Great Wall Motor (GWM) is looking to refresh its Australian portfolio by addressing a significant gap in its current lineup: the demand for a versatile, mid-sized seven-seat SUV. Following the underwhelming sales performance of the current Haval H7, the brand is expected to introduce the H7 Plus, a larger, more capable version designed to capture families looking for more space without the premium price tag of a large off-roader.
A Strategic Shift in the Haval Range
The decision to move toward the H7 Plus appears to be a direct response to market realities. The existing Haval H7 has struggled to gain traction in Australia, with only 292 units moved in the first quarter of the year—trailing behind most major competitors in its segment.
By introducing the H7 Plus, GWM aims to provide a “middle ground” in its hierarchy:
– The Jolion/Jolion Max: Small to mid-size urban crossovers.
– The Haval H7 Plus: A larger, seven-seat family crossover.
– The Tank 500: A premium, large-scale hybrid SUV (starting at approximately $74,990).
This strategy allows GWM to offer a seven-seat option that sits comfortably below the Tank 500 in both price and ruggedness, filling a void that the current unibody H9 or the smaller five-seat models cannot adequately address.
Key Specifications and Capabilities
Unlike the rugged, body-on-frame construction of the Tank series, the H7 Plus is a crossover SUV built on a unibody platform, prioritizing car-like handling and efficiency. However, it does not shy away from light adventure capabilities.
Performance and Powertrain
The vehicle is expected to arrive with a sophisticated Hi4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, featuring:
* Engine: A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
* Output: Combined system outputs ranging from 320kW/750Nm to 330kW/660Nm.
* Acceleration: A claimed 0–100km/h time of between 5.8 and 6.1 seconds.
* Electric Range: A 33.7kWh battery providing an estimated 145–147km of electric-only driving (WLTC cycle).
Dimensions and Versatility
The “Plus” designation refers to the extended wheelbase, which is critical for accommodating a third row of seats.
* H7 Plus Length: 4,912mm (compared to the standard H7’s ~4,680mm).
* Wheelbase: 2,850mm (providing more interior legroom for all rows).
* Ground Clearance: 221mm.
Despite its crossover roots, the H7 Plus includes enthusiast-leaning features such as an electronically locking rear differential, an off-road crawl mode, and a “tank turn” function.
Premium Features and Technology
GWM is positioning the H7 Plus as a high-tech family hub, aiming to compete with established players like Kia through a feature-heavy interior. Expected highlights include:
* Infotainment: A massive 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
* Comfort: Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, plus heated/ventilated second-row seats and an integrated refrigerator.
* Safety & Autonomy: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), potentially including LiDAR-based “Coffee Pilot 3” for highway and city navigation assistance, remote parking, and reverse tracking.
The Road Ahead
The H7 Plus is just one piece of a larger expansion plan. GWM has confirmed that the Jolion Max will also join the lineup later this year, alongside the arrival of the Ora 5 electric SUV.
Summary: GWM is pivoting away from underperforming models to focus on high-demand segments, specifically targeting families with the introduction of the seven-seat, plug-in hybrid Haval H7 Plus.
