GWM confirms launch of boxy Haval H7

GWM sub-brand Haval will introduce a second entrant in the medium SUV segment next month (August) with the arrival of the H7, a ruggedly-styled unibody crossover that is a twin-under-the-skin to the recently-facelifted Haval H6.

While the H6 is expected to continue as GWM’s best-selling midsizer, the H7 will be added to GWM’s Australian dealerships as an alternative for buyers seeking a vehicle with more distinct styling.

Initially, the H7 will be offered solely in high-grade, blacked-out Vanta trim while GWM ascertains the level of local demand. While a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to be added later, a full hybrid (HEV) will be the sole powertrain from launch.

Priced at $46,990 (driveaway), the front-wheel drive H7 will produce 179kW/530Nm (combined) from the combination of a 110kW/230Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine and single 130kW/300Nm electric motor. The HEV powertrain is the mid-tier powertrain in the H6 line-up.

The H7 HEV has claimed fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km, representing a 0.5L/100km (or around 10 per cent) increase above the more aerodynamic H6.

“We made the call [to import only the H7 HEV] given the richness of the [sales] mix we are seeing in hybrid right now, with one eye on NVES as well,” GWM head of marketing Steve Maciver told GoAuto.

Compared with the top-spec H6 Ultra HEV ($43,990 d/a), the H7 Vanta HEV carries a $3000 price premium, mainly accounted for by its more distinct styling as well as Vanta-tier black trim for the 19-inch alloy wheels, grille, roof rails, badges, side mirrors, taillight inserts, and window surrounds.

Mr Maciver confirmed the H7 would play a prominent role in GWM’s growth strategy for the Haval brand in Australia and hinted that additional variants would join the line-up in time.

Dimensionally, the H7 is taller and wider than the H6, and perhaps surprisingly, it has a longer 2810mm wheelbase (+72mm). The body measures 4705mm long (+2mm), 1908mm wide (+22mm), and 1780mm tall (+50mm).

GWM expects the H6 to generate around 15,000 sales in Australia across 2025, about a 21 per cent increase on the model’s 2024 performance, and GWM expects the H7 to add marginal sales atop that figure.

“There is a longer-term story we can’t really go into, but the H7 lineup will evolve and become a mainstay,” said Mr Maciver.

“There are more developments to come in terms of a new powertrain.”

Spec-wise, the H7 Vanta is largely based upon the H6 Ultra. It bundles a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 50-watt wireless smartphone charger, eight-speaker stereo, and head-up display inside with Comfort-Tek artificial leather seating.

Front seats are heated/cooled and have additional power adjustment beyond the H6, with the driver’s pew scoring eight ways of adjustment including in/out lumbar. Automatic LED headlights, a panoramic opening sunroof, 360-degree camera and power tailgate with kick sensor are all included.

Australian H7 customers will be offered a choice of four colours at first, with Hamilton White the no-cost option and Dusk Orange, Moon Grey, and Golden Black each attracting a $495 surcharge.

“The H7 will appeal to customers looking for more individuality and an adventurous spirit,” added Mr Maciver.

“We are confident, having spoken to our dealers. They are very bullish they can sell it.”

GWM has set itself an ambitious target of 50,000 sales in Australia in 2025, some 17 per cent more than the Chinese automaker’s result last year.

“We will have options for customers across different price brackets, drivetrains and sizes,” continued Mr Maciver.

“Keep in mind H7 will be on top (of the H6). We are clear that we want six per cent market share.”

In 2024, the H6 (and H6 coupe-SUV variant) secured 5.2 per cent of the midsize SUV segment, and in the first half of 2025 that figure has grown to 5.8 per cent.

2025 GWM Haval H7 pricing*:

*Pricing includes on-road costs.