GWM Haval unveils new plug-in hybrid SUV with more than 100km of range

GWM Haval has shown off its latest model at the Shanghai motor show – a large, Kia Sorento-sized SUV with plug-in hybrid technology, under consideration for Australian showrooms.

GWM Haval says the new model can be driven up to 105 kilometres in electric mode thanks to its 20kWh battery pack, before the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is required.

With the vehicle fully charged and filled up, the brand claims it has the ability to travel more than 1200 kilometres without needing to stop, based on the WLTP test cycle.

Combined with two electric motors, the SUV can send a total of 205kW and 585Nm to all four wheels.

While the vehicle is known as Xiaolong in China, its English name hasn't yet been announced yet, with Haval's parent company GWM – formerly known as Great Wall Motors – referring to the SUV by its internal codename: B07.

The B07 debuts GWM's new Hi4 platform – short for 'hybrid intelligent four-wheel drive' – which allows the vehicle to be driven as a traditional 'closed-loop' Toyota-style hybrid, even when the battery is depleted, resulting in claimed fuel use of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres (WLTP).

Yet to be confirmed for the B07, the Hi4 electric-car platform is said to allow fast charging of 30 to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes.

Inside, the driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display, while a second 12.3-inch screen loaded with GWM's 'Coffee' operating system looks after infotainment duties.

Though not mentioned in the company's statement, videos released online in recent days show another screen mounted in the dash directly ahead of the front-row passenger, appearing to offer access to music and television streaming.

Measuring in at 4758mm long, 1895mm wide, and 1725mm tall, with a 2800mm wheelbase, the new model is larger than the current GWM Haval H6 and the plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander – but roughly on-par with the Hyundai Santa Fe.

There's no official word on whether the GWM Haval B07 will be offered in Australia, however the SUV is said to be under consideration for local showrooms.