Chinese automaker Brilliance was spotted testing an
SUV mule on European soil, which could be another indication of the company’s
plan to enter the region. The test car itself appears to be a bit larger than the last
Brilliance prototype spotted in Europe, featuring both headlights and
taillights from other models as a way of throwing us off.
In fact it looks like a facelifted version of the
Brilliance V7 that’s already been on sale in China; our suspicions were
confirmed once we looked inside. The interior design looks the same with the
existing model, retaining the characteristic portrait-style infotainment system
and the dashboard that takes several design cues from Volvo (mainly) and
Maserati.
Judging by the headlight cutouts, Brilliance is
looking to inject its mid-sized SUV with a more assertive and sporty front
fascia that includes a bolder front grille as well.
The Brilliance B7 is currently offered with a
turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine in China, producing 204 hp
and paired either to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission.
It offers seating for seven passengers, thanks to
its longer body than the V6 SUV it’s based on. Brilliance is reported to have
been working on a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its mid-sized SUV lineup.
Brilliance is one of BMW’s Chinese partners, with
the German car maker recently announcing that they will acquire more than 50
percent of their local joint venture, which currently runs two manufacturing
facilities in Tiexi and Dadong.
