Fast-growing Chinese brand GWM is preparing to launch a new body style for its Haval H6 mid-size SUV, and the first shipments are currently on the water.
The GWM Haval H6 GT, as it’s called, has a sloped roofline like other so-called ‘coupe SUVs’ such as the primo Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4, as well as a more aggressive nose design, and a new tail end with spoilers and two exhaust exits.
The GWM Haval H6 GT was supposed to have been here already, with a second-quarter 2022 launch originally signposted, but production delays pushed back the launch to July.
“Having initially been slated for a Q2 launch, the H6 GT was delayed as a result of global supply chain restrictions but GWM were able to commence mass production during May ensuring that this sporty new model could join the existing Haval SUV range from July,” said a company spokesperson today.
The Chinese-spec Haval H6S – the H6 GT’s name at home – was revealed in August 2021 and detailed in September 2021. We spotted one near our Melbourne office in January 2022 being filmed for, presumably, a TV commercial.
The H6 GT joins the regular H6 and more recently launched H6 hybrid in the company’s burgeoning line-up, which also includes the smaller GWM Haval Jolion SUV and the GWM Ute.
The GWM Haval H6 GT will use the normal H6’s 150kW 2.0-litre turbo engine with a seven-speed DCT, but adds performance updates such as Brembo brakes and Michelin tyres.
The H6 GT shares most interior bits with the regular H6 including the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen, but also adds “sports seats” and different cabin trims.
The crossover’s wheelbase matches the normal H6’s at 2738mm, but all other dimensions are increased: length is up by 74mm, width by 54mm, and height by 5mm.
GWM Haval says standard safety equipment will include AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, and lane-keep assist.
Regular H6 
Regular H6 
H6 GT 
H6 GT
Despite stock issues – like every other brand – GWM is showing strong growth in Australia in 2022: it’s sold 6117 cars to the end of May, up 11.4 per cent, making it the 17th top-selling brand, just behind Honda and LDV, but ahead of Audi, Volvo and Renault.
With 2057 sales YTD, the GWM Haval H6 is the company’s second top-seller behind the Jolion (2462), and has 2.9 per cent share of the massive ‘Medium SUV under $60,000’ market segment, which is dominated by the Toyota RAV4.
“With H6 sales at record levels, the H6 GT is expected to be a popular addition by appealing to those who want a sportier SUV experience while maintaining the space and functionality offered by a more traditional SUV,” GWM Haval Australia said in a press release.
