GWM Haval H7 News

A very busy 12 months approaches for GWM, with 14 new car launches planned for 2027. One of those launches will see the company’s Wey brand launch, a premium offering to rival BYD’s Denza or Geely’s Zeekr. The Wey G9, a people mover positioned against the Denza D9 and Xpeng X9, will likely be first with SUVs to follow. With Wey joining Haval, Tank, Ora and Cannon in GWM’s line-up, the brand insists it won't follow rival Chery and saturate the market with sub-brands, according to GWM Australia Managing Director Andrew Gao. “We insist on ‘one GWM’,” he CarsGuide. “Our strategy is different… We will not have five or six or seven or 10 networks. No.” Head of Communications and Marketing Steve Maciver added some clarity around branding - everything will still fall under the GWM banner and in the GWM  “We’re trying to base everything around a structure which is GWM.  “We're trying to build an identity and a role to each of those sub brands which makes sense, gives us delineation, but also connects back to GWM. And there's still some work to be done on that.” After the Wey G9, it’s likely we’ll see the Wey V9X SUV land, though timing on that is unclear.  At 5.3m long and with a six-seat configuration, the V9X is focused on moving passengers in top-level comfort. In other large model news, GWM is also set to bolster its line-up with a new large, seven-seat SUV, likely the Haval H10 that was described as “very appealing” as a prospect for Australia by Maciver. The new Haval H7 is also available as a seven-seater, though its mid-size categorisation would limit GWM’s extra market share. The Ora brand is also set to expand with new models based on the Ora 5’s platform - a larger SUV (confirmed as the Ora 5 Plus) and likely a smaller hatch will join the small SUV. GWM has also confirmed a new mid-size SUV in the form of the Jolion Max, which is on the smaller end of the category and will be available in EV or PHEV guise. That will arrive in Q1 along with the Ora 5 Plus. GWM’s aims to become a top-five brand in terms of sales volume in Australia, and eventually top-three, aren’t based in dominating any single segment - despite GWM’s five mid-size SUVs in the line-up from 2027. “Regardless of who we're taking share from, if we want to become the top-five and then the top-three brand that we aspire to be, we're going to have to take share from those above us,” said Maciver. “We're not targeting domination in any one segment. We think we've got a chance to take much more share in many segments.  “If you think about medium SUV and you think about dual-cab ute, if we want to be, ultimately, a top-three brand… driving share in those two segments is absolutely crucial. “We think we've got the right weapons, the right value, and the right tech to deliver volume there. But that's on us.  “We haven't delivered and realised that volume yet, and that's one of the big tasks for us for next year.”

