Wheel-to-wheel: Denza B5 vs GWM Haval H7

Looking to penetrate the country’s upmarket sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, BYD’s premium new-energy vehicle (NEV) arm Denza, has unleashed the B5. 

Propelled by a peppy hybrid powerplant, it makes a serious case about how electrified models can actually be a reliable system — even for those who prefer to veer off the beaten path. 

But GWM Philippines looks to challenge its fellow Chinese automaker with the Haval H7, which also uses a hybrid setup to power an off-road-ready midsize SUV. 

On that note, we pit these models together wheel-to-wheel to see which NEV SUV comes out on top. 

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Tale of the tape 

Here is how they measure side-by-side: 

Vehicle	Denza B5	GWM Haval H7
Dimensions (length, width, height in millimeters [mm>)	4,888 x 1,970 x 1,920	4,800 x 1,950 x 1,843
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,800	2,738

Based on the above numbers, the Denza B5 edges over the GWM Haval H7 when it comes to size. It is longer, wider, and taller, which could improve both road presence and cabin space. In addition, the former has a longer wheelbase than the latter, which could mean it can offer better ride quality. 

Exterior 

Outside, the Denza B5 shares some similarities with its bigger brother, the B8. For those following the Zigwheels Philippines feature stories page, we recently compared the B8 hybrid SUV with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 HEV. Find out how it went by checking this story. 

It gets a large grille flanked by LED lighting. Though finished in a similar paint as most of its body panels, the front bumper looks imposing and is accentuated with a skid plate-like appointment in the middle. 

The side profile is highlighted with large and boxy fenders; wide running boards; blacked-out door handles, pillars, and roof rails; and a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65 tires. 

Its rear echoes the same design language with a discreet spoiler on the roof where a third brake lamp is attached. It also packs squarish lighting that flanks the rear door that opens sideways. And in classic SUV fashion, the spare tire is mounted on the said door. 

The bumper too is chunky and (in combination with the front chin) appears to give the Denza B5 decent approach and departure angles when attacking ditches or maybe when crawling over speed bumps. 

Exuding the same energy is the GWM Haval H7. The front end is fitted with a black chrome grille with LED illumination on each side and a bumper that looks tough (thanks to the matte black finish) with a familiar skid plate-like applique. 

The side of the GWM Haval H7, on the other hand, looks more rugged with strong-looking cladding on the wheel arches and similarly muscular side sill garnishes. From this angle, too, one can appreciate its 19-inch wheels shod in 255/60-series tires (18-inch wheels with 265/60 tires also available). 

Its rear also gets a swing-out door with the spare tire mounted at the back. The lights are rectangular, and the rear bumper appears like it can take a beating. 

Both are newcomers in the local auto landscape, and with rather similar styling, they appear to be neck-and-neck when it comes to the exterior battle. 

Interior 

The Denza B5 has a more modern interior, with leather upholstery, a 15.6-inch ultra-high-definition infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with a negative-ion air purifier, and a car refrigerator. 

We also love how the center console is designed, which gives off Gundam vibes. 

On the other hand, the GWM Haval H7 continues with its rugged design language while still offering decent tech like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, a wireless charger, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seating. 

While it does not offer luxuries, such as an in-car fridge, it sticks to its guns and focuses on providing the occupants what they need for an off-road journey. 

Like before, they also appear to be tied when it comes to the class of cabins. 

Powertrain 

Both SUVs have a hybrid powertrain. The Denza B5 has a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with two permanent magnet synchronous motors on each wheel axle. Combined, they make 677 horsepower and 760 Newton-meters (Nm). 

Not to be outdone, the GWM Haval H7 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a four-wheel drive layout and produces 359 hp and 760 Nm. 

Since numbers do not lie, it is clear that the Denza B5 outshines the GWM Haval H7 in terms of power. 

Verdict 

After the dust settles, the winner of this wheel-to-wheel face-off is the Denza B5. This can be true for people who have P3.798 million to spare, because that is the price tag of the hybrid SUV. 

But for those who are working on a budget, the value offered by the GWM Haval H7, which starts at just P1.698 million, is unbeatable. 

Also read: 

GWM Haval H9 enters Mindanao market

Denza D9 DM-i gets limited-time P300K price cut

GWM PH highlights Cannon in CDO

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