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GWM’s 2026 Haval Big Dog SUV launched, priced from 17,000 USD with new AWD system and DIY features

4 min to read
Jul 17, 2025 3:57 PM CEST
Haval Big Dog has DIY-ready body components added. Credit: GWM

Great Wall Motor (GWM) officially launched the 2026 Haval Big Dog SUV in the Chinese market. The updated model features a redesigned interior, an enhanced intelligent cockpit, and mechanical upgrades designed to expand its capabilities both on-road and off-road. Three variants are available, with prices starting from 123,900 yuan (approximately 17,000 USD).

Updated pricing and powertrain options

The 2026 Haval Big Dog retains its existing 1.5T and 2.0T turbocharged gasoline engines, now paired with advanced infotainment and interior upgrades. The top-spec 2.0T model continues to offer four-wheel drive, now upgraded to GWM’s sixth-generation intelligent system.

VariantPrice (yuan)Price (USD)*EngineTransmissionDrivetrainMax Power (hp)Key Features
1.5T 2WD Standard123,900~17,000 USD1.5L Turbo7-speed wet DCTFWD184 hp14.6″ Coffee OS 3 screen, upgraded voice control, Cloud Comfort seats, wireless charging
2.0T 2WD Premium136,900~18,800 USD2.0L Turbo9-speed wet DCTFWD238 hpAdditional power, upgraded trim, HUD, 50W wireless fast charging, enhanced seat ventilation
2.0T AWD Flagship149,900~$20,600 USD2.0L Turbo9-speed wet DCTAWD238 hp6th-gen AWD, central diff lock, 8 drive modes, full smart cockpit suite, DIY exterior components
Customisation includes: front grille, front and rear bumpers, wheel fenders, & roof racks. Credit: GWM live stream.

Exterior updates focus on personalisation

Visually, the 2026 model introduces minor front-end design changes. The front grille adopts a dot-matrix pattern and a darkened finish, while the brand logo has been downsized. The headlight housing also features a smoked treatment, creating a more pronounced visual effect.

At the rear, the full-width taillight remains, though the embedded “HAVAL” wordmark has been replaced with “GWM.” The SUV’s boxy design continues unchanged, measuring 4,620 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, with a 2,738 mm wheelbase.

A notable addition for 2026 is support for DIY customisation of exterior elements. Buyers can personalise components such as the grille, front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, and roof racks.

Five colour options: Moss Green, Meteorite Grey, Misty Blue, Lunar White, and Midnight Black. Credit: GWM

Cabin redesigned with a focus on tech and utility.

Inside the 2026 Haval Big Dog, GWM has implemented a new layout centred around maximising space and digital functionality. A redesigned flat-bottom steering wheel with a two-spoke design frees up legroom. At the same time, the gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, thereby expanding the centre console’s usable storage space.

A 14.6-inch centre screen, powered by the new Coffee OS 3 system, is standard across all variants. According to GWM, the system supports one-click wireless casting for major smartphone brands. It offers embedded apps, including Gaode Map (with features such as traffic light countdown, green-wave speed suggestion, and blind-spot detection alerts), Netease Cloud Music, and Youku.

The updated voice assistant system now supports over 70 functions, offering voice control for navigation, media, climate, and system settings.

New Big Dog has a flat-bottom two-spoke steering wheel, 14.6″ Coffee OS 3 touchscreen standard.

Comfort and features: Emphasis on usability

Seating upgrades include a newly designed four-layer internal structure that improves ergonomic support. The front seats come with electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation as standard in upper trims. Additional in-cabin features include a 50W wireless fast charger, a cabin air purification system, a head-up display (HUD), and a 10-speaker sound system. An optional upgrade to the “Voice of Love” branded audio system is available.

Mechanical systems: New intelligent AWD for flagship variant

The base powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, producing 184 horsepower and featuring a front-wheel-drive layout. The 2.0-litre turbo engine, mated to a 9-speed damp DCT, outputs 238 horsepower.

The flagship 2.0T AWD version now uses GWM’s sixth-generation intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It includes a central differential lock and an electronically controlled mechanical dog-clutch-style locking rear differential. This setup supports eight driving modes tailored for various road conditions and light off-road use.

Big Dog has smoked headlamps and a smaller grille badge.

Market position and context

Initially launched in 2020, the Haval Big Dog helped popularise the “square-body” SUV category in China among younger, lifestyle-oriented consumers. GWM reports cumulative sales exceeding 600,000 units, with more than 10,000 units sold monthly over the past year.

However, competition in this niche has intensified with the arrival of similarly styled models such as the Jetour Traveller and BYD FCB models. The 2026 update aims to differentiate through increased innovative features and personalisation.



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