GWM has revealed pricing and specifications for its completely overhauled and hybrid-only H7 mid-size SUV range. Arriving in two powertrains across two trim levels, the boxy SUV is a completely different model to the one it replaces. Swapping out its basis on the Chinese-market Haval ‘Big Dog’ and instead opting for the larger and tougher Raptor, the H7 nameplate has scored a significant glow-up for Australia. Offered as either a plugless hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pricing starts from $46,990 for the base H7 Lux HEV, stretching to $53,990 for the Vanta PHEV. See full pricing for the range below. The HEV pairs a 1.5-litre engine to dual electric motors for total outputs of 182kW/670Nm, while the plug-in hybrid version ups power even further to 320kW/670Nm. All are all-wheel drive, featuring the brand’s signature Hi4 system, which features a front-mounted hybrid transmission and “enhanced” traction systems consisting of eight drive modes as well as a locking rear differential. The large 33.7kWh battery pack in the plug-in hybrid allows up to 137km of pure EV driving range. The brand claims the PHEV can travel up to 844km in combined driving conditions. PHEV versions also come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharging system. The H7 sits above the more traditional H6 family mid-sizer in the brand’s range, whilst also positioned below the more hardcore ladder-frame based Tank 300 in the wider GWM line-up. Standard features on the Lux (HEV or PHEV) include: 19-inch alloy wheels LED headlights, tail lights, and DRLs Synthetic leather seat trim 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless phone mirroring Eight-speaker audio 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Front and rear USB C and USB A ports as well as dash camera port Six-way power seat adjust for the driver, four way manual adjust for front passenger Wireless phone charger Push-button start, keyless entry, electronic park brake Full-size spare wheel The Vanta grade (HEV or PHEV) adds: Memory mirror functions Contrast gloss black trim Rear privacy glass Heated steering wheel Auto dimming rear vision mirror Inbuilt sunshades in rear windows Eight-way power adjust for the driver Four way electric adjust for front passenger Heated and ventilated front seats Ambient interior lighting Head up display 10-speaker premium audio All versions score the same active safety suite, and array of seven airbags, complete with adaptive cruise control. HEV versions get black 19-inch wheels, while PHEVs get two-tone designs. There are five colours to pick from in the H7 range including: Emerald Green Velvet Black Storm Grey Mystic Grey Hamilton White Mystic Grey can only be chosen on Vanta grades. In terms of performance, the plugless hybrid variant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds, while the PHEV can complete the same sprint in 4.9 seconds despite weighing in at nearly 200kg more. All versions have an approach angle of 25 degrees, a departure angle of 32 degrees and a breakover angle of 20 degrees. They can wade up to a depth of 580mm and the H7 is capable of towing up to 1500kg braked regardless of variant. The SUV’s swing-open tailgate with rear-mounted spare reveals a luggage capacity of 586-litres regardless of powertrain, with 1404L when the second row is folded flat. The H7 is designed to offer a more adventurous SUV in Haval’s line-up, compared to the more family-focused H6, and sporty H6GT. At launch, the H7 is also offered with a drive-away pricing incentive, with the Lux HEV costing $45,990 D/A and the Lux PHEV priced at $49,990 drive-away. This pricing puts the H7 up against the likes of the Subaru Outback (AWD only, from $48,990 before on-roads), Nissan X-Trail (e-Power HEV AWD from $49,080 before on-roads), or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD only, from $58,990 before on-roads). The H7 is part of yet another fresh product offensive from GWM as it aims for a top-five position in Australia's new car market, despite newer rivals like Chery closing in. The brand is confident the array of choice it offers from its five sub-brands, Ora, Haval, Tank, Cannon and Wey will bolster its chances.

GWM is confident of its chances of cracking Australia’s top five automakers, despite what it describes as “hyper-competition” on nearly every front. GWM Australia's Executive General Manager of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver wished newer brands luck. “Competition creates fitness and hunger and you have to be ready to fight - we think we’ve got incredible value products which are fit for purpose. Good luck to rivals, but we’ve done the job for 18 years of building this brand and getting the respect of this market and so that gives us an advantage,” he said. “We’re not resting on our laurels, we’ve invested in Australia, we’re localising, we think the value of our offer is still really strong.” He added GWM’s journey in the market - as one of the longest-serving Chinese automakers - proves buyers don’t just buy on price alone. “Customers are looking for value, they aren’t looking for cheap,” he said. “We’ve doubled our average sale price over seven years. When we started to introduce cars like the Jolion, H6 and Cannon, we knew the prices were going to go up as the quality of the product improved out of sight. “There was an internal thought at the time asking whether customers would really be willing to pay more for this brand? And absolutely we’ve shown that they are. The year-on-year increase in volume has also come with new cars at more expensive price points. If we can do that at the same time as showing customers value no matter the price then we’re on the right track." GWM Australia's Chief Operating Officer John Kett said GWM’s slower consistency was core to the brand’s success, but they were aware of the wild numbers being generated by newer rivals. “When you look at our volume we’re consistently growing, there aren't these massive volume swings. When we see those we think, ‘gee we could have done a better job’ on a given month, but actually when we look back year-on-year we’re still 15 per cent ahead,” he said. “We’ll grow again next year. We have this new product opportunity of constantly refreshing and competing across the fuel types - diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and we’ll continue to engage in retail offers for the vehicles, which are a year or two old, which the market I think must be getting fatigued with because the numbers keep shifting.” Kett said a top-five position in Australia is still imminent despite newer rivals BYD and Chery storming up the charts, as the brand’s line-up was yet to even address certain parts of the market, something that will become the case over the next year. “We’ve been talking about this ambition to be top five for the last couple of years and H7 and Cannon are an incredibly important part of that,” he said. “We’re ranked eight today, and that’s without these new cars and an EV capturing 20 per cent of the segment, so we feel good about it.” GWM still has a task in front of it, as it would still need to overtake Hyundai, Mazda, Kia or Ford, which have moved over 50,000 units this year compared to GWM's 39,747 by the end of August. Chery has been closing the gap behind, with 33,817 sales over the same time period. Kett said GWM needed to be careful about flooding the market with new products available to it from head office. “We’re very conscious on the hyper competition and the profitability challenges it brings to our dealers - we need to plan well for people to invest in the future of Tank and Wey as well as Haval and Ora’s extended range. “We’re not lacking for product, it’s just when it launches we need to make sure that both we and our network gets the profitability benefits of that.” It’s not just dealers either, the brand fully admitted to the idea that showroom floor confusion was likely to be created by the similarities between the new tougher and boxier Haval H7 it just debuted for Australia and the more rugged Tank 300, which sits above it. “It means when we’re showing people H7 vs Tank 300 it’s easy to explain from a customer perspective what the difference is from a personality perspective, as well as the price and product specs themselves,” Maciver said. “When we get to show off the expanding Haval portfolio the complexity of these brands is going to cause us a problem unless we resolve what to do with Tank when it comes to growing its portfolio” Kett said He said the amount of tempting options available to Australia now would be overwhelming. “If we’re adding Tank 400, 700, 800, long wheelbase, short wheelbase, plug-in , plugless , V8s, special editions, diesel hybrids - this allows us to know how we can evolve but we need to do it in a smart way that doesn’t create confusion.” This doesn’t close the door on more Tank-branded products or variants into the future, quite the opposite, once the brand has figured out how to better separate its product ranges, according to Kett. “I think as we grow it will allow us to be a little bit more distinctive in where we take the Tank brand. We’ve got full access to the whole line-up, they keep developing new versions of it, so I think that’s definitely a consideration on top of what we’ve already got coming in the next year.” “It opens the door to evolving the body-on-frame vehicles into having their own specialised showroom experience.”

