The HAVAL Xiaolong MAX is a D-segment plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV launched by Great Wall Motor's (GWM) HAVAL marque. Serving as a cornerstone model in the brand's new energy transition, it debuted in 2023 as the first production model to feature GWM's Hi4 intelligent electric 4WD hybrid technology. On 16 April 2025, the second-generation HAVAL Xiaolong MAX was officially launched in five variants, carrying official retail prices ranging from RM131,800 to RM169,800, alongside limited-time introductory trade-in promotional prices between RM116,800 and RM154,800.
Positioned in the mid-size PHEV SUV arena, the HAVAL Xiaolong MAX carves a niche with its unique selling propositions of "all-round electric 4WD" and "high-level intelligent driving", specifically targeting family buyers who prioritise handling stability and cutting-edge tech. The second-generation model comes equipped with the second-generation Hi4 electric 4WD system as standard across the range, making City NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) available in the RM150,000 price segment for the first time. Dimensionally, it measures 4,780 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,725 mm tall, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase—representing an increase of 22 mm in length and 10 mm in wheelbase over its predecessor. Its core rivals include the BYD Song PLUS DM-i, Geely Galaxy L7, and Deepal S07.
The second-generation HAVAL Xiaolong MAX embraces the "Rhythmic Natural Aesthetics" design philosophy, presenting a sharper and more contemporary exterior than before. The front end adopts a clean, closed-off grille flanked by "Tyndall Light" dot-matrix LED headlights comprising 72 individual LED diodes, seamlessly integrated with an illuminated "HAVAL" script and a full-width LED daytime running light (DRL) strip to project a high-tech visual stance.
Along the flanks, a continuous shoulder line stretches across the profile, complemented by blacked-out B, C, and D-pillars that produce a floating roof effect, rounded off by 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Around the back, the "Splendid Galaxy" full-width LED taillight cluster incorporates 332 ultra-red LEDs and 30,000 crystalline reflective facets, ensuring high night-time visibility. Buyers can choose from five exterior colour options: Distant Mountain Grey, Ice Crystal White, Surge Cyan, Phantom Night Black, and Aurora Green.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in a choice of three interior colour themes: Sky Mirror White, Canyon Brown, and Exploration Black. The layout features a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a column-mounted electronic gear selector. Taking centre stage on the minimalist dashboard is a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster paired with a 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen, with higher-spec variants further benefiting from an AI Head-Up Display (HUD).
Powering the HAVAL Xiaolong MAX is GWM's second-generation Hi4 intelligent 4WD petrol-electric hybrid setup. The system marries a dedicated 1.5-litre naturally aspirated hybrid engine (GW4B15H) with front and rear electric motors: the petrol engine develops 85 kW (approx. 116 PS) and 140 Nm of torque; the front P2 electric motor outputs 70 kW and 110 Nm; while the rear P4 motor delivers 150 kW and 350 Nm. Combined, the system pumps out 238 kW (approx. 324 PS) and 595 Nm of total torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h.
Battery choices include 18.74 kWh and 27.54 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) packs, delivering CLTC-rated pure electric ranges of 110 km and 165 km respectively (85 km and 126 km on the WLTC cycle). On DC fast charging, a 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) takes 0.47 hours for the 110 km pack, reduced to 0.33 hours on the 165 km variant. Total cruising range exceeds 1,000 km with a full tank and battery, with WLTC combined fuel consumption rated as low as 0.97 L/100 km and a CLTC battery-depleted fuel economy of 4.2 L/100 km.
A notable technical highlight is the second-generation Hi4's intelligent rear-axle decoupling feature. When cruising above 63 km/h, the rear drive shafts automatically disengage to eliminate electric motor drag, reducing fuel consumption by around 0.4 to 0.7 L/100 km under high-speed conditions to strike an optimal balance between 4WD traction and real-world efficiency.
