GWM Australia hasn’t yet confirmed the Haval H7 – aka China’s second-generation Big Dog – for local showrooms, but more evidence points to the mid-sized SUV being released here.
After being approved for sale in Australia last month, several examples of the GWM Haval H7 have been spotted at a Melbourne port, and subsequently near the carmaker’s local headquarters.
Their lack of camouflage as well as a range of four colours suggests these vehicles will be used for both in-house and public demonstrations.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Last month, GWM Australia and New Zealand managing director Charles Zhao told CarExpert: “There is a possibility for the Big Dog, but timing isn’t finalised yet.”
The Haval H7’s size similarity compared to other GWM SUVs such as the Haval H6 and H6 GT was noted as one of the factors behind the delay in locking in the model for local sale.
Measuring 4705mm long, 1908mm wide and 1780mm tall, and riding on a 2810mm wheelbase, the SUV is 52mm longer, 22mm wider, and 56mm lower than the Haval H6, with a 72mm longer wheelbase.
GWM has received Australian government type approval for the Haval H7 to be sold as a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder.
According to the federal homologation documents, the hybrid’s petrol engine is capable of producing up to 110kW while the electric motor – integrated into its automatic transmission – can develop 130kW, bringing total system outputs up to 179kW.
An identical drivetrain is found in the Haval H6 hybrid, which shares the same power output and has 530Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels through a two-speed ‘Dedicated Hybrid Transmission’.
The documents don’t detail the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, though in the H6 it produces 150kW and 230Nm, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Australian examples of the H7 should instead feature a nine-speed dual-clutch auto, as well as both front- and all-wheel drive layout options.
Earlier this year South African publication The Citizen reported the H7 would go on sale there with the option of a 2.0-litre turbo four producing 170kW and 380Nm.
While Chinese examples are also available with GWM’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid system – which features a 1.5-litre Miller cycle four-cylinder engine, a two-speed Direct Hybrid Transmission, and a 19.09kWh lithium iron phosphate battery – this hasn’t been approved for sale in Australia.
Underpinned by the same LEMON architecture as the Haval H6, the H7 features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.
Standard features in China include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a panoramic sunroof, head-up display and heated steering wheel are among optional equipment.
GWM has previously eyed introducing the Haval H7 nameplate here, which would have been used on a model to slot in above the previous-generation Haval H6 but below the since-axed Haval H9, while offering a third row of seating.
The company went as far as receiving government approval and inviting media to view the old H7, but the SUV never ended up reaching showrooms.
The original Big Dog was also brought here for evaluation in 2021, with local media also given the chance to see it, but it never ended up being launched despite local trademark filings.
The first-generation Big Dog – for which the Dargo nameplate was being eyed locally – remains on sale in China.
MORE: Everything GWM
MORE: 2025 GWM Haval H7: Chinese ‘Big Dog’ SUV set to be unleashed in Australia
MORE: GWM Australia could fill another niche with a third mid-sized SUV