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia.  The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show. Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia.  There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery.  Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display.  The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026.  Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027.  Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time. The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5.  Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event.  Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time.  The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under.  Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up.  The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are.  They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far.  Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results. GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric.  The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026.  It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal.  GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display.  The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6.  The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026.  MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show.  The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV.  MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display.  The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X.  It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027.  Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia.  The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale.  It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7.  Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027.  Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric.  Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show.  It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever.  It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027.  Cadillac Lyriq-V Chery and Omoda Jaecoo new models  Forthing electric people mover Two Geely SUVs GWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEV Hyundai Staria Load Electric iCaur V25 IM LS9 Lepas L6 and L4 MG U9 EV Zeekr 7GT

Despite an already huge year for new model launches, there are still some key mid-size SUVs slated for Australia in the tail end of 2026 which might be worth waiting for. So far this year, new-generation versions of top-selling mid-size SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 have arrived, among a swathe of new contenders from challenger brands. If you’re not a huge fan of what’s currently on the market though, there may be something coming that better suits your lifestyle, budget or tastes. Here is a rundown of the five best mid-size SUVs that are still to come. They’re in alphabetical order and span both the mainstream and premium mid-size SUV segments. The current GWM Haval H7 has flown under the radar since it launched in 2025 and the Chinese carmaker is planning to hit reset with a new-generation model. GWM has confirmed it will launch the new Haval H7 in the second half of 2026 and it will feature hybrid and all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power. Front and rear differential locks are also confirmed for the flagship variants, which is a major upgrade to the off-road capabilities compared to the current front-wheel drive hybrid model. Overall there’s a tougher and boxier look that’s more in keeping with the Tank models. Mazda is finally launching a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X in Australia. The CX-6e is the brand’s first electric mid-size SUV and it quickly follows on the heels of the Mazda 6e electric liftback launching locally. Both vehicles have been co-developed with Changan and are built in China. The CX-6e in particular is built on the same platform as the Deepal S07, which is already offered in Australia. Locally the CX-6e will only be offered with a battery electric (BEV) powertrain, however in other markets a range-extender (REEV) hybrid is available. Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a new-generation version of the GLB SUV in Australia. Final details haven’t been locked in yet. Globally the new GLB is offered with both mild-hybrid and BEV powertrains, like the new GLA and CLA it shares componentry with. This new GLB is larger in every dimension and notably features a 60mm longer wheelbase. It’s available with both five- and seven-seat configurations. Another highlight is the ‘MBUX Superscreen’ which comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as dual 14.0-inch touchscreens for the central multimedia system and front passenger display. Skoda launched the regular Elroq electric SUV in 2025, but later in 2026 it’s readying the hotter RS version. Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with total system outputs of 250kW and 545Nm. This is enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. The electric motors are fed by an 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows for up to 550km of claimed range, according to WLTP testing. The Elroq is essentially a shortened version of the Enyaq electric mid-size SUV. It is already offered in RS form locally with both the typical SUV and ‘coupe’ SUV body styles. Volvo fans have been waiting for an electric counterpart to the top-selling XC60 mid-size SUV for years now and later in 2026 it’ll arrive in Australia. The Volvo EX60 is based on a new platform called SPA3 and it has an 800V electrical architecture. In Australia two versions of the EX60 will be offered initially, the Ultra P6 RWD and Ultra P10 AWD. They’re priced from $86,990 and $101,990, before on-road costs, respectively. It’s understood that the range-topping P12 AWD trim, as well as a more affordable, entry-level grade will arrive in 2027.