The HAVAL Xiaolong MAX features an electric 4WD system as standard across the range, built on a monocoque chassis with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension setup. Its front-biased four-wheel drive architecture employs the intelligent Torque Vectoring Control (iTVC) system to dynamically vary torque between the front and rear axles, boosting grip, stability, and handling on wet tarmac, during hill starts, and through twisty roads. It features an approach angle of 20° and a departure angle of 23°. The vehicle also comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) reverse power capability rated at 3.3 kW.
The second-generation HAVAL Xiaolong MAX runs GWM's proprietary Coffee OS 3 smart cockpit interface, driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor with 16 GB of RAM, offering significantly snappier performance and smoother transitions than its predecessor. The infotainment setup comprises a 14.6-inch central display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The on-board voice assistant supports dialect recognition and contextual interactions, capable of proactively tweaking alert settings based on driver fatigue and attention levels.
For comfort, the seats incorporate "Cloud-Feel Comfort" dual-density foam construction, featuring 12-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Seat heating is fitted throughout the cabin, with ventilation and massage functions added to the front seats on higher-tier variants. The rear seat backrest angle is adjustable between 27° and 32° and features a 60:40 split-folding layout. Boot volume stands at 540 litres, expanding to a generous 1,366 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.
Other key amenities include a 50W cooled wireless phone charger, acoustic double-glazed glass, multi-colour ambient lighting, and a 10-speaker sound system with a dedicated amplifier on range-topping models.
On the active safety front, the HAVAL Xiaolong MAX is equipped with the vision-based Coffee Pilot Plus driving assistance system. The hardware relies on DJI's JoyWing 7V suite, combining two 8-megapixel front cameras, four 3-megapixel surround cameras, and other sensors providing a combined 32 TOPS of computing power. Level 2 ADAS functionality comes standard across the board, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), a 360-degree surround-view monitor, and a transparent underfloor display.
Higher-spec intelligent driving variants step up to Highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) and Urban Commute NOA, executing automatic vehicle following, intelligent lane changing, and autonomous highway on/off-ramp navigation. Furthermore, advanced parking functions including all-scenario memory parking, remote parking assist, and reverse tracking assist are on hand. Active safety is further bolstered on upper trims with Front Cross Traffic Alert/Braking, Emergency Steering Assist, and Door Opening Warning (DOW).
Passive safety is underpinned by a high-strength body shell, backed by standard front dual airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) across the entire range.
Despite being heralded as the launch vehicle for the Hi4 architecture, the original HAVAL Xiaolong MAX failed to achieve strong commercial momentum. Delivery figures revealed that total sales in 2024 stood at just 4,662 units—averaging fewer than 400 units monthly—before tumbling further to 22 and 14 units in January and February 2025 respectively. Industry analysts cited several headwinds: stiff competition from dominant rivals like the BYD Song family, a mismatch between product packaging and mainstream family priorities (where 4WD is rarely an absolute necessity), unpolished details (infotainment glitches and real-world range falling short of claims), and HAVAL's ongoing efforts to build stronger new-energy brand recall.
With the rollout of the second-generation model in April 2025, driven by standard 4WD, accessible high-end ADAS, and an aggressive "PHEV-at-ICE-price" positioning (introductory trade-in pricing from RM116,800), it secured 10,636 firm bookings within 72 hours of pre-sales commencing. Nevertheless, by December 2025, monthly deliveries normalised to 902 units, reflecting ongoing challenges in sustaining showroom momentum.
In terms of customer feedback, owners have praised its planted chassis tuning, generous passenger space, brisk 6.8-second acceleration, and the added wet-weather traction afforded by the 4WD system. Conversely, some owners note that rear headroom lags behind certain key rivals, seat cushioning is slightly firm, and the baseline equipment list on entry-level models remains basic. Overall, by championing the democratisation of 4WD and advanced intelligent driving, the second-generation HAVAL Xiaolong MAX has carved out a distinct identity in the RM150,000 PHEV SUV segment, though its ability to maintain consistent long-term sales remains to be proven.
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