Great Wall Motor (GWM), a prominent automotive manufacturer, has officially initiated the pre-sale phase for its highly anticipated second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max, a plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle. This latest iteration of the Xiaolong Max is being offered in a selection of five distinct trim levels, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences and budgets. The pricing structure for these trims spans from an accessible $19,100 at the entry point to a more premium $24,400 for the top-tier configuration. This competitive pricing strategy underscores GWM's ambition to capture a significant share of the burgeoning plug-in hybrid SUV market segment.
Positioned strategically within the medium-sized SUV category, the second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max boasts substantial dimensions, measuring 4780 millimeters in length, 1895 millimeters in width, and 1725 millimeters in height. Its wheelbase, the distance between the front and rear axles, extends to 2810 millimeters, contributing to a spacious and comfortable interior cabin. When juxtaposed with its predecessor, the current Xiaolong Max already available in the market, the new generation exhibits notable dimensional enhancements. Specifically, the vehicle's overall length has been increased by 22 millimeters, and the wheelbase has been extended by 10 millimeters. These subtle yet significant increases in size are likely to translate into improved legroom for passengers, particularly in the rear seats, and potentially a slightly larger cargo capacity.
The second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max undergoes a comprehensive aesthetic transformation, showcasing a brand-new visual identity. The front fascia of the vehicle is particularly striking, featuring dot matrix headlights composed of an impressive array of 72 individual LED units. These advanced headlights are not only visually appealing but also functionally superior, providing an illumination distance of 190 meters, thereby enhancing nighttime driving safety and making the vehicle instantly recognizable on the road. Moving to the rear of the vehicle, the "Brilliant Galaxy" taillights serve as another distinctive design element. These taillights incorporate 332 ultra-red LEDs operating at a wavelength of 628 nanometers, meticulously arranged to create a mesmerizing effect of over 30,000 crystal reflective surfaces. This intricate design not only contributes to the vehicle's modern and sophisticated appearance but also enhances its visibility to other road users. Furthermore, GWM's engineers have paid close attention to aerodynamic efficiency, claiming a reduction in the vehicle's drag coefficient by 0.028Cd, which can contribute to improved fuel economy and reduced wind noise at higher speeds.
Inside the cabin, the second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max is powered by GWM's proprietary and self-developed Coffee OS 3 operating system, indicating a focus on a seamless and intelligent user experience. A notable departure from the previous generation is the elimination of the traditional dual-screen design. Instead, the new model features a prominent 14.6-inch floating central control touchscreen, which serves as the primary interface for infotainment and vehicle settings. Complementing this large central screen is an independent 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel directly in front of the driver, providing essential driving information in a clear and customizable digital format. Additionally, a Head-Up Display (HUD) is integrated, projecting crucial information onto the windshield within the driver's line of sight, further enhancing driving convenience and safety by minimizing distractions. Practicality is also a key consideration in the interior design, with the inclusion of 28 strategically placed storage spaces throughout the cabin, offering ample room for occupants to stow their belongings. The standard trunk volume of the vehicle is a generous 540 liters, and this capacity can be significantly expanded to an impressive 1366 liters when the rear seats are folded down, providing substantial cargo-carrying capability for various needs.
In terms of advanced driver assistance systems, the second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max is equipped with the Coffee Pilot Plus intelligent driving assistance system, which utilizes a pure visual solution. This sophisticated system enables urban and high-speed navigation on autopilot, leveraging data from three millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic radars, and seven cameras strategically positioned around the vehicle. The comprehensive suite of capabilities includes obstacle avoidance to enhance safety in congested environments, lane change assist for smoother highway driving, traffic light recognition to aid the driver in navigating urban intersections, and remote control parking for added convenience in tight spaces.
Under the hood, the entire range of the second-generation Haval Xiaolong Max comes standard with GWM's advanced second-generation Hi4 technology, paired with a highly efficient 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The powertrain configuration comprises a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 114 horsepower and 140 Newton-meters of torque, a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor generating 94 horsepower and 110 Newton-meters of torque, and a more powerful rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 201 horsepower and 350 Newton-meters of torque. Buyers have a choice between two lithium iron phosphate battery pack options: an 18.74 kWh pack providing a CLTC (China Light-duty Vehicle Test Cycle) pure electric driving range of 110 kilometers, or a larger 27.54 kWh pack extending the pure electric range to 165 kilometers. The vehicle boasts a respectable top speed of 180 kilometers per hour and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in a swift 6.8 seconds. Notably, the lowest WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle) comprehensive fuel consumption figure is an impressive 0.97 liters per 100 kilometers, highlighting the vehicle's efficiency. While the official comprehensive driving range has not been disclosed at this time, the plug-in hybrid nature of the vehicle suggests a substantial total range combining both electric and gasoline power. For recharging, the vehicle supports both fast and slow charging. Under fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% takes between 0.33 hours and 0.47 hours, depending on the specific trim level. The slow charging time ranges from 3 hours to 4 hours, offering flexibility for different charging scenarios.