The first shipments of the all-new GWM Haval H7 have arrived in Australia, ahead of customer deliveries expected within the next two weeks.

GWM has recorded more than 1500 expressions of interest for the new SUV since its Australian debut at Everything Electric in Sydney just over three weeks ago.

“We have high expectations for the all-new HAVAL H7, and the level of early interest shown from prospective buyers across Australia demonstrates that GWM looks to have the formula just right with this new model,” said Steve Maciver, GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications.

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The H7 will be offered in four grades, with Lux and Vanta variants available as either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system is standard across the range.

The hybrid produces 182kW, while the PHEV delivers 320kW and 670Nm. GWM claims the latter can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, travel up to 137km on electric power alone and deliver a combined range of up to 844km under WLTC testing. The PHEV also offers 6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.

Off-road equipment includes a rear differential lock, 4×4 Expert Mode and eight drive modes. The H7 also has a 1500kg braked towing capacity and a full-size spare wheel.

Unlike the more hardcore Tank 300 and Tank 500, which use a body-on-frame chassis and four-wheel-drive hardware with low-range gearing, the H7 uses a monocoque platform and GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system. While the rear differential lock and off-road drive modes give it some off-road credentials, the H7 is positioned more as an adventure-focused family SUV than a traditional 4WD.

Inside, there’s a 15.6-inch touchscreen with GWM Coffee OS, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera with transparent-view functionality.

Pricing will start below $50,000 driveaway, with full pricing details yet to be announced.

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