At its February dealer conference, GWM surprised attendees with a sneak peek of the refreshed Haval H6 GT lineup. Now officially launched in Cape Town, the focus has shifted to the new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. It joins the current combustion-powered GT, which continues to sell well due to its competitive pricing and sustained market demand.
Performance Boost: Hybrid Leads the Charge
The H6 GT PHEV is now GWM’s most powerful Haval-badged model available in South Africa. It features a combination of the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, borrowed from the Haval Jolion, two electric motors, and a robust 35.4-kWh battery. This advanced setup produces an impressive total output of 321kW and 762Nm. A rapid 0–100 km/h sprint time of just 4.9 seconds is achieved, although the top speed hasn’t been disclosed.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The vehicle offers a remarkable electric-only range of 180 km. Paired with the petrol engine, the total range extends up to 1,000 km.
Charging is relatively quick — a DC charge from 30% to 80% takes just 26 minutes. An AC top-up using the standard 6.6 kW onboard charger takes around six hours.
Sticking With Petrol: Conventional H6 GT Still Packs a Punch
Not to be overshadowed, the traditional 2.0-litre turbocharged H6 GT remains on offer. Producing 155kW and 325Nm, it channels power to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Though it lacks electric assistance, this model promises solid performance for petrol purists. It does not match the blistering acceleration of its hybrid sibling, however.
Design-wise, both versions of the H6 GT retain their sleek coupe-SUV silhouette. The PHEV is distinguishable only by the added charging port on the rear right fender. Inside, the cabin design stays largely unchanged from the earlier GT. PHEV-exclusive displays within the 12.3-inch infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster are the exception.
Notably, the updated interior layout found in the standard H6 — including the redesigned steering wheel and gear shifter — does not appear in either GT model.
Tech & Safety Across the Range
Both models come generously equipped with:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Wireless phone charging
- Dual-zone climate control (with rear vents)
- LED headlights and fog lamps
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electric and heated front seats
- Electric tailgate
- 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Lane Keep Assist and more
The PHEV builds on this with additional features such as launch control, ventilated front seats, sportier rear seating, automatic parking assistance, and a hands-free tailgate.
Drive modes also vary slightly. The combustion model offers Eco, Normal, Sport, Race, Sand, and Off-Road modes. Conversely, the PHEV includes Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Snow, and 4WD — plus hybrid-specific settings: Hybrid, EV, and EV Priority.
Pricing, Colours & Warranty
Available in Red, Matte Grey, Hamilton White, Sun Black, and Atlantis Blue, both versions of the H6 GT are backed by:
- 7-year/200,000 km warranty
- 7-year/75,000 km service plan
- PHEV-specific 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty
Prices:
- H6 GT 2.0 T-GDI Super Luxury 4WD DCT – R665,950
- H6 GT PHEV Ultra Luxury 4WD DHT – R799,900
Verdict: Power of Choice
With the introduction of the H6 GT PHEV, GWM is offering South African motorists a clear choice between advanced electrification and trusted combustion. This choice is all wrapped in a stylish, tech-loaded package. Whether you lean green or prefer petrol, the new H6 GT range has a compelling option ready to go.
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