GWM Haval H7

The GWM Haval H7 features a premium-looking, minimalist cabin layout fitted with high-tech features and plush leather panels, creating a completely different vibe from its rugged exterior design. Its leather seats provide all passengers with great comfort and ergonomics. All trims come with a center console with a cooling vent and ventilated front seats. However, only the 4WD variant also gets a memory (with welcome assist) function for its driver’s seat, an LED ambient lighting system with rhythm and breathing modes, as well as a panoramic sunroof for a more premium cabin experience.

Additionally, its cabin provides five passengers with ample headroom and legroom, while its trunk offers generous space for cargo and other personal belongings. In terms of functionality and convenience, this SUV also comes with a wireless charger, front and rear USB ports (USB-A + USB-C), two 12V power outlets (front: 1, rear: 1), and a 220V power outlet, among others.

All passengers can enjoy a 15.6-inch Coffee OS 3.3-supported touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The 4WD trim features a 10-speaker sound system with an amplifier, while the 2WD variants get the 8-speaker version. Meanwhile, drivers get a 12.3-inch coloured instrument display, a leather steering wheel with multiple controls, and a heads-up display (4WD-exclusive). 

In terms of dimensions, the GWM Haval H7 measures 4,800 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, 1,843 mm in height, and 2,738 mm in wheelbase. The 4WD trim provides 210 mm of ground clearance, while the 2WD variants sit 200 mm above the ground.

Appearance-wise, the GWM Haval H7 looks classy and brutish at the same time. At the front, it features rectangular LED headlamps with DRLs. Its sporty, rugged facade is further enhanced by a black chrome front grille and a two-tone bumper with a silver panel.

On the sides, its boxy profile is accentuated by blacked-out body cladding with prominent overfenders, as well as rectangular pillars. It gets power-adjustable and folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, giving its overall appearance a premium vibe. The top-of-the-line 4WD trim features 19-inch alloy wheels, whereas the 2WD variants get the 18-inch counterpart.

Meanwhile, at the back, it exudes a more classic aura with its full-size spare tyre cover and a two-tone bumper similar to the one at the front. This SUV gets rectangular LED tail lamps, an LED high-mount brake lamp, and a pair of fog lamps for increased visibility, whether you are cruising on the highway or passing through rural trails at night. Overall, the GWM Haval H7’s design is a mix of classic geometric finishes and modern features.

In terms of suspension, the GWM Haval H7 model line is equipped with a MacPherson independent-type at the front and a Multi-Link independent-type at the rear. This setup is credited with this SUV’s great off-road capability and adaptability to different road conditions. It offers a supple riding experience on both rural trails and bumpy, uneven urban pavements. While it may not be the most confident when it comes to hitting sharp turns or carving corners, it still handles decently for its size.

The GWM Haval H7 model line offers three powertrain options. First, the base trim runs on a hybrid (self-charging) powertrain that combines a 1.5L 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged engine with a 1.53-kWh battery-powered front-mounted electric motor, producing 177 PS of power. Its hybrid powertrain delivers 247 PS of combined power and 540 Nm of combined torque.

Second, the mid trim runs on a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the same engine with a 19.09-kWh battery-powered front electric motor, producing the same amount of power as the base trim’s while offering a 105-km NEDC pure electric range. Combined, its plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 326 PS and 540 Nm. Both 2WD trims, however, come mated to a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission system and utilize a two-wheel drivetrain. 

Finally, the lone 4WD trim runs on a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the same engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 109 PS and 204 PS, respectively. Feeding its dual-motor setup is the same 19.09-kWh battery, but this time, it offers a 91-km NEDC electric range. Combined, its plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 364 PS and 760 Nm. This trim runs on three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission and utilizes a four-wheel drivetrain. 

Aside from that, all trims are equipped with Standard, Sport, and Economy driving modes, while the 4WD variant also gets Snow, Sand, Mud, and AWD modes. Regardless of the powertrain, this SUV offers smooth and instantaneous acceleration. It feels exciting at high speeds, yet remains sensible in stop-and-go traffic. The Haval H7 also offers impressive long-distance touring capability without the worry of range anxiety.

Safety is also not an issue with the GWM Haval H7 model line, as it is equipped with a 540-degree view camera, a total of eight parking sensors (front: 4, rear: 4), an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, a rollover mitigation system, a traction control system, multiple airbags, and cruise control (intelligent for the 4WD trim), among others. This SUV comes with front and rear ventilated disc brakes.

Meanwhile, the 4WD trim is also equipped with multiple advanced driver assistance systems, such as pedestrian/bicycle safety assist, a blind spot information system, traffic sign recognition, intelligent cruise assist, and forward collision warning with an auto emergency braking system, among others. 

The GWM Haval H7 can be considered a game-changer in its segment. For an accessible hybrid vehicle option (under the 2M mark), it is highly-versatile, usable in the city on a daily basis, and immensely future-ready.