BYD S7: prices and specifications

BYD S7 became the successor to the popular crossover S6 in China. The letter 'S' in the model name indicates its belonging to the crossover class, and the number '7' indicates the serial number.

The commercial success of the BYD S6 in the Asian market prompted the company's management to create its successor. Development of the new car began in 2011. Engineers took the 'six' as a basis, planning to equip the car with a powertrain from a new series of engines developed by BYD specifically for future generations of the model. Designers were tasked with giving the new model a modern look consistent with the current corporate style. Special attention was paid to the front: headlights, radiator grille, bumper, and hood. The side panels and rear were initially planned to remain as on the S6, but later the rear part was updated with new taillights, tailgate, and bumper. The interior, compared to the 'six', saw improved quality of finishing materials. The equipment list included a surround-view system, night vision, a multimedia system with a 500 GB hard drive, and a driver condition monitoring system. The car also received a new steering wheel, instrument panel, and center console.

Prototypes of the S7 underwent testing in China throughout 2012. Based on the results, the rear suspension was retuned, making it stiffer to improve handling.

The official premiere of the BYD S7 took place in April 2013 at the Shanghai Auto Show. The car is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, which works in conjunction with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Drive is front-wheel or plug-in all-wheel drive.