BYD S7

Like on the outside, things have been diluted on the inside as well. The S7 features the same layout as that of the Tang, however, it misses out on some features and comes with a revised interior cabin trim.

While the three-spoke steering wheel is the same as that on the Tang, the S7 comes with a different semi-digital instrument console, which feels more advanced to look at. The center console with the large 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as round AC vents and a round LCD compass between them has been shared with the Tang as well.

The biggest change, however, is the color choices of the cabin. While the Tang features a dual tone black and tan finished with dark black faux wood texture, the S7 goes with a simpler and more conventional black and beige finish. The S7 too gets a seven-seater layout, with limited legroom and headroom levels for the third row.

The BYD S7, like the Tang, has a prominent road presence, thanks to its modern styling and big road presence, owing to its large dimensions.

The front view of the BYD S7 comes with lesser aggression as compared to that of the Tang. The front grille design has been diluted for a more conventional approach, with a classic trapezoidal grille and full LED headlamps with daytime running LEDs as well as revised front bumper design. This overall design still gives the BYD S7 a commanding front fascia

From the sides, the BYD S7 looks exactly the same as the Tang, save for a couple of omissions. The S7 misses out on the chrome touches on the lower portion of the doors as well as side steps, which make it look lesser rugged. However, it still does with chrome garnish on window waistline as well as machined alloy wheels.

The rear profile of the BYD S7 mirrors that of the Tang, with large and swanky looking LED tail lamps and chrome garnish between them.

Blessed with independent Macpherson struts at both the front and rear, the BYD S7 feels pliant and composed despite being large in size, all thanks to the soft suspension setup. The S7comes with smaller 18-inch alloy wheels, which do add in its plush ride quality setup. Though, the large turning radius of 5.9m makes the SUV feel cumbersome to ride within city traffic a bit.

The BYD S7 misses out on the presence of an electric motor, and comes only with a gasoline-powered turbo petrol engine under its hood. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine here is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and can generate a maximum power output of 205 PS and 320 Nm of peak torque output. The engine transfers the power produced to only front wheels, and thanks to the excellent power and torque figures, the BYD S7 is one of the fastest accelerating SUVs in its category.

The list of safety features in the BYD S7 is the same as that on its more premium version, the Tang. The S7 is equipped with six airbags, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, engine immobilizer, six reverse radar sensors, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control and electronic parking brake.

The BYD S7 might not be as technically rich as the Tang when it comes to engine and performance, but apart from that, it borrows all the right and positive attributes of the more premium hybrid SUV. The good looking SUV has got a premium and luxurious cabin with all the necessary features one expects from a mass market flagship SUV. At the same time, being a premium SUV, it has got a perfect balance of comfort and performance, which makes it a good choice for conventional SUV buyers.