The re-launch of the Ora brand for GWM was just the start of a huge list of launches set for the second half of 2026, the brand has revealed. GWM Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Gao, told media that Australia is one of GWM’s top three “strategic international markets”, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that the brand plans to launch nine new models or variants in Australia before the end of the year. The new 2027 GWM Ora 5 SUV is one, but several more models and variants are set to land later this year, including two more variants of the Ora 5, new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel-powered Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha variants, a new Haval H7, plus a new Haval Jolion Max and the introduction of a new sub-brand, Wey. Starting with Ora, there is set to be a hatch version of the Ora 5, sharing a body style with the new SUV but with a lower ride height. It’ll likely share the same specifications as the SUV, which has a 150kW/260Nm front-mounted electric motor. A longer, ‘Touring’ version classed as a mid-size SUV will join the two Ora 5 variants later. GWM also plans to introduce its Hi4-T plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain to its Cannon ute, similar to that already found in the larger Cannon Alpha. The Cannon Alpha range itself will also be expanded to include a more off-road focussed Cannon Alpha XSR, while a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is set to become available for it and the Tank 500 4WD. For the new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, Australia has been picked as the “lead global market to launch the powertrain”, with Australian customer feedback and local engineering talent being used to shape the new running gear and ensure its suitability for local needs. GWM has already been testing the new 3.0-litre diesel in Australia, having racked up tens of thousands kilometres with at-the-limit 3.5-tonne towing weights being hauled. The mid-size SUV space, one of Australia’s most competitive markets, is also set for more competition with GWM to introduce a new Haval H7, replacing the current generation’s single-variant and its front-drive hybrid powertrain. A hybrid and all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid drivetrain will both be available in the new H7, which has had a big visual refresh. Front and rear diff-locks are already confirmed for the model, too, so its off-roading ability is set to surpass the current-gen H7. The Haval Jolion Max is also set to join the line-up, with PHEV and full-EV versions on the cards for the mid-size SUV. Finally, GWM will launch its Wey luxury arm in Australia by the end of the year, adding a fifth sub-brand to the GWM family. Which models will arrive locally are yet to be fully locked-in, but GWM says large SUVs and MPVs will be the focus. Don’t be surprised if the Wey V9X Large SUV and Wey G9 people mover are early on the cards for our market. The new model assault comes as GWM renews its push to become a top-five brand in Australia, recording an all-time peak of 6104 cars sold in June 2026. John Kett, Chief Operating Officer for GWM Australia told media at the launch of the Ora 5 SUV that GWM Australia’s access to the full global catalogue of models is key to its future plans. “For the first time, GWM Australia has access to GWM's complete global portfolio,” Kett said. “It means we're no longer planning around the business we have today, we're planning around the business we're becoming. More importantly, it allows us to do something very few automotive manufacturers can do. “We can build our portfolio around our customers instead of asking our customers to fit our portfolio.” To reach its goal of becoming one of Australia’s top-five brands by sales, Kett says GWM will need to shift 75,000 new cars a year across its brands. In June, it finished eighth with Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia between it and fifth.

