The Haval H8 launched in 2013 as one of Great Wall Motors’ first attempts at a large premium SUV. It was aimed at both the Chinese domestic market and export markets, including Australia. Positioned above the smaller H6, the Haval H8 offered seven-seat practicality, turbocharged petrol engines and a more upmarket design than the brand’s earlier efforts.

In 2015 the Haval H8 was revised with updates to its safety equipment, infotainment and drivetrain calibration to meet stricter global standards. The model was sold in some overseas markets under the Great Wall badge before the Haval brand name became more widely recognised. Despite improvements, the H8 struggled against established rivals in markets like Australia due to limited brand awareness and higher pricing.

By 2018 the Haval H8 had been phased out in most regions, replaced by newer models such as the Haval H9 and later the Haval H6 in larger formats. Today the H8 is remembered as a transitional SUV that helped establish Haval as a standalone brand outside China, paving the way for its current range of more competitive SUVs.

The line-up currently starts at $12,320 for the H8 Premium (4x2) and ranges through to $22,000 for the range-topping H8 Luxury (4x4).