Haval Unveils Plans for Major Upgrade to its Popular Xiaolong MAX SUV
Haval, the SUV arm of Great Wall Motors, has announced a significantupgrade to its Xiaolong MAX plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), slated for release in 2025. The announcement, made viaWeibo by Haval brand general manager Zhao Yongpo, promises a substantial overhaul across multiple key areas. This move underscores Haval’s commitment to a dual-track strategy, simultaneously pursuing both fuel-powered and new energy vehicle (NEV) development.
The upcoming Xiaolong MAX upgrade, according to Zhao, will feature improvements across the board. IT Home, citing a promotional video,reports that the upgrades will encompass exterior styling, interior design, and the Hi4 powertrain system. Specific details remain scarce, pending official confirmation from Haval.
Current Model Specifications:
The current Haval Xiaolong MAX,priced between ¥159,800 and ¥179,800, serves as a benchmark for the upcoming improvements. Its dimensions stand at 4758mm (length), 1895mm (width), and 1725mm (height), with awheelbase of 2800mm. Power comes from a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine coupled with a dual-motor Hi4 plug-in hybrid system, delivering a combined power output of 205 kilowatts and a maximum torque of 585 Newton-meters. Fuel efficiency is a notable feature, with the Hi4 system boasting a 15% improvement over the previous generation DHT-PHEV system, achieving a WLTC fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers in electric-only mode. Fast charging capabilities reach 33kW, and the vehicle is equipped with a 19.27 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, offering a NEDC pure electric range of 105 kilometers.
Significance and Implications:
This planned upgrade represents a significant investment by Haval in its commitment to the burgeoning NEV market. By focusing onimprovements to the powertrain, aesthetics, and interior, Haval aims to enhance the Xiaolong MAX’s competitiveness within a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The success of this upgrade will depend on the extent of the improvements and the final pricing strategy. The market eagerly awaits further details regarding the specific enhancements and the impacton the vehicle’s overall performance and appeal. The dual-track approach, however, suggests Haval is hedging its bets, acknowledging the continued importance of traditional fuel-powered vehicles while aggressively pursuing the growth potential of the NEV sector.
Future Outlook:
While specifics are yet to be revealed, the emphasison a major upgrade suggests that Haval intends to make the Xiaolong MAX a more compelling offering in the competitive PHEV market. The success of this strategy will be crucial for Haval’s continued growth and market share in the increasingly important Chinese automotive sector. Further announcements from Haval are expected inthe coming months, offering more clarity on the specifics of the upgraded Xiaolong MAX.
References:
- IT Home. (2024, November 18). Haval Xiaolong MAX “major upgrade” version to be launched next year, current model starts at ¥159,800. [Online]. Available at: [Insert IT Home article URL here if available] (Note: This reference would need the actual URL from the IT Home article.)
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