliability, the model could become a value benchmark in the segment.
