SUV News

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.

Mitsubishi has thrown the covers off a new off-road focused version of its popular Outlander mid-sized SUV ahead of its debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in North America. Unlike some concepts shown at SEMA, the Outlander Diamond Trail has been confirmed as a new production variant due to hit the North American market in 2027 and is promised to be “the most capable adventure-focused Outlander ever”. The Outlander has been significantly overhauled, with bespoke styling including an entirely new front and rear bumpers designed to enhance approach and departure angles, more robust finishes, smaller 18-inch alloys clad in all-terrain tyres, and a re-tuned version of the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, with enhanced drive modes and faster response times than the standard software. It also has adjustable settings for the hill descent control system. The new variant also scores new off-road displays for the multimedia system, and a multi-view camera mode which now works at up to 30km/h instead of 10km/h for better off-road awareness. The brand will show three versions of this trim level at SEMA, one stock version fitted with a raft of accessories, one with a 1.5-inch lift kit and larger BF Goodrich trail terrain tyres complete with a towing kit and matching trailer, and one “most extreme” version with a 2.5-inch Flatout Suspension adjustable lift kit, BF Goodrich K03 all-terrain tyres, light bar, and rooftop tent. All versions give an idea of how extreme Mitsubishi sees its Outlander getting with the right gear, while even the stock version increases ground clearance from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees. On the inside, this new Outlander also features enhancements, like new seating trim which is specifically designed to repel water and is easier to clean. It also features Diamond Trail logo work throughout the cabin, while the outside features a unique colour code new to the outlander range, Trail Green Metallic, which in the US will optionally be available with a contrast white roof finish. This Diamond Trail edition, which builds on the less extreme ‘Trail Edition’ also offered for US buyers, comes as Mitsubishi re-affirms its commitment to higher-income markets like the USA and Australia after years of its focus being on higher-volume markets like South East Asia, thanks partially to its positioning in the Renault Nissan alliance. The brand said its new strategy will include a “clear focus on centering future models in adventure and vehicle capability as well as building on long history of quality, dependability, and reliability.” The Outlander Diamond Trail’s debut at SEMA is the first time Mitsubishi has exhibited at the show in 14 years. A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Australia told CarsGuide the tough new Diamond Trail variant “certainly has an interest for us. Something similar is under consideration for the Australian market.” It is understood while this edition works with American suppliers, it is up to Mitsubishi’s global design standards and therefore the local division would not need to re-trace its steps and do the same level of re-calibration which went into the Australia-specific Triton Raider, which was overhauled in collaboration with local tuning Premacar. Regardless, input from local suppliers on new editions like the Diamond Trail is not off the table. Interestingly, the Outlander for the North American market swaps the ageing base 2.5-litre engine sold on mainline variants in Australia out for a more efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged 48-volt mild hybrid system which helps to cut emissions. This system produces 130kW/280Nm, which is a near like-for-like swap for the Australian non-turbo engine’s 135kW/244Nm. Both are paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission with or without all-wheel drive. It is understood Mitsubishi Australia is considering this drivetrain as an option for future Outlander updates as it is butting up against Australia’s new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) which imposes fines on high-emitting engines. Mitsubishi is on a mission of renewal in Australia, soon to launch both its first electric vehicle, the ASX VR-e, as well as its re-booted turbo diesel Pajero.

Nissan will commence deliveries of the new Y63-generation Patrol in the first quarter of 2027 and many Australians have already put in orders. Speaking with CarsGuide, Nissan Australia Managing Director Steve Milette said 2500 people have registered their interest for the new Y63 Patrol. It’s claimed these have so far converted into “over 500 firm orders”. “This is probably higher than we would have thought. It just shows how powerful the product is,” said Milette. Milette added that 70 per cent of the orders are skewing toward the two higher grades - the Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve. When the Y63 Patrol launches in Australia in the first quarter of 2027, it will be just around two and half years after it was first revealed. Australia is the first right-hand drive market the Y63 Patrol is launching in. It’s around two years after it launched in left-hand drive markets as the Armada. Six grades of the Y63 Patrol are being offered in Australia. They’re priced as follows: Power in the Y63 Patrol comes from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 317kW and 700Nm. This is 19kW and 140Nm more than the Y62’s 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8. The V6 engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through a full-time four-wheel drive system. There’s a low-range transfer case, an electronic-locking rear differential, as well as eight drive modes. Braked towing capacity is 3700kg across the line-up, as well as trailer blind-spot warning.

