GWM’s updated Haval Raptor medium SUV may look like a Wrangler rival – and share its name with a Ford ute – but is positioned to steal the thunder of PHEVs like the BYD Sealion 6 and RAV4.
Reiterating the rapid rate of evolution from Chinese car manufacturers, GWM has revealed what would traditionally be considered a mid-life update for its Haval Raptor medium SUV.
The updated Haval Raptor arrives just two years after the model first went on sale in China, and includes a restyled exterior and powerful 330kW dual-motor all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Despite the rugged looks, the Haval Raptor uses car-like monocoque underpinnings, like the Haval H6, rather than an off-road-focused ladder frame as found beneath the Tank 300.
Specifications released for the Chinese market reveal three powertrain options for the Haval Raptor, all plug-in hybrid.
Confusingly, all three list a 115kW243Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, 70kW/160Nm front electric motor, 150kW/350Nm rear electric motor, and a 220kW/510Nm ‘drive motor,’ but peak combined outputs vary between models with 268kW from the base version, 272kW for the mid-spec grades and a range-topping 330kW flagship model.
Electric driving range ratings also step up through the range, from 81km in the base version, 115km for the mid-spec powertrain and 151km for the high-output model, based on the WLTC test cycle.
Acceleration times are fairly tame for the listed power outputs, with the 330kW model claimed to run the 0-100km sprint in an unremarkable 5.9 seconds.
Fuel consumption ratings vary from 1.7L/100km to 0.9L/100km as the range steps up, with worst case consumption with minimal reserve charge listed between 5.9 and 6.1L/100km.
Despite the more road-friendly monocoque structure and four-wheel independent suspension, the GWM Haval Raptor boasts an impressive set of measures for off-roading.
Ground clearance is listed at 221mm, just 3mm less than a Tank 300 4x4.
Approach, break-over, and departure angles of 25 degrees, 20 degrees and 32 degrees, respectively, are just slightly less compared to the Tank 300’s 33/23/34 specs.
A mechanically locking rear differential is also offered on high-grade models, although standard-fit 255/60 R19 highway terrain tyres fitted to all models would prove a limiting factor off-road.
If the Haval Raptor were to be introduced here, it would face a name change owing to Ford’s prior use of the Raptor nameplate, and would likely slot in alongside the similarly sized Haval H7 closed-loop hybrid as a plug-in hybrid alternative.
At 4680mm long without a rear-mounted spare wheel, 1950mm wide and 1843mm tall, the Haval Raptor sits 30mm shorter, 88mm wider and 98mm taller than a Mitsubishi Outlander, but unlike the PHEV Outlander, which is available as a seven-seater, the Haval Raptor is a five-seat model only.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
