GWM confirms BYD, Toyota smashing plan: All future Haval hybrid models will be all-wheel drive as it takes on plug-in hybrid heavyweights such as Hyundai, Mitsubishi and BYD

GWM announced all new hybrid Haval SUVs will be all-wheel drive only, using its signature Hi4 electrified drive system, it announced during a presentation at the Shanghai motor show.

The brand’s new Hi4 system, which is not yet available on any Haval model in Australia, uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine, at least one motor on the front axle and a motor on the rear axle. The brand said the Hi4 system is focused on both weight and cost reduction compared to competitor systems, which it said can be expensive for mainstream buyers when it comes to adding all-wheel drive.

GWM recently introduced a plug-in hybrid system on its H6 GT in Australia, this is a predecessor technology. The new second-generation Hi4 system is expected to arrive in Australia on the upcoming off-road-styled H7 mid-size SUV before the end of 2025.

The Hi4 system has been plug-in hybrid only, but speaking to global media, GWM’s chief powertrain engineer, Yvan Le Neindre, confirmed in the future Hi4 will also be deployed as a plugless hybrid as well as the current plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The H6 will be superseded by a similar mid-size SUV known as the Xiaolong Max in China. GWM has long hinted at the Xiaolong Max becoming a tech-leading vehicle in Haval’s range in Australia.

This mid-size SUV is currently plug-in hybrid only, with its hybrid set-up producing a combined 238kW/595Nm, with up to 165km of electric driving range (according to the more lenient CLTC testing procedure) from the largest 27.54kWh LFP battery pack option.

The most efficient version of the system claims a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 0.97L/100km.

For now the brand’s local division won’t be drawn on timing for the currently left-hand-drive only Xiaolong Max for the Australian market, or whether it will sit above the H6 or replace it entirely in time.

Le Neindre did confirm the current H6’s plugless hybrid front-wheel drive system is on borrowed time, as the future of all Haval products is the Hi4 system.

He added there are ten new models in the pipeline using Hi4 technology, and hinted “we can adjust the size of the components - from a technical point of view - to cover a wide range of products” when asked whether Hi4 would make it to more compact models like the Jolion.

On top of this hybrid push, the brand will also deploy a new 4.0-litre V8 engine by 2027, which will be paired with a Hi4 system in order to meet emissions regulations. The brand said the larger capacity engine is specifically required for markets like Australia where off-roading and heavy towing is popular.