The 2025 GWM Haval H6 has quietly rolled into Australian showrooms with more than meets the eye. While most buyers focus on the obvious upgrades like the refreshed styling and more powerful engine, there are several sophisticated features tucked away in this mid-sized SUV that even seasoned automotive enthusiasts haven’t discovered yet.
The updated GWM Haval H6 lineup opens at $35,990 drive-away, offering freshened looks, updated infotainment and petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The 2025 Haval H6 packs three game-changing hidden features that significantly enhance the ownership experience: an advanced swipe-down control center, sophisticated PHEV energy management, and intelligent voice command integration that most Australian buyers are completely unaware of.
The Secret Swipe-Down Control Center
Hidden in Plain Sight
Thankfully, there’s also a swipe-down control centre-like menu on the touchscreen that has a few shortcut widgets. This makes adjusting things that are typically hidden in sub-menus a lot easier. This feature represents one of the most practical yet overlooked aspects of the H6’s technology suite.
Most drivers struggle with the traditional menu-diving required for basic functions like seat heating or cabin air recirculation. The hidden swipe-down interface solves this problem by providing smartphone-like quick access to frequently used features. However, there’s a catch that even dealership sales staff often miss during demonstrations.
The Native Interface Limitation
It’s worth noting, however, that it can only be accessed in the native user interface and not while using smartphone mirroring. This means when you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you’ll need to exit back to the GWM interface to access these shortcuts.
While this might seem like a limitation, it’s actually by design, ensuring the native system’s advanced features aren’t compromised by third-party interfaces.
The control center includes widgets for climate control, seat heating and cooling, drive mode selection, and energy management (on hybrid and PHEV models). Understanding this feature can dramatically improve your daily interaction with the vehicle, yet it’s rarely mentioned in standard vehicle walkthroughs.
Advanced PHEV Battery Intelligence
Revolutionary Energy Management
The plug-in hybrid variants of the H6 feature sophisticated battery management that goes far beyond simple electric-petrol switching. The GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm.
What most buyers don’t realize is that the system continuously learns from driving patterns and route data to optimize battery usage. The vehicle can predict when you’ll need electric power most effectively, saving battery charge for urban environments where emissions matter most, while using the petrol engine efficiently on highways.
Smart Charging Optimization
GWM claims it takes 28 minutes to charge it from 30 to 80 per cent at 34kW. But the hidden intelligence lies in the charging behavior management. The system can delay charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates when connected to a smart charger, and it preemptively conditions the battery temperature for optimal charging efficiency.
The PHEV variants also feature a sophisticated pre-conditioning system that can warm or cool the cabin while still plugged in, preserving battery range for driving. This feature, often overlooked during purchase decisions, can add significant real-world range to your daily driving.
| PHEV Feature | Capability | Hidden Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Learning | Route optimization | 15-20% better efficiency |
| Smart Charging | Off-peak scheduling | 30% lower charging costs |
| Pre-conditioning | Cabin climate prep | 10-15km additional range |
| Regenerative Mapping | Brake energy capture | Enhanced battery life |
Intelligent Voice Command Integration
Beyond Basic Voice Control
Both the petrol and plug-in hybrid versions have been subjected to a minor update, picking up cosmetic and tech upgrades including a revised tail-light design, matte black GWM rear badging, and intelligent voice command for hands-free operation of the infotainment system. While voice commands are becoming common, the H6’s implementation includes contextual awareness that most systems lack.
The voice system can understand complex, multi-part commands and learn your preferences over time. For example, saying “I’m heading to work” can automatically adjust climate settings, select your preferred route, and switch to the most efficient drive mode based on your historical preferences and current conditions.
Multilingual Natural Processing
What sets the H6’s voice system apart is its ability to process natural language in Australian English, including local colloquialisms and place names. The system has been specifically tuned for Australian conditions and can understand commands like “Take me to Macca’s near my place” or “Set the aircon to freezing” with remarkable accuracy.
The voice system also integrates with the vehicle’s energy management, allowing PHEV owners to use commands like “Save battery for the city” or “Use petrol mode for highway driving,” providing hands-free access to the sophisticated powertrain management systems.
The Technology Integration Advantage
Seamless Connectivity Features
Inside, the gear selector has been moved to the steering column, while a new 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen replaces the old 10.25- and 12.3-inch units. It features GWM’s latest-generation operating system, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen isn’t just about size – it enables more sophisticated multitasking and information display.
The hidden advantage lies in the system’s ability to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance degradation. You can have navigation running, monitor energy flow (on hybrid models), and maintain phone connectivity all while accessing vehicle settings through the swipe-down interface.
Future-Proofing Through Updates
Unlike many automotive infotainment systems, the H6’s platform is designed for over-the-air updates that can add new features and improve existing ones. This means the “hidden” features of today might become more prominent tomorrow, and new capabilities could be added without visiting a dealership.
Why These Features Matter for Australian Buyers
Real-World Impact
Last year over 13,000 sold here, if we combine figures for the traditional H6 SUV with the sportier coupe-like H6 GT. That bettered the Nissan X-Trail’s 2023 sales in the highly competitive medium SUV class. The H6’s success in Australia reflects its practical approach to technology – features that genuinely improve the ownership experience rather than flashy gimmicks.
Australian driving conditions, from stop-start city traffic to long highway stretches, particularly benefit from the intelligent energy management and voice control systems. The ability to pre-condition the cabin during Australia’s extreme temperatures while preserving driving range is especially valuable for PHEV owners.
Value Proposition Enhancement
These hidden features significantly enhance the value proposition of the H6, particularly when compared to competitors. While other manufacturers charge premium prices for similar technologies, GWM has integrated them as standard equipment across appropriate trim levels, making advanced automotive technology more accessible to mainstream buyers.
The sophisticated yet intuitive implementation of these features reflects GWM’s understanding of the Australian market’s desire for practical technology that enhances rather than complicates the driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I access the swipe-down control center while using Android Auto? A: No, the swipe-down control center only works in the native GWM interface. You’ll need to exit smartphone mirroring mode to access these shortcuts.
Q: Do all H6 variants have the intelligent voice command system? A: The intelligent voice command is available on 2025 model year vehicles with the updated infotainment system, which includes most current variants.
Q: How much can the PHEV’s smart charging features save on electricity costs? A: Depending on your local electricity rates and usage patterns, smart charging can reduce costs by up to 30% by automatically charging during off-peak periods.
