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New hybrid SUV from Great Wall with familiar flaws

GWM presents Haval Raptor V7 Plus

Aug 15, 2025 13:08 674

New hybrid SUV from Great Wall with familiar flaws  - 1

The Chinese automobile concern Great Wall Motor presented its new hybrid SUV Haval Raptor V7 Plus, which is positioned as powerful and passable. Despite its claims, the first details reveal that the model largely relies on familiar elements, without offering significant innovations or solutions to previous problems.

More power, the same approach

The new model is equipped with a Hi4 powertrain, which combines a 1.5-liter turbo engine (115 kW) and an electric motor (150 kW) for a system power of 330 kW. Although impressive on paper, this power must be compared with the car's massive dimensions - up to 4,912 mm in length and a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. The question is whether the extra power is enough to compensate for the weight and inertia of such a vehicle, or will it simply lead to higher fuel consumption in sportier driving.

Limited electric range and no surprises

The Haval Raptor V7 Plus offers three battery options with capacities of 18.74 kWh, 27.54 kWh and 35.43 kWh, which "on paper" provide electric ranges of 80 km, 112 km and 150 km respectively. While 150 km sounds decent, it should be borne in mind that this is by Chinese standards, which are often much more optimistic than real conditions. By comparison, many competitors on the market already offer significantly greater electric-only ranges. It seems as if the brand has failed to make a serious leap forward, but is rather catching up with the standards already set by other manufacturers.

Design without personality

The appearance of the Raptor V7 Plus largely repeats elements of the Raptor PHEV 2026, retaining the characteristic grille, square headlights and vertical taillights. Even the options for an external spare tire or storage box are already familiar from other models in the segment. This creates a feeling of lack of originality and shows that Haval is betting on a safe but already seen aesthetic, instead of offering something truly fresh and distinctive. Ultimately, the new model looks more like a slightly expanded version of an existing design than a new and exciting product that will shake up the market.