GWM Haval H6 replacement locked in for Australia

GWM Australia has confirmed the next-generation Haval H6 for a local launch in the first half of 2027, with the mid-size SUV set to grow in size, gain more tech and switch to upgraded electrified powertrains as emissions regulations tighten.

The next iteration of the GWM Haval H6 has been locked in for Australia, with the Chinese brand confirming its mid-size SUV will be replaced by a new-generation model next year.

Already on sale in China since 2023, the new H6 – also known as the H6L and Xiaolong Max in some markets  is now being evaluated for Australia, with GWM assessing which of its petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains will be introduced, as emissions regulations tighten Down Under.

Speaking with carsales, GWM Australia product planning manager Tim Leong said the plugless hybrid was the likely version to start, followed by plug-in hybrid, while a drop-off in demand for petrol vehicles could mean the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) H6 is dropped from the line-up altogether.

Outside, the new model grows to 4780mm in length (+77mm), 1895mm in width (+9mm) and 1730mm in height (no change), on a 2800mm wheelbase (+62mm).

Despite its larger footprint, boot capacity falls from 560 litres to 436 litres, likely due to revised styling.

Under the bonnet, global markets offer a 170kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front- or all-wheel drive.

Hybrid variants pair a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission and a small 1.53kWh battery, producing up to 182kW/535Nm in front-wheel drive form. All-wheel drive versions lift torque to 670Nm.

Meanwhile, PHEV variants step things up again, offering as much as 280kW/670Nm, along with electric-only driving ranges between 95km and 140km depending on battery size: options include a 23.7kWh or 33.8kWh pack.

Inside, the new H6 adopts a similar cabin to the facelifted H6 currently on sale Down Under but adds a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to sit alongside the 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.

GWM is also reshaping its SUV line-up around the new model. A larger Haval H7 Plus – potentially with seven seats – is under consideration to fill the gap above the five-seat H6, while the upcoming Jolion Max will sit below it.

The Haval H6 is a key player for GWM in Australia, with 13,217 units sold in 2025, making it the brand’s second best-seller behind the Jolion small SUV.

With a larger body, improved hybrid systems and a dealer network expected to expand to 130 locations nationwide this year, GWM is banking on the new-generation H6 to continue driving growth when it arrives in Australian showrooms in 2027.

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