GAC Trumpchi Yue 7 2027: The 536 HP PHEV Off-Roader with 188 km EV Range & Huawei LiDAR
The GAC Trumpchi Yue 7 is not merely another boxy SUV—it is China's 5-meter, 536 hp PHEV off-road statement that can drive on a single wheel while three others lose traction, and quintuple its torque at low speeds to conquer obstacles . Inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender, the Yue 7 combines rugged body-on-frame styling with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a Huawei 896-channel LiDAR . With a length of up to 5,045 mm, a 2,900 mm wheelbase, and a five-seat cabin, it targets the Denza B5 and Tank 400 segments . The Yue 7 features a 1.5L turbo engine producing 125 kW, paired with dual electric motors for a total system output of 400 kW (536 hp) and a staggering 10,000 Nm of wheel torque . Battery options range from 28.3 kWh to 45.9 kWh, offering an electric-only range of 116 to 188 km . Pre-sales begin in China in Q3 2026, with exports planned for South Africa, Australia, and Russia . This is the story of how GAC is building a Chinese Defender.
1. What Is the GAC Yue 7? China's PHEV Defender Fighter
- Name: GAC Trumpchi Yue 7 (2027)
- Brand: Trumpchi (sub-brand of GAC Group)
- Role: Mid-to-large luxury off-road SUV
- Length: 4,999–5,045 mm (196.8–198.6 in)
- Width: 2,004–2,030 mm (78.9–79.9 in)
- Height: 1,933 mm (76.1 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm (114.2 in)
- Seating: 5-seat
- Curb Weight: 2,330 kg
- Launch: Q3 2026 (China)
- Key Feature: Boxy Defender-style design, 536 hp PHEV, 10,000 Nm wheel torque, 188 km EV range, Huawei LiDAR
The Yue 7 is the first serious off-road SUV from GAC's Trumpchi brand . It debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026 under the working name "Trumpchi T75" before receiving its final Yue 7 designation . The vehicle is built on the GMC Thunder 3.0 platform with a unibody construction specially reinforced for off-road use, rather than a traditional ladder frame . It is designed to appeal to buyers who want the rugged, boxy look of a Defender or Land Cruiser with the efficiency and technology of a modern plug-in hybrid .
So What? The Yue 7's design is a deliberate visual nod to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender, combining boxy proportions, rectangular headlights, flared wheel arches, and a rear-mounted spare tire . Unlike traditional off-roaders, however, the Yue 7 uses a unibody construction optimized for strength, rather than a body-on-frame design . This allows for better on-road manners while still offering impressive off-road capability—including the ability to drive on a single wheel .
2. 5 Fast Facts About the GAC Yue 7
- 1. 536 hp PHEV Powertrain: The Yue 7's plug-in hybrid system combines a 125 kW (168 hp) 1.5L turbo engine with dual electric motors for a total system output of 400 kW (536 hp) and 10,000 Nm of torque at the wheels .
- 2. 188 km Electric-Only Range: With the optional 45.9 kWh battery pack, the Yue 7 can travel up to 188 km on electricity alone, making it ideal for daily commutes without using fuel . A smaller 28.3 kWh pack offers a 116 km range .
- 3. Drives on One Wheel: The Yue 7's intelligent i-4WD system can maintain traction even when three wheels lose grip, effectively driving on a single wheel—a capability typically found on much more expensive off-roaders .
- 4. 5x Torque Multiplication: In low-speed "crawling" mode, the Yue 7 can multiply its wheel torque by five times, dramatically improving its ability to climb steep inclines and navigate deep mud or sand .
- 5. 30° Approach / 33° Departure Angles: With approach and departure angles of 30 and 33 degrees respectively, the Yue 7 offers genuine off-road geometry, matching many traditional body-on-frame SUVs .
