BYD previews hybrid Toyota LandCruiser rival, ute to follow

Chinese car brand BYD has previewed a new off-road SUV aimed at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota LandCruiser – which is set to spawn the basis of a new ute destined for Australia.

It is the first model under BYD's new "F" sub-brand – focused on off-road SUVs and utes – which will be sold in Chinese showrooms alongside the company's main line of BYD family cars and SUVs, and its new luxury YangWang range.

Whereas the YangWang U8 off-roader revealed by BYD in January was powered by batteries, the first new "F-brand" model – codenamed SF – is due to launch first as a hybrid, though an electric version is likely to follow.

It remains to be seen if the BYD 'SF' off-road SUV comes to Australia – either with hybrid or electric power – however it is believed to form the basis of a new electric ute planned for local showrooms next year.

Details of BYD’s new off-roader are scarce, though officials say it measures close to 5000mm in length and rides on wheelbase put at 2850mm – similar in length and identical in wheelbase to a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

The rugged styling and high ground clearance of the new model can be seen underneath the disguise of the prototype – which wears similar styling cues to BYD electric ute prototypes seen recently.

BYD says the SF will be powered by a new petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with a claimed output of over 500kW – or more than twice as much grunt as Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series twin-turbo V6 diesel.

MORE: BYD electric ute spied in China again, Australian launch due in 2024

Power is transferred through an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive with a fully-variable power split between the front and rear axles, as well as torque-vectoring functionality between the individual rear wheels.

Based on a 'ladder-frame' chassis, the new BYD model is also confirmed to receive front, centre and rear differential locks.

BYD officials say the F-brand will be positioned between the company's Denza (a partnership with Mercedes-Benz) and YangWang brands, with prices between RMB400,000 and RMB600,000 ($AU86,000 and $UA128,500) in China.

For now, there is no word on whether BYD plans to sell its new F-brand models in Australia.