2026 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV Update Spotted Testing in Australia

GWM’s performance focused Haval H6 GT PHEV appears to be edging closer to its next Australian chapter, with an updated version of the coupe styled plug in hybrid SUV spotted quietly testing in Melbourne ahead of an expected local launch in 2026.

The prototype, seen in a suburban shopping centre car park, carried new PHEV Hi4 badging and revealed a noticeably revised cabin, pointing to meaningful upgrades rather than a light cosmetic refresh. While GWM Australia is keeping official details under wraps for now, the vehicle closely matches the updated H6 GT PHEV unveiled for Brazil earlier this week, giving a strong indication of what Australian buyers can expect.

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Interior upgrades and new tech focus

While the exterior design appears largely unchanged, the cabin tells a different story. The update leans heavily into a more modern, tech driven experience, addressing some of the criticisms of the current model.

Key interior changes include:

• A larger 14.6 inch central touchscreen replacing the 12.3 inch unit
• Faster Coffee OS 3 software with improved responsiveness
• New steering wheel design shared with other updated GWM models
• Simplified centre console layout with retained physical shortcut buttons

The updated system is also expected to introduce GWM Connected Services, enabling remote access via smartphone for features such as climate control, door locks, lighting and seat functions. Australian buyers have already seen this system roll out in the Tank 500, so its arrival here would not be a surprise.

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More power, smarter hybrid system

Under the skin, the biggest change is the move to GWM’s newer Hi4 all wheel drive plug in hybrid system, already offered locally on the standard Haval H6 PHEV.

The updated H6 GT PHEV continues with a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission and two electric motors, one on each axle, delivering all wheel drive capability. The standout improvement is the battery.

Unlike the regular H6 PHEV sold in Australia, the GT version retains a larger 35 kWh battery, allowing for significantly more electric only driving than most rivals in the segment.

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Performance and efficiency highlights include:

• Combined system outputs quoted between 268 kW and 380 kW depending on market
• Torque figures up to 772 Nm
• Claimed electric only range of around 170 km on WLTP
• 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds

For comparison, the outgoing Australian H6 GT PHEV delivers 321 kW and 762 Nm with an NEDC electric range of 180 km, while the regular H6 PHEV offers around 100 km on the same test cycle.

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Specs and features

Australian timing and why it matters

GWM Australia has not formally confirmed the update or its timing, stating there is no information to share at this stage. Despite that, industry expectations point to a second quarter 2026 arrival, aligning with the brand’s broader push to expand its electrified lineup as emissions regulations tighten.

The H6 range remains a major sales driver for GWM locally, sitting just behind the Jolion in 2025 as the brand posted record Australian sales growth. An updated H6 GT PHEV with more tech, stronger performance and genuine electric range could help GWM stay competitive against rivals like the Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6.