HongQi - China’s oldest car brand and most historic luxury marque - has priced its upcoming G919 off-roader, a new rival to the Mercedes-Benz G Wagen and Land Rover Defender. The model debuts a rugged new direction for the HongQi brand, which is traditionally known for its luxury SUVs, sedans and limousines, as well as being the brand of choice for Chinese government officials and dignitaries. The pricing, starting from the equivalent of $75,000 makes the G919 a high-end offering in the Chinese market, with pricing stretching to $91,500 for the top-spec limited edition. If it were to come to Australia, with the usual premium added for Chinese cars, expect a starting price close to, or more than, $100,000. The G919 is only available as a range-extender plug-in hybrid, pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with quad electric motors for total system outputs of 620kW/1320Nm, according to Chinese specifications. It is also equipped with an enormous 82.9kWh battery pack, for a CLTC range of 280km. Its 800-volt architecture even allows it to fast charge in as low as 12 minutes from a compatible DC pylon. The axle-mounted quad motor system allows it to have more fine torque vectoring control of each wheel, for theoretically a high level of off-road ability. Unlike some hardcore boxy off-roaders in this class, the G919 has independent suspension all-round instead of solid axles, although it remains equipped with front, rear and a simulated centre differential lock as well as air suspension. The G919 is big, measuring 5135mm long, 2050mm wide, and 1950mm tall, with a 2900mm wheelbase. Off-road figures grant it a 220mm minimum and 290mm maximum ground clearance, with a 30 degree approach angle, 32 degree departure angle, and 20 degree breakover angle. Its wading depth is 900mm. The SUV has massive 20-inch wheels, clad in Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres. Because of its sheer size and five-seat internal layout, the G919 also has a huge boot capacity of 950-litres with all seats up, or 2120L with the second row folded flat. Living up to its boxy shape, it even has a full-size spare wheel on the swing-open tailgate. Inside is reminiscent of most of its rivals, with generous soft-touch and leather-clad trims, as well as a 17.3-inch central multimedia touchscreen, a matching rear entertainment screen, large digital instrument cluster, as well as a 7.3 litre fridge. The centre console features physical switchgear for the differential locks, an aircraft-look shift lever, and some physical toggles for various controls under the touchscreen. HongQi’s first hardcore off-roader will need to face-off against some experienced competition in this size and price category. Some of its main potential rivals include the GWM Tank 700, Geely Battleship 700, GAC Yue 7 and Freelander 8, all of which are earmarked for an Australian launch. On the topic of launching in Australia, HongQi is yet another brand to announce it will hit Australian shores imminently, although its first product will be its more traditional e-HS9 plug-in hybrid large SUV. The e-HS9 currently serves as the flagship of HongQi’s SUV range, and is even more enormous than this G919 at over 5.2 meters in length. Elsewhere, the brand’s portfolio ranges from the HS3 small SUV through to a small bus, as well as ultra-high end limousines used by Chinese state officials. Stay tuned for more on HongQi’s roll-out plans for the Australian market imminently, as the launch of the e-HS9 is due before the end of 2026.

