GWM’s next Haval H6 has appeared on Australian roads without camouflage, offering a clear look at the SUV set to replace one of the Chinese brand’s most important local models.

Photographed by CarSauce in Victoria, the vehicle is undergoing Australian development ahead of its 2027 introduction. It brings a substantial styling change, a larger body and an interior with a greater emphasis on comfort and technology.

There is also the prospect of stronger performance. The all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid inspected by CarSauce in China earlier this year was quoted at 280kW and 670Nm, although GWM has yet to confirm Australian specifications.

A GWM representative confirmed the incoming model is undergoing local tuning and validation through the company’s AT-1 programme.

“The new Haval H6 is currently undergoing local tuning and validation through our AT-1 programme prior to its introduction in 2027, consistent with our approach to new vehicles ahead of their Australian introduction,” a GWM spokesperson said.

“This work ensures its ride, handling and overall driving characteristics are tailored to Australian roads and customer expectations.”

Led by local engineering specialist Rob Trubiani, AT-1 draws on Australian and New Zealand testing to refine suspension, steering and other aspects of vehicle behaviour. The programme has already produced updates for the current H6.

The incoming vehicle’s styling makes the change immediately apparent.

The current model’s prominent grille gives way to a largely closed nose, with slim headlights and HAVAL lettering integrated into a horizontal lighting assembly. The photographed vehicle also features two-tone alloy wheels, roof rails and dark window surrounds that create a floating-roof effect.

At the rear, a full-width lighting strip incorporates illuminated GWM lettering beneath a roof spoiler.

Known as the Xiaolong Max in China, the vehicle inspected by CarSauce measured approximately 4.8 metres long, with a 2.8-metre wheelbase. Its larger footprint was reflected in a spacious second row, with generous legroom, good space beneath the front seats and supportive rear seating.

Boot capacity was quoted at 436 litres, increasing to 1485 litres with the rear seats folded. The inspected vehicle included a powered tailgate and a tyre repair kit in place of a spare wheel.

Its plug-in hybrid system paired a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

The Hi4 all-wheel-drive configuration carried a claimed 0–100km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Two battery options were outlined: 23.7kWh and 33.8kWh, with quoted electric-only ranges of 95km and 140km respectively under the WLTC testing cycle.

Those figures relate to the overseas specification presented during CarSauce’s China visit. They have not been confirmed for Australia, and local certified range figures may differ.

Inside, the emphasis was as much on passenger comfort as outright performance.

The vehicle inspected by CarSauce featured heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a panoramic glass roof and a cooled wireless phone charger. A large central touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS was accompanied by a digital instrument display and a 360-degree camera system.

Soft-touch dashboard and door materials added to the more upmarket presentation, while the rear seats included a folding centre armrest and USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

If those outputs carry over, the new H6 would arrive as one of the punchiest plug-in hybrids in its class. The BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range makes 253kW for $52,990, the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid makes 227kW from $58,840, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes 221kW from $58,990 (all before on-road costs), while the Haval's quoted 140km electric range on the larger battery would also beat the RAV4 AWD's 113km and the Outlander's 86km (WLTP).

The remaining questions concern how much of that equipment—and which powertrains—will reach Australian showrooms.

Petrol, conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations have been outlined for the broader incoming range. GWM has yet to announce the final Australian line-up, pricing or a firm on-sale date.