GWM goes BMW X4 and Audi Q5 Sportback hunting with 2022 Haval H6 GT coupe-style SUV

GWM Haval has added yet another new SUV model to its burgeoning line-up and this time it has its sights set on premium European rivals.

The Haval H6 GT – called H6S in some markets – is a coupe-style take on the Chinese carmaker’s popular H6 medium SUV.

Haval is the first mainstream brand to launch a swoopy medium-sized SUV, but there are plenty of examples in the premium mid-size SUV segment.

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The overall design theme can already be seen on models including the Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The original coupe-style SUV was the BMW X4’s bigger sibling, the X6 way back in 2007.

Like those models, the Haval H6 GT adopts a sloping rear roofline and other sporty styling flourishes like a boot-lid and roof spoiler, dual exhaust, a more aggressive front end with larger grille and air intake at the lower part of the bonnet. It’s also fitted with Brembo brakes and Michelin tyres.

Inside, it gains cabin trim and sports seats that are unique to the GT, but it also carries across tech features found in the regular H6 like the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch multimedia display.

The H6 GT is 74mm longer, 54mm wider and 5mm taller than the standard H6 SUV, but the 2738mm wheelbase matches.

Powering the H6 is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet of the H6 SUV, delivering an equal 150kW and 320Nm and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

In China it is offered with a 179kW/530Nm hybrid powertrain, but GWM Australia has not confirmed if this will eventually be made available here.

Standard safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.

The H6 GT will land in Australian GWM dealerships in the second quarter of the year, with pricing and full specification to be released closer to launch.

It’s unclear if the GT will be offered in just one model grade or if it will mimic the H6 SUV’s grades that include the base Premium front-wheel drive (FWD), Lux FWD and Ultra FWD and all-wheel drive.

The current H6 arrived in Australia in May 2021 and it is priced from $31,990 to $39,990 drive-away.

Despite the lack of swoopy coupe-style SUV rivals from mainstream brands, the H6 GT’s likely competitors include the MG HS, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.