Haval is preparing for full hybridization and showed a new angular SUV

Already next year, every Haval model in China will have an all-wheel drive hybrid version — parent company Great Wall Motor (GWM) wants one how to strengthen its influence in the rapidly growing «green» segment of the Chinese car market. The new angular SUV, known so far under the in-house B26 index, will initially be hybrid, its market launch is expected in the second half of this year.

In 2020, GWM introduced the Lemon DHT hybrid platform and has since successfully launched several models of its sub-brands on it. Initially, this platform was designed for basic front-wheel drive, and full was offered only on expensive versions, the ability to charge the battery from an external source was also optional.

Haval Xiaolong Max 1/3 Haval Xiaolong Max 2/3 Haval Xiaolong Max 3/3

Recently, the concept has changed: in May, GWM introduced a new Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4 Wheel Drive) hybrid powertrain, no longer tied to a specific platform, although it is clear that this is just an evolution of the Lemon DHT. All-wheel drive and the ability to charge from an external source are now mandatory, with GWM proudly reporting that it will make hybrid all-wheel drive available to everyone — in the sense that its price will be significantly lower than that of competitors. The first production model with Hi4 was the mid-size crossover Haval Xiaolong Max (aka Ruge Max), it just entered the Chinese market and costs from 159,800 yuan (1.84 million rubles in current exchange rate). And the second one will probably be Haval B26, the first official photos of which the company published yesterday. The Hi4 power plant has a parallel-series circuit: this means that the internal combustion engine can be mechanically connected to the front wheels through a clutch and gearbox, but basically works in generator mode, that is, it charges the traction battery, which in turn feeds two electric motors located on front and rear axles.

Haval Xiaolong Max

On Haval Xiaolong Max, a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (116 hp, 140 Nm) acts as an internal combustion engine, the output of the front electric motor is 70 kW (95 hp) and 100 Nm, the rear one is 150 kW ( 204 hp) and 350 Nm, the maximum cumulative output of the power plant is 205 kW (279 hp) and 585 Nm. The battery capacity is 19.27 kWh, its full charge is enough for 105 km of run on electric traction according to the NEDC cycle or 83 km according to the WLTP cycle. Up to 100 km/h Xiaolong Max will accelerate in 6.8 s, the maximum speed is 180 km/h. For the money, the performance is really very decent.

Haval B26

Very fresh Haval B26, commercial name which has not yet been selected, according to Chinese media, will have exactly the same power plant as the Xiaolong Max, but, so to speak, in a more brutal package. The Hi4 power plant also provides for the possibility of installing a more powerful 80 kW (109 hp) electric motor on the front axle.

So far, even the dimensions of the Haval B26 are unknown — it is probably a slightly more compact model than the one known in Russian Haval Dargo. By the way, the second generation Haval Dargo is already being sold in China, it also has a hybrid version, but of the previous generation, that is, front-wheel drive. a drive for adequate money will someday be available not only in China, but also in Russia.