HAVAL has previewed its first plug-in hybrid ahead of its official reveal at Auto China 2018 in Beijing.
Launched under the company's luxury brand – WEY – the P8 is set to write a new chapter in the company's history and represents the first model built on HAVAL's new Pi4 (plug-in intelligent four-wheel drive) platform.
Combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels, in tandem with an 85kW rear-mounted electric motor, the P8 boasts an impressive output of 250kW/524Nm and a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of just 6.5 seconds.
Power is delivered to a combination of front wheels (petrol), rear wheels (electric) and all wheels (combined) through a Getrag six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Based on the WEY VV7 luxury SUV, the P8 measures 4765x1931x1655mm, has a 2950mm wheelbase and rides on either 20 or 21-inch wheels.
The bold lines of HAVAL's first PHEV start with the wide-mouthed trapezoidal grille, and continues through the angular LED headlamps, flowing through to the fastback-inspired body and aggressive rear end dominated by the four exhaust pipes. The top-hinged tailgate can be opened automatically by waving a foot underneath the rear bumper.
Inside, the P8 adopts the VV7's T-style console, angled purposefully toward the driver. The SUV comes loaded with luxury features, including panoramic sunroof, LCD instrument panel, premium sound system, 9-inch touch screen and leather seats with heating, massage and ventilation.
Demonstrating the company's commitment to adopting the latest safety features, the P8 comes complete with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), blind spot monitoring (BSM), lane departure warning (LDW), lane keep assist (LKA) and 360° camera. To aid pedestrian safety, the WEY P8 employs an aluminum alloy bonnet.
The PHEV system offers a 50 kilometre range on pure electric, 660 km range with both motors working in tandem and fuel economy of just 2.3 L/100km. Charging from a 220V home power point can be achieved in seven hours, or just four from a dedicated charger.
Auto China is one of the world's largest auto shows, alternating each year between Shanghai and Beijing. Last year it attracted more than 800,000 customers. This year's Auto China will be held at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing from April 25 to May 4.