Shanghai 2025: GWM Xiaolong Max PHEV a worthy rival to BYD Sealion 6?
All-new 2025 GWM Xiaolong Max is a stylish, high-tech midsize crossover PHEV
The GWM crossover SUV we’re talking about may have a name that’s more familiar to most Filipinos for a certain dumpling filled with soup. But this electrified vehicle could prove to be popular for the Philippine market, which is now growing more interested in plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
This is the all-new 2025 GWM Haval Xiaolong Max PHEV, and it might just give the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i something to think about. Underneath its sleek exterior lies a 1.5L engine that makes a humble 114 PS along with a pair of electric motors (the front makes 94 PS with 110 Nm while the rear generates 201 PS with 350 Nm). The result is a combined system output of 319 PS and a hearty 595 Nm of pull. Power is then sent to a 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).
Depending on the variant, the Haval Xialong Max PHEV can come with either an 18.74 kWh or a 27.54 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. The former gives the crossover a range of up to 110 km on pure electric power while the latter allows it to travel up to 165 km without using a drop of fuel. GWM has yet to share its comprehensive range, but they did say it’s capable of averaging over 100 km/L, which means it could theoretically have a combined range of over 1,000 km or more.
Style-wise, the Haval Xiaolong Max PHEV is perhaps the brand’s sleekest-looking crossover yet. It gets the brand’s “natural rhythmic aesthetics” design philosophy, which is highlighted by its LED matrix headlights that are made up of 72 LED units. It also gets the eye-catching “Bright Galaxy” LED taillights that are sure to catch everyone’s attention when they light up. In terms of size, the Haval Xialong Max PHEV is slightly bigger when compared to the BYD Sealion 6 as it measures 4780mm long, 1895mm wide, 1726mm tall, and has a 2810mm wheelbase.
Hop inside, and the plug-in hybrid crossover from GWM welcomes you into a high-tech yet comfy interior. Immediately catching your eyes are the massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the stylish T-shaped flat-bottomed steering wheel. It also gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and physical buttons for some of the vehicle’s HVAC controls, which is a nice touch.
Depending on the variant or customer preference, the Haval Xialong Max PHEV’s cabin can come with a predominantly white/cream interior, a tanned leather finish for that extra high-end look and feel, or plain black furniture for those who like their cabins painted black.
Other key features present inside the Haval Xiaolong Max PHEV include 64-color LED ambient lighting, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, massage seats for the driver & front passenger, a 50W wireless charging pad, 28 storage spaces, and Wa i-Fi hotspot.
For now, the GWM Xiaolong Max PHEV appears to be exclusive to China. But given the growing popularity of PHEVs in the Philippines, perhaps it could make its way to the country in the future. The only question now is, how much could GWM Philippines sell it for?