GWM is set to replace the controversially designed H7 hybrid mid-sized SUV sooner than expected with a variation of a Chinese-market alternative. Offering completely different styling, three-row seating availability and a tech-heavy plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system, it is expected to launch in Australia later this year as the 2027 H7. It is based on the Menglong – which translates to Raptor in China – that launched back in 2023 in China, rather than the second-gen Big Dog of the same vintage that Australia knows as the existing H7. The 2027 H7 has been recently facelifted with a new nose treatment as well as the addition of a long-wheelbase version known as the Plus. Whether that suffix transfers over is yet to be confirmed. The Menglong/H7 is also known as the V7 in some other markets. According to a GWM spokesperson speaking to Australian journalists at the China Auto Show in Beijing, we should expect to see both the five-seat and seven-seat models in time. “We will probably see the long-wheelbase model as well as the short-wheelbase version of the (Menglong),” he said. In China, the Menglong/H7 Plus features GWM’s latest Hi4 PHEV powertrain, with a four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, two electric motors for all-wheel drive and a large battery pack underneath offering decent EV-only range of at least 140km. This would make it a direct rival to other seven-seater SUVs, like the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV, suggesting a starting price north of $60,000. In contrast, the Big Dog-based H7 as sold in Australia right now is a smaller five-seater SUV with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system driving the front wheels only, despite its chunky styling suggesting 4x4 capability. It's offered as a single grade only, that currently starts from $46,990 drive-away. Like the latter, the Menglong/H7 Plus is a monocoque-bodied SUV (related to the H6) with a transverse engine layout, meaning it will probably be a largely on-road-only proposition, though with some off-road clearances and additional technology for light 4x4 duties in line with its boxy, rugged styling. This makes sense for GWM, since the visually similar Tank 300 and its larger 500 cousin are proper 4WD SUVs with tough body-on-frame construction, meaning they appeal to a different type of consumer compared to the more urbane H7 Plus. The availability of a seven-seater PHEV model also opens the Haval up to a broader audience, so it should prove more popular than the existing model. With just 369 sales in the first four months of this year in Australia, the current H7 trails the H6’s 5000-plus result by a considerable margin.

Haval's Subaru-rivalling H7 soft-roader gets a significant upgrade overseas despite only just launching in Australia.

China’s answer to the new Subaru Forester and coming next-gen Toyota RAV4 takes shape. Dubbed the Haval Raptor, the butch looking SUV features the brand’s new plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive set-up. The Raptor pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a dual-motor hybrid system to deliver all-wheel drive and combined outputs of 330kW and 750Nm. That’s some serious grunt for a mid-size SUV and easily outguns the incoming Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid’s 227kW. Despite the superior levels of performance the Raptor is about as fast as the new RAV4 all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds.  The Raptor has a mammoth 35kWh battery that allows it to drive up to 151km via the benchmark WLTP test cycle.  This again trumps the coming RAV4 with its 22.7kWh battery good for up to 100km. GWM has given the Raptor some head-turning looks, with its chunky, square-jawed and broad shoulder appeal similar to red hot hits such as the new Toyota Prado and BYD's coming Denza B5.  It also has some off-road ability to back up its looks, which puts it on par with a Subaru Forester. It won’t climb a proper 4WD track but can handle rugged dirt and gravel roads. There is a decent chance of it coming to Australia, too. GWM previously told CarsGuide the Raptor might make it Down Under in the future as a replacement for the similar-sized H7. The H7 just launched in Australia, but is based on an older platform than the Raptor's and doesn’t get the advanced plug-in hybrid tech. The Raptor name is a no go in Australia as Ford owns the rights to it locally, which strengthens its case to be called H7 when it arrives. Plug-in hybrid technology will prove vital for car brands in Australia from 2027 onwards when the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) starts to bite. The NVES penalises carmakers $100 per gram of CO2 over a certain limit, with the threshold getting lower every year until 2030. From 2027 onwards most conventional hybrids won’t slip under the CO2 threshold, with only plug-in hybrids and EVs likely to escape fines.