GWM updates Toyota RAV4-rivalling hybrid family SUV in China, but will this Haval H6-sized PHEV make it to Australia to help the Chinese car brand defend its position against the BYD Sealion 6?

GWM has launched its latest plug-in hybrid SUV in China, which sits alongside the popular Haval H6 mid-sizer in its international line-up.

Dubbed the Xiaolong Max, the SUV offers the latest GWM tech, including a plug-in hybrid-only range of variants, using the brand’s signature Hi4 system and two-speed hybrid transmission.

The Xialong Max, which will no doubt be renamed for English-speaking export markets, pairs a 1.5-litre 85kW petrol engine with two electric motors, a 70kW unit on the front axle inside the dedicated transmission, and a second 150kW motor on the rear axle. The claimed 0-100km/h sprint time is 6.8 seconds.

In addition, and much like other new-generation Chinese plug-in hybrids, the Xiaolong Max features two large lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery options, either an 18.74kWh unit or a 27.54kWh unit allowing 110km or 165km of electric-only driving range, according to the more lenient CTLC  standard. The same standard also has the mid-sizer consuming just 0.97L/100km.

For the Chinese market, the Xialong Max also features DC charging, allowing it to top up in 33 minutes for the standard range battery, or 47 minutes for the long range battery.

Inside, it also moves the game forward for GWM, offering the brand’s most recent ‘Coffee OS’ operating system hosted on a massive 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, and features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Speaking to Australian media at the Beijing Motor Show in 2024, GWM’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Steve Maciver, explained that the Xialong Max was under consideration for the Australian market to either live alongside the H6 in its range, or potentially replace it longer term as a new-generation offering with the latest technology from the brand.

As it stands, the H6 is about to be replaced by an updated version with many of the same upgrades. It will be offered in combustion and plugless hybrid, featuring the option of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or a revised 1.5-litre hybrid. A plug-in hybrid has also been confirmed.

GWM recently launched a plug-in hybrid version of the H6’s GT coupe spin-off in Australia.

The H6 GT PHEV costs $55,990 (before on-roads) and features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol PHEV set-up, producing peak outputs of 321kW/762Nm. It also features a massive 35.4kWh battery pack granting it a 180km electric-only driving range.

While the exact timeline remains unclear, it seems possible the Xiaolong Max could replace one or both of these vehicles in the long term.

Haval’s confusing and overwhelming array of new models continues to proliferate in Australia. Already confirmed for a local arrival is a plug-in hybrid version of its Cannon Alpha ute, and its Haval range will see the addition of the H7 (previously known as the ‘Big Dog’) as a soft-roader in a similar vein to the Jeep Compass, complete with both combustion and hybrid drivetrain options.

Other vehicles understood to be on the cards for the Chinese giant include the Haval H9 off-roader as a hero model for the Haval brand, while the Tank line-up could even see the addition of the modern military-styled Tank 700.

Using a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 as a plug-in hybrid, the Tank 700 could be the brand’s first vehicle to eclipse the $100,000 mark.

GWM is Australia’s second-best-selling Chinese car brand, securing itself a top-10 finish in our market in 2024. It is eclipsed only by MG locally, but will no doubt be seeking to challenge the SAIC-owned pioneer’s position as its range expands.

While it finished ahead of its BYD and Chery contemporaries last year, both are growing exponentially and are expected to vie for top-10 positions in the coming years.

Expect to learn more about GWM’s range of SUVs and utes later this year at the Shanghai motor show, where the brand is expected to make various new model announcements for the Australian market.