GWM Haval H7 attracts record pre-launch interest in Australia

Key highlights:

• GWM reports 1500 expressions of interest for the new Haval H7
• 5-seat Hybrid and PHEV versions both feature standard Hi4 all-wheel drive
• A seven-seat, extended-length H7 is due in 2027

GWM says its new boxy Haval H7 SUV has attracted more pre-launch interest than any previous new model from the brand, with first customer deliveries expected within the next two weeks. The mid-size SUV reportedly received 1500 expressions of interest after its Australian debut at the Everything Electric exhibition last month.

It also generated substantially more website page views and YouTube video views than the previous H7, alongside strong interest at a pop-up display at Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre.

The initial lineup arriving in local showrooms consists exclusively of short-wheelbase, five-seat models, and the extended-length seven-seat variant has also been locked in, but it will join the lineup later in 2027.

GWM Haval H7 draws strong early interest

GWM Australia has high expectations for the new H7, which features a substantially different design and powertrain options from its predecessor.

Steve Maciver, GWM Australia’s head of marketing and communications, said the early response from prospective buyers across Australia suggests the brand has found the right formula with the new SUV. He added that offering Australians new models with the right technology at the right price would help GWM move closer to its ambition of becoming a top-five automotive brand.

Maciver also credited the company’s progress to 18 years of listening, learning, innovating and localising in Australia, describing the new H7 as the latest example of that approach.

Also read: Lepas L6 electric SUV priced at $47,990 in Australia

GWM Haval H7 powertrains and performance

Unlike the existing Haval H6 and the previous-generation H7, which introduced the nameplate locally in 2025, the new H7 will come exclusively with GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system.

Buyers will be able to choose between a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and both use a 110kW turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but their battery sizes and combined outputs differ. Every version has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg.

GWM Haval H7 pricing and variants

GWM Australia has confirmed that the new H7 will cost less than $50,000 drive-away to start. Previous reporting expects the range to top out at around $54,000 drive-away, although the company has yet to confirm final pricing.

The SUV will be offered in the familiar Lux and Vanta trim levels, with both grades available with hybrid and PHEV powertrains. For context, here is how the H7’s expected pricing compares with the current Haval H6 range and outgoing H7.

The outgoing H7 came in a single Vanta grade with a hybrid powertrain producing up to 179kW and it was available exclusively with front-wheel drive and carried a $46,990 drive-away price.

Australian launch and seven-seat version

GWM says the first shipments of the new H7 have started arriving at Australian ports ahead of its official launch next month, and full pricing and specifications will be confirmed shortly.

The new H7 will initially launch in a short-wheelbase, five-seat configuration, and an extended-length, seven-seat version is due in 2027.