GWM New Zealand has confirmed pricing and specification for the Haval H7, a five-seat mid-size SUV sold in three hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs.
Most mid-size SUVs have gone sleek and rounded. GWM is going the other way. GWM New Zealand has confirmed pricing and specification for the all-new Haval H7, a boxy five-seat SUV that reaches local dealers in early October.
There are three variants, and every one of them is electrified. Prices start at $49,990 RRP plus on-road costs.
Three Variants, Two Powertrains
The range opens with the Lux 2WD Hybrid at $49,990. Next comes the Vanta Hybrid AWD at $55,990, and the flagship Vanta PHEV AWD costs $61,990. All prices are RRP plus on-road costs.
The self-charging hybrid makes up to 182kW of combined system power. The plug-in hybrid raises that to 320kW and 670Nm, and GWM quotes a 0–100km/h time of 4.9 seconds. That is quick for a family SUV with a deliberately upright shape.
The PHEV also gets up to 137km of electric-only range, by GWM’s figures. In practical terms, many daily commutes could skip the petrol engine entirely. With petrol and electric power working together, GWM claims a total range of up to 844km on the WLTC cycle.
Built to Leave the Tarmac
Both Vanta models use GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system. Here the brand says the electric hardware is meant to add traction and capability, not just cut fuel use. Now that’s a more interesting brief than most hybrid SUVs get.
The H7 offers up to eight selectable driving modes for different surfaces. A locking rear differential adds extra traction when conditions get tricky. Together, these features signal that GWM wants buyers to take the H7 further than the school gate.
The PHEV also has vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. This lets the high-voltage battery power compatible external equipment, which is handy for camping or a weekend away.
Inside the Cabin
Equipment varies by grade. The list includes a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and what GWM calls advanced camera technology. The upright body should also help headroom across the five-seat cabin.
GWM’s Coffee OS software runs the infotainment and key vehicle functions through a single digital interface.
Tarmac Takeaway
The H7 joins the Haval H6 in the medium SUV segment, one of the largest in New Zealand. GWM has said it wants to become a top-five brand here, and the H7 is expected to play a key role in that push.
Rather than offering a second version of the H6, GWM has given the H7 a different personality, with rugged styling and a locking rear diff to back it up. At $61,990, the flagship PHEV pairs 320kW with more than 130km of claimed electric range. That gives GWM a strong pitch for buyers comparing plug-in SUVs on price.
