The Chery Tiggo X7 is the first in a line of more rugged models to come from the Chinese brand – and, Autocar understands, it will be sold in the UK.
Although Chery has yet to officially confirm any plans for the new model, its UK MD Farrell Hsu recently told Autocar that it will offer the new X range of models here.
These are intended to provide a “different feeling” than the existing Tiggo range, targeting “lifestyle” buyers who would like a car capable of light off-roading for leisure activities.
To that end, the Tiggo X7 has a much boxier look than the other Cherys sold in the UK, being reminiscent of long-established 4x4s such as the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser.
It's fitted with prominent plastic cladding around its bumpers and arches, as well as tall all-terrain tyres, hinting at its more adventurous remit.
Chery has also yet to confirm whether it will follow the same naming template in the UK as China: BMW already sells the X7 luxury SUV here, alongside the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.
Technical details remain under wraps, but Hsu highlighted strong sales of Chery's plug-in hybrids and compared his vision for the brand to buying a phone: all models will eventually be PHEVs as standard and buyers will choose which battery size (and therefore electric range) they desire, in similar fashion to opting for a particular storage size.
Hsu added that the Chery Group’s new R&D base at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire will play a key role in refining future models for the British market.
He said: “So many people like the German feeling; cars that drive like a German car. It really gives them a very good impression. This is something we need to learn. Maybe in the future we can educate other markets [and their manufacturers], but currently we need to learn from them.”
Alongside the Tiggo X7, Chery revealed a new generation of the Tiggo 7, pictured above. Although it bears a strong external resemblance to the existing Tiggo 7, it's said to be an "all-new" car underneath.