A plug-in hybrid should be efficient, quiet when you want it to be, and easy to operate. The 2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV Hi4 manages all of that. More importantly, it does so while feeling like a complete vehicle, rather than a drivetrain with a shell strapped to it.
Our test car was finished in Astral Pearl, paired with a black comfort-tek interior. It’s a combination that suits the H6 far more than the low price point suggests. In the flesh, the colour carries a nice champagne warmth in the sunlight.
With blacked out detailing, along with 19-inch alloy wheels and restrained chrome accents, it’s clean, modern and quietly premium. The exterior posture hasn’t been overworked. The front grille is broad but not aggressive, and the LED lighting signature is distinctive.
There is nothing shouty here, and the restraint helps the H6 Ultra blend better into suburban driveways, just as comfortably as it does in office car parks. The top trim package adds some useful touches too, such as a kick sensing electric tailgate, and roof rails.
Subtle gloss black highlights add the final details that elevate the presentation. Inside, the H6 Ultra PHEV immediately makes a strong first impression. The cabin layout is clean and modern, anchored by a 14.6-inch central infotainment system.
That’s joined by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The black interior avoids feeling dark and claustrophobic thanks to a panoramic glass roof, which floods the cabin with light. A grey roof lining further enhances the impression of spaciousness.
The comfort-tek seats feel durable, the dash surfaces are padded where your arms and elbows naturally lay, and the switch gear has a reassuring weight to it. Ultra models score a long list of creature comforts too, including heated and ventilated front pews.
You get a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, ambient interior lighting, and power adjustable front seats with memory and a welcome function for the driver. These are features that used to be reserved for high-end European cars well north of this price bracket.
Practicality hasn’t been sacrificed in the pursuit of electrification either. Despite packaging a sizable 19.09kWH LFP battery, the H6 Ultra PHEV still offers a 560-litre boot space, expanding over 1400-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
The rear bench seat is generously proportioned, with a flat floor aiding comfort for three passengers, with additional rear air vents and USB charging ports. What stands out the most with this SUV though is its powertrain.
The Hi4 PHEV system pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 268kW and 760Nm in its all-wheel drive trim. GWM Haval claims 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
More impressive than its acceleration is how seamlessly the system operates in everyday driving. In EV mode, the H6 is smooth and silent. With an NEDC range of 100km, many owners could cover their weekday driving without really needing to engage the petrol engine.
That is of course, as long as they plug in regularly. AC charging up to 6.6kW means a full charge can be completed in under three hours at home, while DC fast charging adds real convenience for top ups on the go.
Once the battery depletes or you require additional power, the transition to hybrid operation is linear. The change is immediate, the system simply does what it needs to in the background.
Multiple power and drive modes, including EV priority, intelligent hybrid and adjustable energy regeneration, allow the driver to tailor their experience depending on conditions or preference. The H6 Ultra PHEV comes fully loaded when it comes to safety tech too.
The standard suite includes adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keep and lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with braking, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360 degree camera with clear chassis view.
The system can sometimes be overly vigilant on narrow roads, but is generally well calibrated and easy to adjust. The auto parking assistance can be tricky but is a nice touch. Ownership is backed by a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 8-years battery coverage.
You also get 5-years of roadside assist and capped price servicing. At the time of testing, the 2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV Hi4 AWD was priced at $48,990 drive away, which is where the value proposition becomes a little less possible to ignore.
For that money, buyers are getting a plug-in hybrid system with genuine EV range, decent performance and a level of equipment that would typically push well north of the price point of this mid sized SUV.
For buyers who are not EV ready but would like to make a soft leap, this vehicle makes a compelling case. Its quick when you need it, efficient when you want it to be and with premium features, it almost feels like a no brainer.
You can find out more by visiting the GWM Haval Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by GWM Haval Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