3. GAC Yue 7 Performance Metrics
Powertrain
- Type: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (125 kW / 168 hp / 245 Nm)
- Electric Motors: Dual motors (one per axle)
- Combined Power: 400 kW (536 hp)
- Wheel Torque: 10,000 Nm (in low-speed mode)
- Battery Options: 28.3 kWh, 38.9 kWh, 45.9 kWh (NMC)
- Electric Range (CLTC): 116–188 km
- Fuel Tank: Not specified
- Drivetrain: Intelligent i-4WD (dual-motor AWD)
- Charging: External charging supported
Dimensions & Off-Road
- Length: 4,999–5,045 mm
- Width: 2,004–2,030 mm
- Height: 1,933 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
- Curb Weight: 2,330 kg
- Gross Weight: 2,810 kg
- Approach Angle: 30°
- Departure Angle: 33°
- Chassis: Unibody (reinforced)
- Suspension: Not specified (likely independent)
- Tires: 18-inch beadlock-style wheels
Analysis: The Yue 7's 536 hp output places it above the Land Rover Defender P400e (398 hp) and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (not offered in PHEV), while its 10,000 Nm wheel torque—achieved through torque multiplication in low-speed mode—is exceptional for the segment. The 188 km electric range is among the best for a PHEV SUV, surpassing the Denza B5 (90 km WLTP) . The approach and departure angles of 30° and 33° are competitive with traditional off-roaders, despite the unibody construction .
4. Design: Defender and Land Cruiser Inspiration
- Design Inspiration: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender
- Key Cues: Boxy silhouette, rectangular LED headlights, vertical closed grille with GAC lettering, flared wheel arches, aggressive bumpers
- Rear: Side-hinged tailgate, externally mounted spare tire, vertical taillights
- Exterior Features: Roof rack, 18-inch beadlock-style wheels, side steps, black cladding
- Colors: Multiple options including matte finishes
- Interior: Not yet revealed (premium focus expected)
- Seating: Five-seat layout (no third row)
The Yue 7's design is a deliberate departure from GAC's previous SUV offerings, embracing a boxy, utilitarian aesthetic that clearly references the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender . The front end features a closed-off grille with the GAC lettering, flanked by rectangular headlights. The side profile is dominated by flared wheel arches and a high beltline, while the rear gets a side-hinged tailgate with an externally mounted spare tire—a classic off-road feature . The interior, which has not yet been fully revealed, is expected to have a premium focus in keeping with Trumpchi's upmarket positioning .
5. Technology: Huawei LiDAR and Intelligent 4WD
- LiDAR: 896-channel Huawei unit on the roof
- ADAS: Advanced driver assistance (self-driving capabilities)
- Drivetrain: GMC 3.0 PHEV system with intelligent i-4WD
- Off-Road Features: One-wheel drive capability, 5x torque multiplication in low-speed crawling mode
- Infotainment: Not yet revealed
The Yue 7 is equipped with a Huawei 896-channel LiDAR mounted on the roof, enabling advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving capabilities . This is a significant technology upgrade for an off-road-focused vehicle, placing it ahead of competitors like the Land Cruiser Prado and Defender, which offer less advanced ADAS systems in their PHEV variants .
The intelligent i-4WD system is the Yue 7's other technological highlight. It can continue driving even when three wheels lose traction, redistributing torque to the remaining wheel—a capability that GAC has highlighted as a key differentiator . In low-speed "crawling" mode, the system can multiply wheel torque by five times, allowing the Yue 7 to climb steep inclines and navigate challenging terrain that would stop less capable vehicles .
6. Competition: GAC Yue 7 vs. The Rivals
- vs Denza B5: The Yue 7 offers more power (536 hp vs ~400 hp), a longer electric range (188 km vs 90 km WLTP), and a larger battery (45.9 kWh vs 31.8 kWh) . The Denza B5 uses BYD's Blade Battery technology .
- vs Tank 400 (Great Wall): The Tank 400 is a body-on-frame PHEV off-roader with similar dimensions. The Yue 7 offers more power and a longer electric range, but the Tank 400 has a more traditional off-road chassis .
