THE compact SUV market just got another serious contender.
After making its local preview at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) earlier this year, the GWM Haval H7 has officially arrived in the Philippines, bringing a combination of rugged styling, electrified powertrains, and aggressive pricing to an increasingly crowded segment.
Positioned against hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings such as the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, the H7 enters the market with three variants and a starting price of P1.298 million.
At that price, GWM is clearly targeting buyers who want the benefits of electrification without venturing into premium territory.
The entry-level H7 HEV is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Available exclusively in front-wheel-drive form, the system produces a combined 244 horsepower (hp) and 540 Newton-meters of torque. It carries a retail price of P1.298 million.
Buyers looking for greater electric capability can step up to the plug-in hybrid variant.
The H7 PHEV 2WD uses the same 1.5-liter turbo engine and single electric motor setup but increases output to 322 hp while maintaining 540 Nm of torque. Its 19.09-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery allows for a claimed pure electric range of 105 km under the NEDC cycle. Pricing starts at P1.548 million.
Sitting at the top of the range is the H7 PHEV AWD, which introduces GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system.
The setup combines a gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing a combined 364 hp and 760 Nm of torque. Despite using the same 19.09-kWh battery as the two-wheel-drive version, its claimed electric-only range drops slightly to 91 km.
Even so, those figures are impressive for a vehicle priced at P1.698 million, particularly considering that some competitors offer less power while lacking all-wheel drive (AWD) altogether.
Beyond the numbers, GWM appears to be banking on the H7’s styling to help it stand out.
Unlike many compact crossovers that have embraced sleek, coupe-inspired shapes, the H7 adopts a more upright and rugged appearance. Squared-off proportions, prominent wheel arches, and a swing-out tailgate with an externally mounted spare tire give it a more traditional SUV character.
Inside, the H7 leans heavily into technology.
Standard equipment across all variants includes full LED lighting, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, leatherette seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 540-degree camera system, and an eight-speaker audio system.
The flagship AWD plug-in hybrid adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a windshield-projected head-up display, and power adjustment for both front seats.
It is also the only variant equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind spot warning.
The H7 enters a market that has become one of the country’s most competitive battlegrounds. Chinese brands are no longer competing solely on price. Increasingly, they are offering performance figures, technology, and equipment levels that challenge more established players.
For GWM, the H7 may represent its strongest argument yet. It combines hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology, generous standard equipment, and SUV styling that still appeals to buyers who prefer a more rugged design over the increasingly common coupe-crossover formula.
The vehicle comes with a seven-year or 200,000-km bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year or one-million-km powertrain warranty, and an eight-year or 200,000-km battery warranty. GWM is also offering a P50,000 introductory discount for purchases made this month.