The flagship Haval H6 Hi4 plug-in hybrid promises incredible outputs, AWD traction to put all that power to the road, plus benchmark fuel efficiency. We test the top-tier derivative to see how 268 kW and 760 Nm feel in a midsize family SUV.
We like: Explosive in-gear acceleration; H6 Hi4 offers immense AWD traction and grip; generous standard feature specification; run-flat tyres as standard.
We don’t like: Complex, distraction-heavy touchscreen interface; overly intrusive ADAS; firm ride quality.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Haval H6 1.5 DHT Ultra Luxury Hi-4 4WD PHEV
- Price: R749 900
- Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol, dual electric motors & 19.1 kWh battery
- Transmission: 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)
- Power/Torque: 268 kW/760 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 7.10 seconds (tested)
- Fuel consumption: 1.1-5.3 L/100 km (claimed; depending on battery charge)
- Range: 100/1 000+ km (claimed; electric-only/overall)
- Luggage capacity: 560-1 445 litres (claimed)
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Where does the Haval H6 fit in?
Haval has expanded its popular H6 family SUV line-up with the arrival of a high-tech plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, badged as the Hi4. Positioned at the very top of the local H6 range, this derivative introduces a dual-electric-motor setup that provides genuine all-wheel-drive capability.
Competing in the increasingly busy electrified-SUV segment, the H6 Hi4 goes head-to-head with options like the BYD Sealion 6, Jaecoo J7 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid. With pricing set at R749 900 for this flagship variant (and a single-motor 2WD model available at R699 000), it aims to deliver high-end luxury features and sports-car-rivalling straight-line performance without the traditional fuel consumption penalty.
Compare their specs: Haval H6 vs BYD Sealion 6 vs Omoda C7
How the Haval H6 1.5 DHT Ultra Luxury Hi-4 4WD PHEV fares in terms of…
Design & Packaging
Sporting a neat but generically inoffensive design, the H6 Hi-4 boasts black 19-inch alloy wheels and a high-gloss exterior trim kit.
Jump inside and you’ll find a cabin that’s lavishly equipped but not quite finished at the ostentatious level of some competitors like the Omoda C7. Instead, the H6 presents a clean, ultra-modern visual layout. High-resolution dual digital screens dominate the dashboard, complemented by premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a high-definition 360-degree camera system.
Opinion: Is the Haval H6 the best midsize family SUV for your money?
However, this digitised approach brings a steep learning curve. Adjusting basic functions – such as switching climate settings, adjusting power delivery modes, or fine-tuning vehicle settings – requires navigating layers of sub-menus, which is distracting while driving.
In terms of practicality, because the hybrid components and rear electric motor occupy space beneath the luggage floor, a traditional spare wheel is omitted. However, run-flat tyres are fitted as standard equipment to HEV and PHEV variants to mitigate puncture concerns on local roads.
Performance & Efficiency
At the heart of the H6 Hi4 is the usual 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors, one per axle. Combined, this setup develops an impressive 268 kW and 760 Nm of torque.
In dynamic testing, standing start acceleration is rapid but perhaps not as brisk as the outputs would suggest. With launch control engaged, we recorded 7.10 seconds to go from 0-100 kph. More impressive than 0-100 kph launches is in-gear acceleration, which is instantaneous and makes highway overtaking effortless.
The powertrain utilises a 19.1 kWh battery pack, which is par for the course in this segment. While GWM claims a wildly optimistic 1.1 litres/100 km, real-world driving with mixed battery charge levels yields around 6.0 L/100 km. This is still impressive.
Even when battery energy drops to lower thresholds, the system maintains a hybrid reserve, ensuring peak power is always accessible. Charging via a public DC fast charger sees peak intake rates at around 29 kW to 35 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% top-up in roughly 30 minutes, while a standard AC home wallbox completes the job in about 3 hours.
Ride, Handling & Comfort
On the move, the flagship H6 feels like a notable step forward from previous generations, offering a firmer, sportier setup that inspires confidence through corners. The smart all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction on low-grip surfaces such as wet roads, mud, or unpaved gravel tracks, transferring power between axles with zero wheel spin.
The ride quality is generally controlled and composed, but the suspension does seek out sharper road ruts and surface imperfections. The run-flat tyres could be the culprit.
Wind whistle around the exterior mirrors is also noticeable at national highway speeds. Additionally, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can be overly sensitive, generating frequent and annoying auditory warnings.
Price & After-sales support
All Haval H6 models are backed by a comprehensive 7-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km battery and hybrid component warranty, and a 7-year/75 000 km service plan.
Verdict
The Haval H6 Hi4 is a highly capable, feature-packed family SUV that manages to combine explosive on-the-go performance with respectable real-world fuel economy. Its intelligent all-wheel-drive system gives it a distinct advantage over many two-wheel-drive PHEV rivals, while the overall luxury package represents strong value at the price point.
If you can overlook the distraction-heavy touchscreen user interface and sensitive active driver aids, the H6 Hi4 stands out as a compelling, high-tech package in the family crossover segment.
Watch: Haval H6 GT PHEV (2025) Launch Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What powertrain and output figures does the Haval H6 Hi4 PHEV feature?
A: The H6 Hi4 pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors to produce a combined system output of 268 kW and 760 Nm of torque, driving all four wheels.
Q: What type of spare wheel is included with the Haval H6 PHEV variants?
A: A traditional spare wheel is omitted to accommodate the hybrid battery pack underneath the luggage floor; instead, HEV and PHEV variants are fitted with run-flat tyres as standard.
Q: What is the retail price of the flagship Haval H6 1.5 DHT Ultra Luxury Hi-4 4WD PHEV in South Africa?
A: The flagship Hi4 4WD PHEV is priced at R749 900 (pricing correct as of August 2026).
