The HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV is a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV introduced by Great Wall Motor's HAVAL marque, officially launched in February 2023. As a new energy addition to the "Dog series" line-up, the model retains its rugged off-road styling while incorporating Hi4 intelligent 4WD petrol-electric hybrid technology. It is marketed as a "3/4-scale trendy off-roader"—positioned between an urban SUV and a hardcore 4x4 to balance daily commuting with light off-road duties. The official recommended retail price currently ranges from RM162,800 to RM179,800, with dealerships offering varying promotional discounts.
The HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV adopts a boxy, rugged silhouette styled under what the brand calls "Trendy Off-Road Power Aesthetics". Up front, signature round LED headlamps contrast boldly with a beefy front bumper, delivering a retro yet tough visual stance. An updated model revealed in 2025 revised the front fascia, featuring a prominent black trim panel paired with an enlarged silver "HAVAL" script and a slim lower air intake, further heightening its road presence and distinct character.
Along the sides, pronounced character lines, chunky black wheel arches, and exposed rivet details accentuate its off-road character. The rear profile is muscular, with circular tail lamps echoing the headlights and the badge above the number plate recess updated from "HAVAL" to "GWM". Dimensions-wise, it measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,908 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase. In unladen condition, it boasts an approach angle of 24°, a departure angle of 30°, and a minimum ground clearance of 200 mm, offering solid obstacle-clearing capability.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed with extensive soft-touch upholstery, complemented by reinforced off-road grab handles (rated up to 45 kg load capacity), four-door bottle holder straps, and nearly 20 physical piano-style buttons for essential functions, striking a balance between utilitarian practicality and off-road flair.
At the heart of the HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV is Great Wall Motor's proprietary Hi4 intelligent 4WD electric hybrid architecture. The system combines a 1.5T dedicated hybrid petrol engine with front and rear Hi4 electric drive modules, configuring three power sources across two axles.
The 1.5T turbocharged engine produces 123 kW (around 167 PS) and 243 Nm of torque. In tandem with the dual front and rear electric motors, total system output reaches a potent 278 kW and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the Hi4 4WD variant to return a combined WLTC fuel consumption rating as low as 1.83 L/100 km. Power is channelled through a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), with a top speed rated at 190 km/h.
Energy storage is handled by a CATL-supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The 18.74 kWh version delivers a WLTC electric-only range of 81 km (102 km on the NEDC cycle), while a larger 27.54 kWh battery variant offering up to 115 km of pure EV range is also in the pipeline. The SUV supports up to 33 kW DC fast charging for quick top-ups.
The HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV rides on an all-independent MacPherson strut suspension setup front and rear. For the drivetrain, the Hi4 variant adopts an electric 4WD layout equipped with the iTVC intelligent torque vectoring control system, which dynamically distributes and modulates torque between the front and rear axles in real time to enhance handling stability and safety on wet surfaces, hill starts, and winding roads.
The vehicle features "3-Engine 9-Mode" intelligent dynamic switching, automatically toggling between 9 operational modes depending on driving scenarios—such as city commuting, hill climbing, highway cruising, and deceleration—to optimize efficiency and performance. Standard drive modes include 7 selectable settings: Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow, 4WD, Mud, and Sand, catering to diverse driving terrains.
In the tech department, the HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV runs on GWM's proprietary Coffee OS, featuring voice control with a lightning-fast 250 ms wake-up response and multi-command execution capabilities, alongside compatibility with mainstream smartphone mirroring platforms.
Hardware highlights include a standard 14.6-inch fully laminated colour infotainment touchscreen (boasting anti-glare, anti-reflection, and anti-fingerprint properties), while higher-spec trims add a 9-inch W-HUD head-up display system with customisable views, including a dedicated snow mode. The multimedia suite supports popular entertainment apps like Kuwo Music, Ximalaya, and Tencent Video.
On the practicality front, the cabin offers 35 storage cubbies and a 50W wireless smartphone charger with a built-in cooling fan. Rear sunshades (with 61% blackout efficiency) are optional across the range, while higher trims come standard with 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external discharge capability—capable of delivering over 30 hours of outdoor electricity on a full tank and full charge—supplemented by an optional camping mosquito repellent lamp.
Structural safety is reinforced by a submarine-grade boron steel body shell boasting a torsional rigidity of 20,352 Nm/deg, with ultra-high-strength steel in critical areas rated up to 2,000 MPa.
For active safety, Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) come standard, encompassing Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Centring Assist, and Lane Change Assist. Higher-spec variants (optional on Hi4 models) further introduce Highway Assist (HWA) and Navigation on Highway (NOH) pilot assistance, featuring automated ramp navigation, merge avoidance, lane-change protection, large vehicle avoidance, and complex junction recognition. In addition, a 540° surround-view camera system (360° panoramic monitor + 180° transparent underbody view) is standard across the range, offering a dedicated wheel-view display to aid navigation over tricky terrain.
As a strategic spearhead in HAVAL's electrification push, the Second-Generation Dargo PHEV has demonstrated niche market appeal. Initial monthly sales hovered around several hundred units; data from 2025 shows 271 units sold in April and a six-month cumulative total of approximately 2,899 units, placing it in the mid-pack of the mid-size PHEV SUV segment. Analysts note that its sales volume is tempered by a higher price premium over the pure-petrol Dargo (which starts from RM135,800), as well as intense rivalry from urban PHEV rivals such as the Tiggo 9 C-DM and Exeed Yaoguang C-DM.
In terms of owner feedback, buyers generally praise its solid build quality, commendable fuel efficiency (depleted-battery consumption around 5–6 L/100 km), generous cabin room, and the refined power delivery of the Hi4 system. Conversely, some owners cite drawbacks such as limited app expansion on the infotainment system, a boot capacity (483 to 1,632 litres) that is modest for its class, and pronounced wind noise at highway speeds. Overall, the HAVAL Second-Generation Dargo PHEV successfully carves out a distinctive niche in a crowded new energy SUV market, anchored by its unique "3/4-scale" concept, Hi4 hybrid 4WD tech, and rugged styling.
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