Nissan’s Chinese partner, Dongfeng, is rolling a new tough-looking SUV off the production line in China. Dubbed the X700, this new rig hasn’t spawned from the Dongfeng-Nissan partnership, but Dongfeng’s tough M-Hero sub-brand. It shows just what the Chinese giant has in its arsenal that it could share with the wider motoring world, and it could plug a mighty big hole in Nissan’s line-up left by the departed Pathfinder large SUV. It is a big, butch SUV that looks more like a rough-and-tumble off-roader than a family-hauler. Boxy styling is complemented by chunky guards that run along the bottom of the vehicle, black wheels and side-hinged tailgate with spare wheel-like storage box on the tailgate. It may look like it can handle some tough trails, but it is more suited to gravel tracks and urban commutes. The X700  has ditched the ladder frame that underpins other M-Hero vehicles and uses monocoque underpinnings that is better suited to SUVs. Sophisticated multilink rear suspension paired with double wish-bone suspension up front, along with dual-chamber air suspension means it will be better at smoothing out pockmarked streets than rock-hopping. It is a big unit, measuring 5035mm long, 1999mm wide, 1890mm tall with a wheelbase of 2920mm. Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid set-up that pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined 405kW sent to all four wheels. This allows it to spring to 100km/h in less than five seconds. In China it comes with two battery options, a circa-51kWh or 68kWh unit that deliver an electric driving range of 285km and 360km, respectively. Both of the driving ranges are calculated by the more lenient Chinese test cycle. Nissan has confirmed the Nissan Navara Pro plug-in hybrid ute is coming to Australia next year, which is based on the Dongfeng Z9. But more are coming, according to Nissan Australia boss Steve Milette. “There’s a lot of vehicles that were revealed at the Auto China [motor show this year],” he said. “I mean, we have our hand up for many of those and it’s just a matter of going through the proper business cases, just like we went through on the Navara Pro PHEV, but there definitely is a need for us to continue down the electrification of our portfolio and expanding the line-up and so more to come in the future.” Nissan showed a range of vehicles including the NX8 electric and range-extender hybrid large SUV, Nissan Terrano PHEV concept, Nissan Urban SUV PHEV concept. The Terrano is an SUV version of the Navara Pro PHEV and it has been caught testing in Australia already. The Chinese EVs are likely for Australia as the company has ruled out the new Leaf and Juke electric SUVs that likely won’t be price competitive if they were sold here. Time will tell if Nissan reaches deeper into Dongfeng’s portfolio to plug more gaps in its line-up.

Honda has released details of an updated version of its HR-V for the Japanese domestic market, where the small SUV is badged Vezel. Exterior cosmetic changes as well as new features inside have been added to internal-combustion engine (ICE) and ‘e:HEV’ hybrid models to freshen the car’s looks and enhance practicality. In Australia, the HR-V is offered across four model grades, all front-wheel drive; the entry-level, pure-combustion Vi X, with the e:HEV powertrain available in X, L and flagship RS form. Japanese buyers also have the choice of four models - one combustion (G) and three hybrid (X, Z & Z Play package) - however, all-wheel drive is standard on the base ICE car and an option on the hybrids. The Japanese market facelift sees the wheel arches and front, side, and rear bumper garnishes finished in the same colour as the body on the Z models, with additions to the base G’s spec list including: Rear ventilation Dual rear USB-C ports Black inner headlight lenses On top of that, the e:HEV X has picked up: Heated front seats As well as the exterior trim pieces finished in body colour, the e:HEV Z also gets the black inner headlight lens treatment, with the Z Play package adding 18-inch alloy rims with a dark clear finish. Colours not seen in Australia so far, include Seabed Blue Pearl and Premium Sunlight White Pearl. Already on sale, the updated Japanese HR-V is priced from ¥2.77 million, which, taking import and distribution costs into account translates to a number very close to the local HR-V Vi X’s current $32,900, drive-away price. The Japanese flagship e:HEV Z Play package sits at ¥3.66 million in FWD form, again close to its Australian RS equivalent at $44,400, drive-away on an import-adjusted basis. CarsGuide contacted Honda Australia for comment on the updated HR-V’s potential for local release and a spokesperson said, “We are unable to confirm at this stage whether the updated HR-V currently available in Japan will be introduced to the Australian market.”

