The 2026 GWM Haval Raptor Hi4 has gone on sale in China packing 330kW of power and 750Nm of torque – outputs that eclipse those of the 292kW/583Nm Ford Ranger Raptor with which it shares its name.
Following the July launch of the petrol version, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powered Raptor Hi4 has been released in its domestic market priced between 153,800 yuan (A$33,229) – for a special introductory variant – and 188,800 yuan (A$40,791) and comprising six model grades, all using the same high-output powertrain.
It combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, enabling all-wheel drive, and a 35.43 kWh ternary lithium battery.
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The powertrain is a variation of the PHEV system set for the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T large SUV, the PHEV version of GWM’s answer to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado that’s due in Australia this October.
It gives the GWM Haval Raptor Hi4 a 151km WLTP range under electric power alone, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds – again comparable to a Ranger Raptor, which does not have an official acceleration time.
Of course, the five-seat, five-door Raptor Hi4 is not a rival to Ford Australia’s super-ute. Instead, at around 4600m long it’s around the same length as mid-size SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson.
PHEV versions of the next-generation RAV4 and CX-5 have been confirmed, while the Tucson is already available with a PHEV drivetrain overseas, although there are no confirmed plans for an Australian launch – like the Raptor.
“We haven’t made any plans for the GWM Haval Raptor to come to Australia, but it has potential,” a local spokesperson for the Chinese automaker told CarExpert earlier this year.
“It would have to be sustainable to be sold here,” they added.
GWM Haval Australia’s official line on the Raptor, in either petrol or PHEV form, has not changed since then – but it could.
The Raptor Hi4 gets unique styling treatment including squared-off headlights, a smaller grille with full-width light strip – which is missing from the petrol version, the two-part tail-lights on which have been merged into one for the PHEV.
Black lower body cladding including the wheel-arches are wrapped around black 19-inch alloy wheels and contrast with a new Mint Green paint colour option, while inside there’s a new steering wheel design, 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors and 50W wireless smartphone charging, as well as a panoramic sunroof.
Higher-spec versions add a head-up display, rear differential lock and premium audio, with flagship variants also scoring GWM’s Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) autonomous driving system, which operates from 0-150km/h.
