GAC launches the Yue 7 hybrid SUV in Spain, bringing a rugged Defender-inspired design, up to 1,860 liters of boot space, and a starting price just over €21,000. The model goes straight at established rivals with strong specs and aggressive pricing.
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 comes with a huge boot and a price that undercuts much of the competition. The Yue 7’s launch is a shot at established brands, as Chinese automakers keep pushing into Europe. Reuters reports that GAC is already active in several European countries, including Spain, and is looking at expanding production in Europe with Magna or other partners. This shows how much weight GAC puts on the Yue 7’s launch in the region.
The Yue 7 stands out for its size and practicality. It’s over five meters long and two meters wide. With the rear seats folded, the boot holds up to 1,860 liters. Even with all seats up, you still get 745 liters. That puts it among the most spacious SUVs in its class, a clear draw for families and anyone who needs room for gear.
WeRide officially announced on September 22 the launch of the first mass-market passenger model Yue 7 with WRD 3.0 system, featuring end-to-end assisted driving and off-road support.
Under the hood, the Yue 7 uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The base version puts out 170 CV from the petrol engine and 279 CV from the front electric motor. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version adds a rear electric motor, bringing total output to 299 CV and cutting the 0–100 km/h time to 4.2 seconds. Industry sources confirm the Yue 7 is a large plug-in hybrid SUV, sized and powered to compete directly with other major hybrid SUVs in Europe.
Buyers can pick between two battery packs: 28.3 kWh or 50 kWh. That means an electric range of 161 to 261 kilometers on the CLTC cycle, or 132 to 214 kilometers under the European WLTP standard. These numbers put the Yue 7 among the top plug-in hybrids for pure electric driving in its segment. Sector analysts say this model is part of GAC’s bigger plan to expand its lineup in Europe, aiming for up to six models by 2028 and eight by 2030.
Inside, the Yue 7 mixes modern tech with touches that nod to classic 4x4s. The dashboard has a wide 1.1-meter display like the BMW iX3, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, and three analog dials behind the wheel. There are practical features everywhere: a column-mounted gear selector, physical buttons on the center tunnel, wireless phone charging, and hidden storage. Rear seats recline up to 127 degrees for comfort on long trips.
Industry sources note that in Europe, GAC and other Chinese brands still largely assemble vehicles from Chinese kits and have not yet reached the localization threshold required for full European production status. This has implications for regulatory and tariff risks as sales expand in the EU.
Driver assistance is standard. The Yue 7 comes with the ADiGO 3.0 suite, using 27 sensors. The top trim adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor with 192 lines of resolution, which enables navigation-assisted driving (NOA) in both city and highway settings. Still, this is a Level 2 system, so the driver must stay alert and keep hands on the wheel. GAC and WeRide say the WRD 3.0 system in the Yue 7 supports end-to-end assisted driving and off-road features, giving it a tech edge over many rivals.
Price is where GAC wants to make the 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. With a limited-time offer, the entry price drops to 161,800 yuan—just over €21,000. That’s less than the BYD Ti 7, which ranges from 179,800 to 239,800 yuan (€23,374 to €31,174). The Yue 7 is pitched as a value choice for buyers who want space and tech without paying for a premium badge. Independent automotive media confirm the Yue 7 is 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 no accident. GAC is after buyers who want the presence of a Land Rover Defender but with the efficiency and lower running costs of a plug-in hybrid. The international version, called the GAC XT80, is expected to follow, pushing the brand further outside China. Reports note the Yue 7 stands out for its unusual design and high-tech interior, helping it carve out a different image from the Defender, which is more of a style reference here.
Spanish buyers have already shown strong interest in hybrid SUVs from China, as seen with other recent launches. The Yue 7 joins a fast-changing segment, where buyers now expect not just electrification but also bold design and real-world practicality.
GAC’s plan is simple: offer a feature-packed, eye-catching SUV at a price that forces established brands to pay attention. The Yue 7’s mix of space, tech, and sharp pricing could change what Spanish families expect from a hybrid SUV. If GAC can back up its promises with good after-sales support and reliability, the Yue 7 could become a new benchmark for value in the hybrid SUV market.