Mazda has announced it will end production of the CX-70 large SUV for the US market imminently, and will instead offer a five-seat version of the more popular CX-90 to cover the gap in its line-up. It comes amid a shake-up for Mazda’s large SUV range, which has been languishing in the sales charts both globally and locally. However, despite this huge blow for the CX-70 nameplate, Mazda Australia told CarsGuide the large five-seat SUV was set to continue on for the foreseeable future, as it aims to offer its customers as much choice as possible. Contrary to Mazda's official position, sources with knowledge of the situation have said to CarsGuide the car will leave the Australian market in the near future. While Mazda is embattled on the sales front in Australia, with economic troubles burdening buyers and an ultra-competitive market from new and established rivals, things are worse for the brand in the USA, where the Japanese-built CX-70 is also facing an additional 15 per cent tariff. With the lucrative US market now off the table due to this re-oriented range, it puts the viability of the entire nameplate in doubt globally. In the meantime, the incoming upgraded CX-90 promised as part of sweeping changes to the large SUV range will include a higher towing capacity for the five-seat variants, which is potentially appealing for Australia. Australia is still the only market to offer all four of Mazda’s Large Architecture SUVs, from the five-seat CX-60 and CX-70, to the three row CX-80 and CX-90. All were part of a daring push by Mazda to move its large SUVs into more premium territory pricing-wise, introducing more sophisticated inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains along the way. The CX-70 is also embattled in the Australian market, as the least popular of the lot, amassing just 182 units so far in 2026. A Mazda Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the two row still has a small but loyal fanbase, which it would continue to cater to. Meanwhile, the CX-90 has amassed 470 sales this year and the CX-80 is up to 1931. The most popular offering in the brand’s big SUV range, the CX-60, has managed 3566 units this year.  All have reported significant year-on-year declines, with Mazda’s Global operation calling out Australia as a particularly “tough environment” in its last quarterly financial report. The brand acknowledged strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices” was core to success of rivals in our market. While going upmarket might have seemed like a brilliant move at the time for the once-dominant Mazda, this combination of factors, as well as a raft of issues with the CX-60 from launch from a jerky transmission to harsh rear suspension, has hemmed the brand’s luxury market ambitions. These issues have been addressed multiple times for new and existing CX-60 owners, while learnings from early cars have been incorporated into the CX-70 and CX-90 which arrived later. Mazda is down 16.2 per cent for the year, with its best-selling CX-5 mid-size SUV in the midst of a generational change-over, and missing its important plugless hybrid variant, which isn’t due until 2028. Meanwhile the popular CX-30 and ageing CX-3 continue to be the brand’s other two performers, amassing over 9000 sales each so far in 2026. The CX-30 in particular has just received a model year update, with Mazda turning its global attention to its next-generation small car family for the future of the CX-3. In the interim, the brand is testing the Australian market’s taste for Mazda-branded electric vehicles, with the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV based on platforms and technology sourced from its Changan partner in China.

Of the many events and reveals at the 2026 Chery International User Summit, Omoda/Jaecoo’s evening drew one of the larger crowds. It was the setting for the unveiling of the 2026 Omoda X concept, a rugged-looking SUV that will spawn a production car, though not much is known about it just yet. Measuring 4650mm long, 1910mm wide and 1720mm tall, the Omoda X isn’t far in size from a Toyota RAV4, though its off-road lean suggests an aim perhaps more at the likes of the Subaru Forester. But the Omoda X is also a platform to show off some tech the Chery sub-brand has been working on, like an “infrared thermal imaging night-vision system” and a drive mode selection system called ‘X-Mode’, which Subaru may take issue with. The brand confirmed along with plug-in hybrid and battery electric drivetrains, there will also be an option of all-wheel or two-wheel drive setups. The off-road chops of the Omoda X are apparent in the all-terrain rubber it wears on its 19-inch alloys, its apparent 200mm of ground clearance and its claimed wading depth of at least 700mm. The roof has the capacity to be loaded with up to 75kg of weight, and an 1800kg braked towing capacity opens decent possibilities for hauling adventure gear on a trailer. A “Mecha Command Cockpit” inside with a 10.25-inch digital driver display screen and 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen are paired with physical controls for climate control and drive settings - a rare but useful move from Omoda. While nothing is confirmed for Australia yet, the brand’s local CCO has made a statement as part of a local press release that states further details of the Omoda X are set to be revealed at a later date. "It’s exciting to see the innovative products coming from our global headquarters, and the reveal of the Omoda X marks another significant step forward for the brand", said Roy Munoz, Omoda Jaecoo Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer. "Combining a futuristic, rugged design with groundbreaking technology, including a thermal imaging camera, the Omoda X demonstrates our commitment to challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what customers can expect from a modern vehicle."

