The new second-generation GWM Haval H7 has started arriving in Australian ahead of its imminent local launch, with the Chinese carmaker reporting record levels of interest in its latest medium SUV.

According to GWM Australia, more than 1500 expressions of interest have been received in just over three weeks since the H7 made its Australian debut at the Everything Electric show in Sydney last month. That’s a feat the company claims was reached faster than for any previous new GWM model, and visits to the H7’s Australian webpage have quadrupled compared with its predecessor.

Gray SUV driving on a highway at speed with blurred trees and cloudy sky in the background, motion blur showing motion intent.
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Positioned alongside the popular Haval H6 in GWM’s medium SUV range, the H7 features a more rugged and boxy design to separate it from the sleeker and more road-focused H6. Four variants will be offered locally, with Lux and Vanta grades to be offered with either hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Unlike the current H7 that’s still on sale locally, all versions of the new H7 will feature GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system, a rear differential lock and eight drive modes.

As for outputs, the hybrid produces 182kW, while the PHEV comes with 320kW and 670Nm, enough for a claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds. The PHEV also offers up to 137km of electric-only driving range and 844km of combined range on the WLTC cycle, along with 6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.

Inside, the H7 features a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running GWM’s new ‘Coffee OS’ software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera. Braked towing capacity is rated at 1500kg across the range.

“We have high expectations for the all-new Haval H7, and the level of early interest shown from prospective buyers across Australia demonstrates that GWM looks to have the formula just right with this new model,” said GWM Australia head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver.

Australian pricing has been confirmed to start below $50,000 driveaway, although full pricing and equipment details are yet to be announced. With the first shipments now arriving, GWM expects customer deliveries to begin within the next two weeks.