GAC Yue 7 detailed further ahead of South African debut

The GAC Yue 7, a highly anticipated electric vehicle, has unveiled additional details in China prior to its anticipated South African release next month. Positioned as a competitor to Chinese models like the Fangchengbao Bao 5/Denza B5, Jetour G700, GWM Tank 300/400, and foreign competitors such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest, the Yue 7 is powered by a unibody Thunder 3.0 platform lacking a low-range transfer case.

Its distinctive, boxy exterior features a fixed spare tire at the rear. With seating for five, the Yue 7 measures 5,045 mm in length, 2,900 mm in wheelbase, 1,933 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Notably, the absence of a reduction gear is compensated for by its standard air suspension system, providing a ground clearance of up to 310 mm, and three locking differentials.

The vehicle's powertrain is a plug-in hybrid, comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a battery pack with either a 28.3-kWh or 45-kWh capacity, powering two electric motors. This configuration yields a combined output of 400 kW, enabling the Yue 7 to achieve a range of up to 116 km on electricity alone or 188 km when utilizing the battery and electric motors.

Official confirmation from GAC notes a towing capacity of 1,600 kg and a combined range of up to 1,200 km, combining both the combustion engine and electric power. Inside, the Yue 7 maintains manual controls, featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a pillar-to-pillar binnacle, and a driver-oriented gear selector. The vehicle also incorporates LiDAR, a 540-degree surround-view camera system, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats.

While pricing has yet to be announced, it is projected that the Yue 7 will retail around R440,000 in China. The vehicle is set to debut in South Africa sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.