Another piece of the ‘Li Auto coming to Australia’ puzzle has seemingly fallen into place with news the premium Chinese brand will go on sale in the UK in 2027. Li Auto has already stated it will produce its electric Li i6 five-seat SUV and Li Mega EV people mover in RHD for sale in Hong Kong, Singapore and other ASEAN nations before the end of 2026. And with the rapidly expanding brand also setting up operations in Malaysia (another RHD market), it feels like a matter of time before those high-profile models arrive Down Under. Confirming the UK move, Li Auto Head of International Business Nestor Wu told Autocar the brand’s line-up will target family buyers with pure-electric and ranger-extender (EREV) options. “Families have different market needs. That’s what we focus on and succeed (with) in China and we think it will work here,” he said. Established in 2015 and offering an eight-model line-up in China, across pure-electric SUV and people mover options, as well EREV SUVs, Li Auto positions itself as a luxury brand “committed to providing products and services that are safer, more comfortable and more convenient for family users.” The Li i6 is the entry-point to the Li Auto range, measuring just under five metres long, close to 2.0m wide and around 1.6m tall with a 3000mm wheelbase. Autocar said Li Auto has adapted the i6 to European tastes, adding air springs for sharper dynamic response than the Chinese market version, where customers typically prefer a softer ride. And in line with the maker’s premium positioning it features a 15.7-inch HD dual screen for backseaters, 20-speaker premium audio and multimedia driven by a high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon chip set. Highly configurable Nappa leather seats, ambient lighting, power everything, a panoramic roof and close to 730 litres of boot space (with all seats up) mark it as a high-end blend of luxury and practicality. Offered domestically in (250kW/425Nm) single-motor rear-wheel drive and (400kW/660Nm) dual-motor all-wheel drive form, the i6 features an 87.3kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and supports ultra-fast DC charging for a 10 to 80 per cent top up in less than 15 minutes. Maximum CLTC range is 720km. The Li Mega is a futuristic, strongly aero-influenced (Cd 0.21) luxury people mover offering seven seats including two fully rotating captains chairs in the second row. At over 5.3 metres long, just under 2.0m wide and a bit over 1.8m tall with a 3300mm wheelbase it’s a substantial machine offering everything from heating for all seven seats (ventilation and massage function on the first two rows) multiple large screens, Dolby audio and a dual-purpose refrigerator, to a massive panoramic roof, Nappa leather upholstery and one-touch power doors. With dual electric motors producing overall outputs of 413kW/542Nm this 2.8-tonne beast can blast from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its 103kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery is good for a quoted CLTC range of 710km and the car’s 800-volt architecture delivers a peak charge capacity of 520kW for a 10-80 per cent charge in just over 10 minutes. The Li i6 single-motor starts at ¥249,800 in China with the dual-motor at ¥269,800. Taking import and distribution costs into account those prices would likely translate to around A$70,000 and A$75,000, respectively, putting it in the same price ballpark as large EV SUV players like the Ford Mach-E (from $65,990), Kia EV6 (from $72,865) and Lexus RZ (from $84,500). The Li Mega costs ¥509,800 in China, which would potentially end up at around A$140,000 here, mixing it with the XPeng X9 (from $89,900) and Zeekr 009 (from $115,900). CarsGuide has contacted Li Auto for comment on the Li i6 and Li Mega’s potential sale in Australia.

Chery has launched Luxeed, a new global sub-brand that is a high-end luxury brand already present in China. Luxeed International CEO Shawn Xu confirmed some details to CarsGuide. The first model to launch for the brand will be the 2027 Luxeed LLounge - the extra L not a typo, but instead meant to represent the brand’s name, and pronounced as the letter ‘L’ before the word ‘Lounge’. It’s a high-end luxury electric people-mover, and it’ll be followed by an electric performance SUV called the Luxeed Stormax, sold as the Luxeed RX in China. The Luxeed LLounge (or Luxeed Luxeed-Lounge?) will arrive mid-year, with Australian testing to take place between now and then, though local specs and pricing haven’t been confirmed. Called the Luxeed V9 in China, the international version features dual-chamber air suspension, a road preview system and is certified for motion sickness reduction by TUV Rheinland. It’s almost 5.4 metres long, but its rear-wheel steering means it has a turning circle of just 5.35m. Rotating welcome seats with zero gravity mode, a 33-speaker sound system and even adjustable privacy glass to block “99.6 per cent” of light makes it stand out as a luxury van. Mr Xu also told us dedicated Luxeed dealers will handle sales of the LLounge from launch, with the potential for partnerships with other premium brand dealers on the cards. The Stormax, which is more of a mystery in terms of features for now, will follow the LLounge at some stage. Luxeed confirmed on the night its intention as a driver-focused model, with a 3.8-second sprint to 100km/h and a 251km/h top speed. Importantly, the brand’s collaboration with Chinese phone maker Huawei won’t extend to its international models. “For international models, there’s not any relation with Huawei,” Mr Xu told journalists after the presentation. “Not any for the hardware or the software.” Dropping Huawei allows the brand to avoid limitations to connectivity and capability after the phone brand’s hardware was banned from implementation in Australia’s 5G networks in 2018.