Haval Just Stepped Into Land Cruiser Territory… and It Looks Serious

These are the first clear looks at Haval’s new full-size SUV, and it’s playing in a very different space. This is straight into Land Cruiser and Defender territory.

For now, it goes by HX, though that name probably won’t stick. It’s set to sit at the top of the range, and you can see it in the design. More squared and a lot tougher than what Haval usually puts out.

Up front, it keeps things simple, with big square headlights, a clean silver grille, and a chunky lower bumper. Then you notice the LiDAR unit sitting above the windshield, which gives away the tech side of things.

From the side, it leans into that off-road look. Thick pillars, squared wheel arches, and those big door handles that look like they could survive some real use. At the back, it changes things up a bit. Boxy LED taillights, a side-opening tailgate, and a spare wheel mounted on the rear.

Underneath, it rides on GWM’s new One platform. At launch, it will be a plug-in hybrid, using a 2.0-liter turbo engine paired with two electric motors. Full power figures are not out yet, but it will have all-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic, which is a bit unusual these days.

Tech plays a big role here too. It’ll get GWM’s Navigate on Autopilot system, working in both city traffic and on the highway, plus automated parking.

Price hasn’t been confirmed yet, but timing points to a launch around the end of Q3. And it’s not staying China-only. There’s a good chance it heads to other markets as well.

It’s still early days, but this feels like Haval stepping out of its comfort zone. If it comes together, this could change how people look at the brand.