- GAC’s new Yue 7 borrows heavily from the Defender and GX.
- Under the boxy body sits a plug-in 1.5-liter four-cylinder.
- All-electric range reaches up to 117 miles on a full charge.
China’s crowded market for rugged SUVs has another contender. It’s called the Yue 7, and it comes from GAC. After surfacing in government filings a few months back, official images have now arrived, including the first look at the interior, along with a batch of key details.
What gives the Yue 7 its immediate sense of purpose is the brand’s so-called octagonal design language, meant to look bold and tough, though we can’t help seeing shades of the Land Rover Defender and Lexus GX. Oddly, very few parts are actually shaped like octagons, but that’s neither here nor there.
Read: Trumpchi’s New SUV Looks Like A Land Cruiser Wearing A Defender’s Coat
Making the Yue 7 stand out from other GAC products are squared matrix headlights, each bordered by five square LED DRL segments. The GAC badge has been incorporated into the grille, while the lower portion of the fascia is dominated by black plastic elements so owners needn’t worry about scuffing up the paint during steep ascents or descents while off-roading.
The boxy shape continues down the sides with angular wheel arches, black side steps, large wing mirrors, and chunky door handles. GAC notes multiple wheel and tire packages will be available, as will be three different tailgate configurations.
A Tech-Heavy, But Traditional Cabin
For the first time, we can also see what the cabin of the Yue 7 looks like, and it should definitely appeal to modern off-roading enthusiasts. Positioned at the base of the windshield is a 1.1-meter-wide head-up display, not dissimilar to what you’ll find in BMW’s Neue Klasse models, including the new iX3 and i3. A 15.6-inch display is then positioned in the middle of the dashboard, while behind the steering wheel are three digital gauges which have some lovely retro vibes.
Other key elements include the chunky four-spoke steering wheel, the abundance of buttons below the central air vents and on the central tunnel, as well as a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger. Just like you’ll find in a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, there are also several auxiliary toggles, meaning owners will be able to wire in their own accessories. GAC says the cabin will be available in Sand Gold, Black, and Cloud White interior color themes.
GAC has not yet released powertrain specifications, but May’s leak revealed some details. The standard model will use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder working alongside an electric motor and either a 28.3 kWh or 45.9 kWh battery pack. Power figures aren’t known, but the Yue 7 will have an all-electric driving range of up to 117 miles (188 km).
