2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV review (video)

The mid-size SUV segment has become a battleground of incremental updates and plug-in hybrid variants. Against that backdrop, the GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD is actively trying to move the needle. It brings electrification to the table with serious performance numbers, meaningful electric range, and styling that now confidently brushes shoulders with more expensive European rivals.

This facelifted H6 is more than a cosmetic refresh. It introduces GWM’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid system to Australian buyers in four-wheel drive form, pairing electric efficiency with headline-grabbing power outputs. It promises the holy trinity; strong performance, low running costs, and everyday usability. After spending time with the Ultra PHEV AWD, here’s how we think it stacks up in the real world.

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Specifications

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Electrical: 19.1kWh battery, 100km electric range
Output: 268kW / 760Nm
Gearbox: Four-speed hybrid auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.0, 235/55
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1946kg
Power-to-weight: 7.26:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 1.1L/100km

Our consumption: 5.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 243.63kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.46 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.86 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.13 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.26 seconds at 173.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.913g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.97m in 3.35s*
Max deceleration: -1.246g*
Starting price: $50,990

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: How much does it cost?

The Ultra PHEV AWD sits above the Lux at the top of the H6 lineup, with drive-away pricing from just $50,990, depending on your location. That undercuts all PHEV alternatives by a substantial margin. The base Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Aspire starts from $73,790. Only the BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range comes close at $52,990 – though, it has a higher 128km electric range.

Always look for temporary deals as well. At the time of writing, GWM is offering $4000 off, bringing the price down to an incredible $46,990 drive-away.

Warranty coverage is another highlight. The H6 PHEV is backed by a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, an 8-year battery warranty, 5 years of roadside assistance, and 5 years of capped-price servicing. Servicing costs are average for the industry; required every 12 months or 10,000km. The first five services are capped at $230, $370, $485, $570, and $485 ($2140 in total).

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Interior & packaging

Inside, the H6 Ultra PHEV takes a noticeably more restrained approach than some of GWM’s other recent products. The design is clean and minimalist, bordering on plain in places. There’s very little in the way of bold textures or colour contrast, and aside from the optional cream interior, it relies heavily on uniform materials and smooth surfaces.

That said, the execution is tidy and feels strongly assembled. Panel fit feels solid, the switchgear has reassuring weight, and the overall presentation now feels genuinely upmarket. It’s elegant rather than expressive, and that will suit buyers who prefer calm over character.

Space is a major win. The H6 offers generous room front and rear, aided by a barely noticeable rear centre floor tunnel that makes a full house more practical than most SUVs. The centre console area is particularly impressive, with a large under-console storage bay made possible by the column-mounted gear selector.

Further to the rear, boot space is generous, offering 560 litres or 1445L with the rear seats laid flat. Though, space is saved by a tyre repair kit instead of a full-sized wheel or space-saving spare that all-petrol versions get. There is also a small 40-litre loss compared with non-PHEV or HEV models. To make the everyday easier, the tailgate is powered and kick-sensing, and a 12-volt power outlet is included back there.

Technology integration has taken a meaningful step forward. The 14.6-inch infotainment display is crisp, fast, and far more intuitive than previous Haval systems. A new hover-style shortcut bar at the bottom of the screen gives constant access to key functions like temperature and air-conditioning controls – even when running wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This alone addresses one of the biggest frustrations of earlier GWM models, where adjusting cabin temperature required diving several layers deep into menus.

Some standout features include side door exit warning, 360-degree cameras, head-up display, heated and cooled electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, ‘Comfort-Tek’ leather-accented seat trim, and a long list of driver-assist and safety tech to earn it a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

And that driver assist tech is also more refined than earlier model GWMs. We were rarely pulled up for driver distraction warnings from the driver monitoring camera, and when they do alarm you, the chimes have been calmed, too. No more incessant alarms ongoing. Just one short ding.

From an external view, the H6 design is sleek and well balanced. Contrasting black 19-inch alloys and a huge textured chrome front grille gives it an upmarket feel that could give Euro brands a run for their money. The body measures 4703mm long, 1886mm wide, and stands 1730mm tall, making it one of the larger SUVs in this specific class.

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Powertrain & handling

The headline act is the ‘Hi4’ plug-in hybrid system, and it doesn’t disappoint on paper or in practice. In AWD form, the combination of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and dual electric motors delivers a staggering 268kW and 760Nm. Those figures put it firmly among the most powerful SUVs in the segment, regardless of price. But we should note, the entirety of that power is only accessible when you have enough juice in the battery. Otherwise you’re relying more on the 110kW/240Nm petrol engine.

