Chinese company GWM announces the arrival of the Haval H7, a five-seater hybrid SUV that should arrive at Brazilian dealerships from September. Desenvolvido on the same platform as the Haval H6, the new model is part of the brand’s expansion plan in the country’s medium and large segment. The vehicle will be positioned in the price range of the most expensive Chinese in the segment, with an estimate of R$ 289 thousand.
The strategy places the H7 as a competitive alternative among 4X4 SUVs on the Brazilian market. The brand has already consolidated its presence with the Tank 300 and the H9, both well received by consumers. With the arrival of the new model, GWM aims to strengthen its leadership in this specific segment before the end of the year.
Design square and distinctive visual appeal
The H7 abandons the more traditional lines and adopts a “boxy” architecture, with a square body reminiscent of the seven-seater diesel H9. The raised front end, the marked fenders and the different headlights compared to the H9 make up the visual signature of the new SUV. Esse style has already been winning over global consumers and other brands, such as Jetour, have also noticed this trend in Brasil.
The dimensions of the H7 grow a little compared to the H6. The new model measures 4.80 meters in length compared to 4.68 m for the H6, maintaining the same wheelbase of 2.74 m. Isso means the interior cabin space remains similar to the smaller model. The trunk offers a capacity of up to 586 liters, suitable for everyday use and family trips.
The design with elements that refer to luxury includes seat cooling, leather and refined finishes. The 14.6-inch multimedia center and 12.3-inch digital cluster offer full connectivity with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Esses attributes position the vehicle in the brand’s aspirational segment.
Motor hybrid and electric range
Debaixo under the hood, the H7 uses the same hybrid package as the H6: a 1.5 turbo engine associated with two electric machines. Combined power should reach 364 hp, while torque reaches 77.5 kgfm. The battery has a capacity of 27 kWh, smaller than that of the H6, which results in reduced autonomy.
The new SUV should travel around 130 km in all-electric mode. In combined mode (hybrid), total autonomy reaches approximately 1,200 km. Essa configuration reduces fuel consumption on urban journeys and offers efficiency on longer journeys. Hybrid technology represents a difference compared to the H9, which is entirely diesel.
Posicionamento market and challenges
Direct competition will mainly be faced against the H6 P35 and other SUVs in the same price range. The H7 offers more size and power, justifying the expected price difference. If GWM maintains the price proposal well below R$300,000, the model could repeat the sales success of the H9, still benefiting from electrification.
Pontos new model key:
- Motor 1.5 turbo hybrid with two electric engines
- Autonomia electric 130 km and 1,200 km combined
- Potência with 364 hp and 77.5 kgfm torque
- Tela 14.6-inch multimedia with connectivity
- 12.3-inch digital Cluster
- 4.80 meter Comprimento
- Porta – 586 liter suitcases
- Acabamento with seat cooling and leather
The launch of H7 integrates a series of strategic moves by GWM into the Brasil. Além of this SUV, the brand is also preparing the GWM Ora 5, successor to the 03, to arrive in June. GWM’s second factory at Espírito Santo, which will have the capacity to produce 200,000 cars annually, reinforces the Chinese company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Brazilian automotive market. Essa infrastructure should reduce costs and accelerate meeting the growing demand for electrified and hybrid vehicles in the country.