Exciting Times for GWM and Haval Fans in South Africa

Great Wall Motors (GWM) has been a trusted automotive brand in South Africa for over 18 years. To keep up with growing consumer demand, the brand is rapidly expanding its local vehicle lineup for 2026.

If you are a fan of modern, tech-filled SUVs, the automaker has plenty of new options on the horizon. From rugged off-roaders to highly efficient city cruisers, GWM’s updated catalogue aims to impress.

The Haval H7 Gets the “Black Edition” and Hybrid Treatment

The popular Haval H7 has just received a major upgrade with the introduction of the striking Black Edition and a brand-new hybrid (HEV) model. The Black Edition features sleek, blacked-out aesthetic details, including the front grille, alloy wheels, roof rails, and badges, giving the SUV a rugged and modern look.

For the first time, buyers can choose a self-charging hybrid version. Key features of the Haval H7 HEV include:

• Powerful Drive: A 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor produces an impressive total of 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque.
• Excellent Efficiency: The hybrid engine sips just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100km, which is significantly better than the standard petrol model.
• Long Range: Thanks to its high efficiency, you can achieve a driving range of over 1,000km on a single 60-litre tank of fuel.
• Premium Tech: It comes packed with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and heated and ventilated leather seats.

Haval H7 Black Edition Pricing in South Africa:

• H7 2.0T Luxury 4×2: R604,950.
• H7 2.0T Super Luxury 4×4: R674,950.
• H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury 4×2: R734,950.

Coming Soon: The Powerful 7-Seater Haval H7 Plus

If you need more space for a large family, the highly anticipated Haval H7 Plus is officially scheduled to launch in South Africa in September 2026. Also known as the Menglong Plus in China, this 7-seater SUV is designed to compete with large family off-roaders.

The H7 Plus utilizes GWM’s innovative Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4-wheel drive) technology. By pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, it generates a massive combined output of 330kW and 660Nm of torque. Amazingly, this large SUV can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds!

Premium Upgrades: Wey V9X and Tank 700

GWM is also finally introducing its luxury sub-brand, Wey, to South Africa with the arrival of the premium V9X. This high-end, six-seater plug-in hybrid SUV boasts extreme luxury, offering massaging seats, adaptive air suspension, and an incredible 31-speaker sound system. It also features dual electric motors combined with a petrol engine to produce up to 500kW of power.

Another exciting prospect currently under consideration for the local market is the massive Tank 700. Styled similarly to the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Tank 700 promises extreme off-road dominance and up to 249mm of ground clearance.

The Return of the Ora 5

GWM is heavily revamping its compact car strategy with the return of the Ora 5. While the Ora brand initially launched exclusively as a fully electric vehicle (EV), the new Ora 5 will offer standard petrol (ICE) and hybrid (HEV) models alongside the electric option.

The hybrid Ora 5 pairs a 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor to deliver a brisk 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds. More importantly, GWM claims this hybrid setup achieves an incredibly low fuel consumption figure of just 4.5 L/100km, making it a brilliant budget-beating commuter.

Why Choose GWM’s New Hi4 Hybrid Technology?

GWM’s newly developed Hi4 technology aims to give drivers the grip and performance of a four-wheel-drive vehicle, while matching the fuel economy of a two-wheel-drive car. The intelligent system automatically switches power between the petrol engine and electric battery. This not only results in a smoother ride but also maximizes your fuel savings on every single trip.