- vs Land Rover Defender P400e: The Defender offers 398 hp and ~50 km of electric range, significantly less than the Yue 7. The Defender has superior brand prestige and a longer off-road heritage .
- vs Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (concept): Toyota has not yet released a PHEV Prado. The Yue 7 previews what a PHEV off-roader in this segment could look like, potentially pressuring Toyota to accelerate its electrification plans .
The Yue 7's primary advantages are its combination of power, electric range, and technology. It outpowers the Defender P400e and offers more than three times the electric range, while the Huawei LiDAR gives it a significant ADAS edge over its rivals .
7. Why This Matters for the Global SUV Market
The GAC Yue 7 matters for three reasons. First, it demonstrates that Chinese manufacturers are moving into the premium off-road SUV segment with competitive technology. The combination of 536 hp, 188 km EV range, and Huawei LiDAR at an expected price of 250,000–350,000 yuan ($35,000–$49,000) undercuts Western and Japanese rivals significantly .
Second, the Yue 7's Defender-inspired design is a clear signal that Chinese automakers are targeting the aspirational off-road market, not just utilitarian buyers. This could erode the brand equity of established players like Land Rover and Toyota in key markets .
Third, the Yue 7's export plans—including South Africa, Australia, and Russia—show that GAC is serious about becoming a global player . With a product that combines off-road capability, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, the Yue 7 could be a significant disruptor in the global SUV market .
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the GAC Yue 7?
The Yue 7 is a mid-to-large luxury off-road SUV from GAC's Trumpchi brand, featuring a 536 hp PHEV powertrain, 188 km electric range, and Defender-inspired design .
How much power does the Yue 7 have?
The Yue 7's PHEV system produces 400 kW (536 hp) and 10,000 Nm of torque at the wheels in low-speed mode .
What is the Yue 7's electric range?
With the optional 45.9 kWh battery, the Yue 7 offers up to 188 km of electric-only range . A smaller 28.3 kWh battery offers 116 km .
Can the Yue 7 drive on one wheel?
Yes. The intelligent i-4WD system can maintain traction on a single wheel even when the other three lose grip .
Is the Yue 7 body-on-frame?
No. The Yue 7 uses a unibody construction that has been specially reinforced for off-road use .
Does the Yue 7 have LiDAR?
Yes, the Yue 7 is equipped with a Huawei 896-channel LiDAR on the roof for advanced driver assistance .
When will the Yue 7 launch?
The Yue 7 is expected to launch in China in Q3 2026 .
Will the Yue 7 be available outside China?
Yes. GAC has confirmed exports to South Africa (2026), and is considering Australia and Russia .
How much will the Yue 7 cost?
The Yue 7 is expected to be priced between 250,000 and 350,000 yuan ($35,000–$49,000) in China .
What is the Yue 7's off-road geometry?
The Yue 7 offers an approach angle of 30° and a departure angle of 33° .
9. The Future of GAC Off-Road
The Yue 7 is a critical model for GAC as it seeks to reclaim market share in China's competitive SUV segment. The brand's domestic deliveries fell by 25.8% year-over-year in April 2026, making the Yue 7 a key part of its recovery strategy .
The Yue 7's export plans are equally significant. GAC has confirmed that the model will launch in South Africa in 2026 , with Australia and Russia being considered . The vehicle's combination of Defender-inspired styling, PHEV efficiency, and advanced technology could make it a serious competitor to established off-road SUVs in these markets .
For enthusiasts of the original Land Rover Defender, the Yue 7 might seem like an imitation—but it represents a new chapter for Chinese off-road vehicles, one that combines global design cues with Chinese electrification expertise and aggressive pricing .
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Sources: GAC, Trumpchi, Car News China, ZR.ru, CAR Magazine, Drive, CarExpert, Autodeft, 5 Koleso, Auto Mail, NaAvtotrasse, Vietnam.vn, Speedo Science Database
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