As fuel volatility continues to drive Australian consumers toward electrified powertrains, GWM has carved out a significant niche. While many brands focus on pure electric vehicles (EVs), GWM is capitalizing on the “bridge” technology: the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Their latest offering, the H6 Ultra PHEV AWD (Hi4), aims to provide the high-tech feel of an EV with the long-distance security of a petrol engine—all at a price point that undercuts many traditional competitors.
The Value Proposition: Power Meets Affordability
The standout feature of the H6 Ultra PHEV AWD is its sheer value. At $50,990 drive-away, it offers a level of performance that feels disproportionate to its cost.
To put its power into perspective, the H6 PHEV delivers a combined 268kW of power and 760Nm of torque. This puts it in a performance bracket usually reserved for luxury European SUVs. For comparison, an older BMW X5 M50d produced similar figures but retailed for significantly more. While the H6 might not feel like a dedicated sports car, its ability to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds makes it a formidable presence on the road.
Interior and Technology: Premium Feel, Minor Glitches
The cabin reflects a modern, minimalist design language similar to what we see in Tesla models. GWM has spared no expense on the “touch and feel” of the interior, incorporating:
– A massive 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
– A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
– High-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and aluminum speaker grilles.
– A suite of luxury features like a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and heated/ventilated front seats.
However, the digital experience isn’t without its growing pains. While the screen is crisp and the reversing camera is industry-leading, the software can feel unpolished. Minor glitches—such as the infotainment system interrupting phone calls to play music—suggest that while the hardware is excellent, the software integration requires further refinement.
Driving Dynamics: A Heavyweight Performer
Driving a PHEV involves managing significant weight, as the H6 must carry a large 19.1kWh battery alongside its internal combustion engine. This brings the vehicle’s weight to nearly two tonnes.
The Good
The H6 is exceptionally quiet and comfortable at highway speeds. The Hi4 all-wheel-drive system provides much-needed traction for wet or gravel roads, making the $3,000 premium over the front-wheel-drive model a wise investment for most families.
The Challenges
- Handling: The steering can feel “rubbery” or disconnected during cornering, and the suspension can feel overwhelmed when hitting large potholes due to the vehicle’s mass.
- Ergonomics: In a move that departs from tradition, GWM has moved the gear shifter to a stalk position (similar to a turn signal). This can lead to accidental shifts during routine driving.
- ADAS (Driver Assistance): The most significant critique lies with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. At times, the lane-keep and steering assistance can feel overly aggressive, occasionally “yanking” the wheel in a way that feels more intrusive than helpful. Fortunately, users can now adjust or disable these sensitivities.
Efficiency and Range
The H6 PHEV is designed for the modern commuter. GWM claims a massive 100km electric-only range, though real-world testing suggests 80km is a more realistic expectation.
Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle reverts to a highly efficient hybrid. While GWM claims a combined fuel consumption of 1.1L/100km, expect closer to 6.2L/100km once you are running primarily on petrol. Even so, the total combined range of over 1,040km effectively eliminates “range anxiety,” a common hurdle for pure EV adopters.
Verdict
The GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD is a high-tech, high-performance family SUV that delivers immense value for money. While the software and driver-assist systems require fine-tuning, its combination of rapid acceleration, spaciousness, and electrified efficiency makes it a compelling choice for those transitioning away from pure petrol vehicles.
Summary: The H6 Ultra PHEV is a powerhouse of value, offering luxury-adjacent performance and impressive electric range, provided you can overlook some minor software quirks and unconventional ergonomics.