When both power sources are working together, performance is effortless. Acceleration is strong, immediate and deceptively quick for a family SUV of this class, with GWM claiming a 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds. Our testing clocked it in 4.86 seconds using the on-board launch control, and 6.22 seconds without. Power delivery is smooth, without the abrupt transitions that sometimes plague complex hybrid systems.

Pure electric driving is a genuine strength. With roughly 100km of EV range available under the NEDC cycle, many owners will be able to complete daily commuting without using a drop of petrol. Driven as intended – with regular charging – it’s entirely possible to run this SUV as an electric vehicle during the week and only call on the petrol engine for longer trips. Range anxiety is effectively eliminated. With a full battery and fuel tank, total driving range comfortably stretches to 1000km. However, some non-PHEV rivals can offer roughly that as well, such as the Toyota RAV4 AWD hybrid (1145km), Kia Sportage AWD hybrid and Hyundai Tucson AWD hybrid (981km), Honda CR-V AWD hybrid (1000km), and MG HS FWD only hybrid (1057km).

Charging flexibility is a plus. The CCS2 setup supports both AC (up to 6.6kW) and DC (up to 34kW) charging. Charging from 30-80 per cent on a 34kW DC charger will take 28 minutes, and 15-100 on a 6.6kW AC charger will take 3 hours. The system also gives flexibility to use EV mode when it suits you, as well as scheduled charging if you have solar power and want to, perhaps, charge at home when the sun is giving free power.

Fuel efficiency is officially rated at 1.1L/100km, but that is based on a driving test over a limited range that uses mostly electric power (NEDC runs for 20 minutes and WLTP runs for 30 minutes). If you don’t get to charge and end up using it as a standard hybrid, expect an average consumption of around 5L/100km or more. It also tolerates cheaper 91 RON petrol.

Where the H6 Ultra PHEV shows some compromise is in dynamics. The additional weight of the battery and motors is always present. Over uneven roads, the suspension can struggle to fully settle, occasionally sending a shudder through the body over sharper bumps. It’s not uncomfortable, but it lacks the composure of lighter all-petrol rivals. It goes with Macpherson struts at the front, and a multi-link setup at the rear. And this test vehicle does feature the Aussie tune.

Steering feel is another weak point. While accurate enough for daily driving, it lacks realistic feedback and connection, making enthusiastic cornering feel remote. Even with the selectable steering modes (Comfortable/Sport/Light), pushing harder through bends, the H6’s 1980kg kerb weight becomes obvious quickly, with handling remaining safe and predictable rather than engaging. The switch to a recognised tyre brand helps with grip confidence, but physics ultimately wins.

Off-road ability only extends to what we would class as a mild level. Traction from four wheels is certainly better than two, and selectable drives modes is something (Normal/Eco/Sport/Snow/4WD), but there is no diff lock or anything serious like that, or hill descent control. A dirt road here and there is as far as you’d want to take it with its road-oriented tyres, no spare wheel, and 170mm of ground clearance. If you need to tow, its 1500kg limit is also sub-par.

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Neat exterior design: The refreshed H6 looks genuinely premium, with sleek proportions and detailing that wouldn’t feel out of place alongside European rivals.
• Outstanding PHEV technology: Around 100km of EV driving, plus up to 1000km of total range delivers true flexibility and minimal fuel dependency.
• Strong performance: Massive torque and rapid acceleration make it one of the quickest SUVs in its class.
• Improved in-car usability: The new infotainment layout, shortcut controls, and driver alert accuracy improvements dramatically improve day-to-day interaction compared with earlier model GWMs.
• Competitive value and ownership coverage: Drive-away pricing is ludicrously competitive, and backed by a long warranty and capped servicing adds peace of mind.

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Key considerations before you buy

• Ride struggles with the 1980kg kerb weight: Suspension can feel unsettled over bumps, average compliance along Aussie country roads.
• Steering lacks feedback: Safe and light, but not particularly engaging or confidence-inspiring.
• Minimalist interior feels plain: Clean design won’t appeal to buyers wanting texture or visual drama.
• Questionable resale value: As a second-hand car, Chinese-made PHEVs like this one might experience a steeper drop in resale value over established brands and non-EVs that are more serviceable.

2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV: Video