Seven new GWM models for Australia in 2026

GWM has confirmed that 2026 will deliver one of its busiest launch calendars yet, with the Chinese manufacturer planning to introduce at least seven new models in Australia next year across its five-strong brand line-up.

The new products will follow a similarly intense 2025 schedule, and form part of a wider expansion strategy that also includes a push for larger retail facilities under a dealer co-investment initiative called “Rise”, designed to deliver upgraded, multi-brand sites to showcase GWM’s broad portfolio.

GWM Australia chief operating officer John Kett said the Rise scheme will determine which dealers receive the pinnacle models to be delivered under the 2026 launch offensive — two inaugural vehicles for luxe sub-brand Wey.

“We are going to launch the Wey brand, which is very much tied into what we need to do about our brand,” Mr Kett said. “There will be certain conditions under which dealers will get access to the Wey brand.”

Wey will headline GWM’s 2026 rollout, with the expected introduction of the G9 luxury people-mover and Blue Mountain large SUV. Both use an AWD 1.5-litre turbo petrol plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, developing either 358kW or 380kW. Pricing is expected to be sub-$100,000.

“We see PHEVs as being the battleground in this market over the coming years,” said GWM Australia head of marketing Steve Maciver.

Adding low-CO2 PHEVs to the Wey brand will help GWM amass compliance credits under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard to balance remaining pure internal combustion options, which will grow in 2026 to include a new 3.0-litre diesel four-cylinder engine for the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha lines.

At the smaller end of the portfolio, the Ora new-energy sub-brand is preparing to expand beyond its eponymous small battery electric (BEV) hatchback model, to an SUV range.

That expansion will start with the Ora 5 small SUV, which retains Ora’s retro styling but is sized to compete with the BYD Atto 3 and MGS5. The 5, which is expected to offer around 500km range (WLTP), is likely to be joined by a midsize crossover sibling in time.

“In the small SUV lineup, we will certainly have an Ora SUV next year,” said Mr Kett. “We are still considering a midsize SUV coming out of the Ora lineup.”

GWM global chief technology officer Nicole Wu hinted that the midsize SUV line-up could include a PHEV option while confirming that Ora would not be limited to BEV-only powertrains in future.

Alongside Ora and Wey, 2026 will bring major updates to GWM’s staple Haval division. The brand’s best-selling H6 midsize SUV will receive an important local ride/handling tune early in the year, while the next-generation H7 upper midsize SUV has also been pencilled in for launch.

“We have just launched the H6 (facelift) as a PHEV, and the new, next-generation H7 will also be a (PHEV),” Mr Kett confirmed.

Kett also confirmed that the Haval small SUV line-up will expand to include a new Jolion Pro model, which will be available both as a PHEV and—in a first for Haval—a BEV option.

Plans for a three-row Haval SUV appear to have been put off for another year, though there could still be a surprise.

GWM’s heavier-duty Tank 4WD and Cannon ute sub-brands will also see powertrain diversification…towards pure ICE. Australia will host the world debut of a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel for the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha, with that engine expected to launch in Australia later in 2026.

Two further pure ICE projects are in development for 2027 and beyond, including a top-tier off-road vehicle that will not be offered with hybrid or BEV options, plus a halo 4.0-litre petrol V8 engine currently being tested in the Tank 300.