Our Auto China 2026 coverage now goes back to GWM, as the automaker showcased its new midsize rugged SUV model, the GWM Haval H7 Plus.
This is essentially an extended and upgraded version of the standard Haval H7, which is also known as the Haval Raptor or Haval Menglong in some markets, featuring GWM’s proprietary Hi4 hybrid all-wheel-drive powertrain system.
Rugged Unibody SUV with GWM’s Hi4 PHEV Powertrain
Despite its rugged, off-roady look, the new Haval H7 Plus uses a conventional unibody chassis setup, thus making it an entirely different beast compared to both the GWM Tank 300 and Tank 500—both SUVs feature a proper 4×4 ladder frame chassis.
As a result, this makes the Haval H7 Plus very comparable to the popular Jetour T2, as both SUVs boast a boxy SUV bodystyle. But unlike its Chery-owned rival, which is only available in a full combustion form in Malaysia, the H7 Plus is offered in either a full combustion setup or both HEV and PHEV powertrain options.
Focusing on the latter for now, the H7 Plus PHEV uses a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol engine as its core, which is then mated to a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and two electric motors—one at the front and one at the rear—to deliver a combined output of 364 PS (268 kW) and 760 Nm.
GWM claims this setup is enough to propel this midsize rugged SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, although its V-max is electronically capped at 190 km/h.
As for its battery, the dual-motor PHEV version gets a sizable 27.54 kWh battery pack that the automaker claims can deliver up to 135 km of pure electric range. When combined with its petrol engine, the H7 Plus PHEV is good for over 1,000 km of comprehensive range, the automaker said.
Boxy SUV Exterior with Posh & Premium Interior
Visually, the H7 Plus takes the Jetour T2’s rugged SUV aesthetics to another level, featuring several boxy design elements scattered around the exterior.
Key highlights include its squared LED headlights that are matched with an illuminated front grille that is available in higher-specced variants, vertical rectangular LED taillights, squared-off wheel arches that are flared out to give the SUV a more muscular look, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
Unlike the Malaysian-spec T2, however, the H7 Plus rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels that are shod in road tyres instead of an all-terrain set found on its Jetour rival.
Dimension-wise, the H7 Plus measures 4,800 mm long (4,680 mm without the external spare wheel carrier), 1,950 mm wide, and 1,843 mm tall with a 2,738 mm wheelbase and a healthy ground clearance of 210 mm.
Inside, the H7 Plus boasts a pretty posh and spacious cabin, featuring premium amenities such as powered and ventilated front seats, a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, a smaller 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a dedicated head-up display (HUD), a full panoramic sunroof, and many more.
Available in either five- or seven-seater forms, some additional amenities for the rear passengers include dedicated A/C vents, a single USB-A port, a fold-down table, and a healthy cargo space spanning 586 litres and expandable to 1,404 litres.
Coming to Malaysia Soon?
As of writing, GWM Malaysia has yet to announce any solid plans to bring the new Haval H7 Plus into our market, with the Ora 5 SUV so far being the only model shown at Auto China 2026 that is bound for Malaysia.
Having said that, the automaker previously confirmed plans to introduce at least two new C-segment SUVs into our market in the next two years. With the Tank 300 HEV already confirmed to be one of those, and Jetour Malaysia already confirming plans to bring the T2 PHEV, could the Haval H7 Plus PHEV be the next one for GWM Malaysia?
