Great Wall Motor (GWM) has unveiled the updated Haval Big Dog Plus, launching in China on 15 September. The SUV slots between compact and mid-size categories, and is offered in both petrol (ICE) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions.
Chinese pricing sits between ¥135,800 and ¥183,800 (approx. A$28,700–A$38,800), although Australian pricing and launch timing have not yet been confirmed.
Dimensions and off-road figures
The Big Dog Plus carries over the same dimensions as the current second-generation model:
- Length/width/height: 4705 / 1908 / 1780 mm
- Wheelbase: 2810 mm
- Approach angle: 24°
- Departure angle: 30°
- Maximum wading depth: 560 mm
These numbers put it in the same ballpark as the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, but with slightly more generous ground clearance and off-road geometry.
Exterior changes
- Front: New semi-closed grille with a larger illuminated “HAVAL” badge; round headlights remain.
- Rear: “GWM” badge replaces the Haval logo.
- Side: Rivet-style decoration around the wheel arches.
- Colours: Five paint options available.
Powertrains
Petrol (ICE) options
- 1.5T GW4B15L: 135 kW / 275 Nm, paired with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
- Fuel use (WLTC): 7.64 L/100 km.
- 2.0T GW4N20A: 175 kW / 385 Nm, paired with 9-speed DCT.
- Fuel use (WLTC): 7.95–8.58 L/100 km (depending on configuration).
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- 1.5T GW4B15M with dual electric motors, paired with a 2-speed hybrid transmission (DHT).
- Petrol engine: 115 kW / 243 Nm.
- Front motor: 70 kW / 160 Nm.
- Rear motor: 150 kW / 350 Nm.
Battery options:
- 18.74 kWh – 105 km claimed EV range (CLTC).
- 27.54 kWh – 150 km claimed EV range (CLTC).
Hybrid efficiency:
- WLTC consumption: 1.65 L/100 km (18.74 kWh battery)
- WLTC consumption: 1.13 L/100 km (27.54 kWh battery)
For comparison, the Toyota RAV4 PHEV (not sold in Australia) offers around 95 km of WLTP range from an 18.1 kWh battery, meaning Haval is positioning the Big Dog Plus as a strong competitor on EV-only driving distance.
Interior and technology
- Steering wheel: New flat-bottom two-spoke design.
- Displays: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.6-inch central touchscreen.
- Controls: Physical buttons remain beneath the main screen.
- Software: Runs GWM’s Coffee OS 3.0 with faster voice command response (250 ms).
Practical features:
- Storage: 38 storage compartments.
- Airbags: Six standard.
- Boot space: 474 L with seats up, expanding to 1362 L with rear seats folded.
Key takeaways for Australian buyers
- The Big Dog Plus is slightly larger and more rugged than mainstream mid-size SUVs like the RAV4 and Outlander, with a stronger emphasis on off-road capability.
- Its PHEV variant could appeal to Australians seeking long electric-only driving ranges, though real-world WLTP figures will likely be lower than the quoted Chinese CLTC range.
- Pricing in China suggests it could undercut hybrid and PHEV rivals locally, but whether GWM brings this exact model to Australia remains to be seen.
| Specification | Haval Big Dog Plus | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length / Width / Height | 4,705 / 1,908 / 1,780 mm | ~4,600 / ~1,855 / ~1,685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | ~2,690 mm |
| Ground / Off-road Capability | Approach angle 24°, departure angle 30°, wading depth 560 mm | Not explicitly published in all RAV4 specs, but generally less rugged (lower wading depth, more urban/off-road compromise) |
| Boot / Cargo Space | 474 L (seats up), 1,362 L with rear seats folded | Around 542 L with all 5 seats in place |
| Fuel / Energy Efficiency (typical) | ICE: ~7.6–8.6 L/100 km (WLTC) depending on engine; PHEV: ~1.1–1.65 L/100 km in combined WLTC (depending on battery size) | RAV4 Hybrid variants begin from ~4.8 L/100 km combined fuel consumption. |
| Power / Torque | ICE 1.5T: ~135 kW / 275 Nm; ICE 2.0T: ~175 kW / 385 Nm; PHEV: combined motor & engine outputs greater than just the petrol plant alone. | RAV4 Hybrid (2.5L + electric motor) ~160 kW combined output (varies by trim); combustion-only torque ~221 Nm. |
| Variants & Powertrains | Offers both ICE and plug-in hybrid options; multiple battery sizes for PHEV; dual-motor setup in the PHEV. | Currently in Australia mostly hybrids (not the same PHEV as Big Dog Plus’s specs). A plug-in RAV4 is expected to arrive in 2026. |
| Price (where known) | China: ¥135,800–¥183,800 (~A$28,700–A$38,800) | RAV4 starts at ~A$42,260 (ex‐on-road) for base model. |
