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. Look closely and you’ll see that the headlights used on the test car are clearly smaller than required.
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 204hp 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.
![](https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/themes/carscoops/assets/images/icons/arrow.png"){kind=icon}