Class leading performance from GWM H6GT PHEV

GWM is on a bit of a roll in Australia driven by the tenure of the brand here (20+ years all told) and other factors such as pricing, dealer network (soon to number 125), value, model spread and spec’ and even styling… with one glaring exception.

 

The latest addition to its fleet is the H6GT PHEV, the company’s first plug in hybrid to be sold here with lots more in the pipeline.

 

Topping out the medium size H6GT (coupe SUV) range, the PHEV in fully equipped Ultra grade only sells for $53,990 drive-away, tens of thousands less than its main competition, Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV priced from $57,290 for the bare bones ES up to $73,790 for the GSR excluding on-road costs.

 

Mazda’s CX60 PHEV isn’t a genuine competitor on price as it lists from $73,600 - $86,800 excluding on-road costs.

 

Neither are within a bull’s roar of the H6GT PHEV in performance or equipment terms the stylish fast-back GWM rocking a combined 321kW and 768Nm output from its 1.5-litre turbo petrol and dual electric motor powertrain.

 

GWM says the H6GT PHEV clocks a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds despite weighing 2000kg, has a combined driving range of 1000km plus and thanks to its 35kW/h battery and three-mode regenerative braking, has a pure EV range of 180km.

 

Impressive stats indeed particularly when measured against the price.

 

GWM’s Australian head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver said the new PHEV was a “class leader” and that PHEVs “were a key battleground with the incoming NVES and (to that end) GWM was in the process of democratising the technology”.

 

“The market is speaking and it’s asking for PHEVs,” he said adding that GWM is well placed to satisfy customer’s demands.

 

“However, we are still investing in ICE as shown with our new 2.4-litre diesel engine in Cannon and Tank 300 from March.”

 

The H6GT PHEV joins a 2.0-litre AWD hybrid (non-plug-in) version of the same car at a $7500 premium but is a lot more car for the money particularly in performance terms.

 

GWM says the new PHEV is the fastest in the market right now and should satisfy performance minded drivers particularly with the new “stealth” exterior look to tail-lights, body hardware and colours.

 

GWM Australia’s senior product specialist Tim Leong said the PHEV was a “blend of performance and efficiency that is easy to drive and use”.

 

“It has double the pure EV range of its main competitor and is capable of over 1000km on one 55-litre tank that takes any range anxiety out of the equation,” he said.

 

“It can be recharged (DC) from 30-80 per cent in 26 minutes or simply run in ICE mode utilising the three-mode regenerative braking function that provides one pedal driving.

 

“A V2L facility delivers a total of 3.3kW and the model has a towing capacity of 1500kg.”

 

In Intelligent mode, the PHEV is on electricity up to 70kmh whereupon petrol kicks in for assistance and in EV mode, it is in “true EV mode” up to highway speeds.

 

The newcomer provides a high level of comfort thanks to its near silent operation, “bespoke” locally calibrated dynamics (including larger two piston front brakes) leather upholstery and a premium audio system among a raft of other appealing features.

 

A full suite of active and passive, primary and secondary and ADAS safety features are standard.

 

A 12.3-inch centre info screen dominates the dash complemented by a smaller digital driver’s cluster with numerous infographics and a head-up display. 

 

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2025 GWM H6GT PHEV.