2025 GWM Haval H9 seven-seat SUV lines up for an Australian return

The GWM Haval H9 large SUV could be rolling back onto Australian roads in as little as 12 months if the model is given the green light for a local relaunch.

Until this week, it was thought the Haval H9 would tread on the recently arrived GWM Tank 500’s toes and was “on the radar” but not a serious consideration for Australia.

However, after a close look at the second-generation H9 at Haval’s home ground in Beijing and Baoding, the Australian team has its hand high in the air for an H9 return.

Speaking at the Auto China 2024 motor show in Beijing, GWM Australia and New Zealand marketing boss Steve Maciver said face-to-face contact with dealers and the executive team generated renewed enthusiasm for the H9.

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“We’ve had some time to spend with H9 and it’s safe to say we’re pretty impressed with the quality of that product,” he said.

“It was certainly on the radar beforehand but we’re having a good look at it now to see if it might be viable to add a second seven-seat option to the model line-up.”

While the all-new model has the technology, styling and safety package it needs to roll into local showrooms, Maciver explained that there were still two key elements to finalise before the H9 can be confirmed.

Firstly, how much Australians will be charged to put an example on their driveway will be critical, and the H9 would need to come in under the GWM Tank 500’s entry price of $66,490.

“Obviously, pricing and technology positioning is going to be key because we have to be sure it’s going to work with the existing line-up and doesn’t cannibalise too much from the Tank 500,” said Maciver.

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While the original H9 launched with a circa-$42,000 asking price, inflation – along with the significantly increased level of technology offered in the 2024 model – would likely boost the price into the $50,000s.

That said, MacIver said there was the possibility of revising the H9’s equipment and off-road capability to both lower its price as well as distancing it from the Tank 500 all-terrain hero.

“There could be some price differential when you take into account the amount of off-road technology, for example, the Tank 500 has. An H9 can still be capable off-road but doesn’t need to have that level of professional technology. There might be some scope for getting it in at a lower price.”

Secondly, drivetrain configurations would need to be carefully considered to introduce a vehicle that is both suitable for an Australian audience but also compliant with emerging regulations.

Two engines are available – a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder or a four-cylinder diesel bolted to nine-speed automatic transmission and, at this stage, petrol is the favourite.

“Diesel would be a tough argument given everything that’s happening with emissions standards.”

“Australians like flexibility and if there is an option for a different style of seven-seat SUV that we think has appeal, we’ll sell what we can.

“It’s something we’re looking at, we’ll continue to build the business case and we’ll see what happens”.

Below: The first-generation Haval H9, sold in Australia between 2015 and 2021

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