HAVAL Raptor

Vehicle Overview

The petrol-powered HAVAL Raptor is a compact rugged SUV launched by GWM’s HAVAL brand on 27 May 2025, marking the first pure ICE model under the HAVAL Dragon series. Developed from the Raptor Hi4 PHEV, this new iteration targets the "light off-road" segment, catering to enthusiasts who favour pure mechanical setups and traditional petrol powertrain dynamics. The model line-up comprises two variants: 4WD Pro and 4WD Ultra, carrying official retail prices between RM156,900 and RM166,900, alongside limited-time trade-in promotional prices starting from RM136,900 to RM146,900. Its key rivals include segment-equivalent petrol-powered rugged SUVs.

Design Language

The petrol HAVAL Raptor retains its iconic boxy, rugged silhouette, but introduces distinct styling elements to set it apart from its PHEV sibling. Up front, it features a waterfall-style vertical grille with alternating black and silver slats, flanked by rounded rectangular headlamps (replacing the PHEV’s circular units) and a lower silver skid plate, delivering a tougher, more aggressive look. The side profile features clean, horizontal body lines, complemented by a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch smoked alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets an external tailgate-mounted spare tyre (or an optional storage box) and a side-hinged tailgate, with rounded rectangular tail lamps mirroring the front design. The spare-tyre version measures 4,800 mm in overall length, while the storage-box version spans 4,680 mm. Dimensions-wise, the Pro variant measures 4,800 × 1,950 × 1,822 mm, whereas the Ultra variant stands at 4,800 × 1,950 × 1,843 mm, both sharing a 2,738 mm wheelbase. Exterior paint options include Moss Rock Green, Moon White, Midnight Black, Mountain Cloud Grey, and Jiangnan Ink Grey.

Inside, the cabin is available in three colourways: Black, Black-Brown, and Black-Beige. It adopts a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel paired with a column-mounted electronic gear selector, freeing up practical storage space on the centre console. The dashboard retains nearly 20 physical buttons, ensuring safe and intuitive tactile control during off-road driving. Tech highlights include a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating central infotainment screen.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the petrol HAVAL Raptor is powered by GWM’s in-house developed GW4N20A 2.0-litre high-output turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Employing the Miller cycle and a high compression ratio, the mill achieves a thermal efficiency of 38.3%. It delivers a maximum output of 175 kW (238 PS) and a peak torque of 385 Nm. Peak torque is sustained across a broad rev range of 1,700–4,000 rpm. Power is channelled through the world's first transverse 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (9DCT). The 0–100 km/h sprint is completed in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 8.65 L/100 km on the WLTC cycle. Fuel tank capacity is 60 L, running on RON 92 petrol, with a kerb weight of 1,830 kg.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Raptor is built on a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The drivetrain features a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout with an on-demand 4WD system and a multi-plate clutch centre differential. An electronically controlled mechanical dog-clutch rear differential lock comes standard across the range, providing rigid rear axle lock-up and 100% torque delivery to a single wheel. Unladen ground clearance stands at 223 mm on the Ultra variant, with an approach angle of 25°, a departure angle of 32°, and a maximum wading depth of 580 mm. Drivers can select from 9 all-terrain drive modes (Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Mud, Sand, Grass/Gravel, Uneven Road, and AUTO). Additionally, an optional towing package is available, offering a braked towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg.

Cabin and Equipment

The smart cockpit is driven by the third-generation Coffee OS 3.0, featuring satellite navigation, FOTA updates, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, HUAWEI HiCar/ICCOA Carlink/smartphone screen mirroring, telematics, and voice command. Seats are upholstered in faux leather, with the front seats offering power adjustment and heating; the Ultra variant adds front-seat ventilation and driver's seat memory. The rear backrests offer recline adjustment between 27° and 32°. The cabin provides 45 storage compartments throughout. Boot space measures 586 L in standard layout, expanding to 1,404 L with the rear seats folded. Commanding a RM10,000 premium over the Pro, the Ultra variant adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a W-HUD head-up display, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker premium audio system with an independent amplifier, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear side window sunshades, and a 220V boot power socket, among other amenities.

Safety and Intelligent Driver Assistance

On the safety front, 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length side curtain airbags) are standard across the range, along with a 360-degree surround-view camera and a 540-degree transparent chassis view. For advanced driver assistance (ADAS), all variants achieve Level 2 semi-autonomous capability. The suite includes Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Control (LCC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Forward/Rear Collision Warning (FCW/RCW), Door Opening Warning (DOW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Smart Cornering Assist, and Smart Evasion Assist.

Market Performance and Reception

Right after its launch, the petrol HAVAL Raptor took part in the prestigious Taklimakan Rally—dubbed the "Oriental Dakar"—where it claimed the T2.1 Production Petrol Group Championship in the SS5 Moyu Red-White Mountain stage. Industry reviews highlighted that with its standard mechanical package of "2.0T + 9DCT + 4WD + Differential Lock", the SUV successfully balances genuine off-road capability with daily urban drivability in the RM150,000 segment. Its authentic mechanical 4WD hardware, rear differential lock, and rugged boxy styling provide a compelling new alternative for buyers who still favour pure petrol powertrains and tough aesthetics. Nonetheless, compared to its PHEV counterpart, the petrol model exhibits higher fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go city traffic and marginally slower acceleration. Introduced as a bold ICE offering amidst the rapid new-energy transition, the petrol Raptor embraces the "Passion for Purity" philosophy, enriching the Raptor portfolio while catering to diverse consumer needs.