Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has raided rival BYD’s Dutch offices, seizing documents as part of an escalating legal battle – accusing Chinese automotive giant of copying the design of its iconic Defender.

The legal action centres around , a boxy 4×4 plug-in hybrid frequently dubbed “China’s answer to the Defender.” Scheduled to launch in European markets in January, the vehicle is expected to retail at £47,995 – representing a price cut of more than £20,000 compared to an equivalent seven-seater Defender.

The model represents the latest competitive pressure facing legacy manufacturers as Chinese brands rapidly expand their footprint, now accounting for nearly a quarter of all new car sales in Britain.

JLR representatives secured the authorisation to seize records from BYD’s offices in Schiedam and Hoofddorp during the summer. While BYD reportedly dismissed the move as a “fishing expedition,” a Dutch court is slated to rule on procedural aspects of the case, including whether the evidence gathered can be used in the ongoing copycat dispute.

JLR is seeking to prove that BYD deliberately sought to replicate the distinctive design of the Defender, rather than independently developing a similar vehicle. Although JLR ultimately aims to keep the competing vehicle off the European market, the legal proceedings will not reach a final resolution before the January launch.

Neither company has commented directly on the ongoing litigation.

It comes as the head of Chinese automotive giant Chery hinted that he could seek to buy Jaguar from JLR. Yin Tongyue, the company’s chairman, told the Sunday Times: “For long-term success [Chery needs to become more of] a British brand … a British company,” and wanted to “find a sports car company that we can help”.

Chery has an existing agreement with JLR to license the Freelander design. Its subsidiary Jaecoo makes the Jaecoo 7, which has been nicknamed the Temu Range Rover and was Britain’s best-selling car last month.

Chinese manufacturers now account for almost a quarter of new car sales in Britain.

For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv