GWM is ‘maxxing’ its Jolion with a new SA-bound SUV that bridges the gap to H6

The Haval Jolion Max will hit local showrooms around the fourth quarter of 2026.

Image: Supplied

“Maxxing” is quite a thing among online trendsetters these days. From “looksmaxxing” to “careermaxxing” and even “sleepmaxxing” (we’re looking at you, Gen Z), if it’s possible to “maxx” something, it’s probably trended on social media lately.

Not wanting to be left out of the action, Chinese auto giant GWM is now “maxxing” its popular Haval Jolion SUV, with this brand-new version called the Jolion Max.

Revealed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami over the weekend, the Jolion Max looks completely different from the regular Jolion and Jolion Pro models. With an overall length of 4,590mm, it is a good 120mm longer than its siblings, while being just 113mm shorter than the H6.

For that reason, the Jolion Max won’t replace the Jolion Pro when it arrives in South Africa during the fourth quarter of 2026, but rather it will serve as a bridge between that and the H6, with pricing that reflects this too.

The Jolion Max is 120mm longer than the Jolion Pro.

Image: Supplied

Given that the Jolion Pro starts at R392,100 and the H6 kicks off at R495,500, it’s likely that Jolion Max prices will start well under the R500,000 mark.

Like its siblings, the Jolion Max is a five-seater, but the advantage over the Jolion Pro is increased boot space – with international specifications listing a 560-litre capacity – as well as a likely increase in legroom thanks to the 10mm-longer wheelbase.

A GWM SA representative has told IOL that the Jolion Max will be available in three powertrain variants in South Africa: ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. As with the regular Jolions, the 1.5-litre turbocharged base model will produce 105kW. It is likely that the hybrid will also match its siblings in delivering a 140kW combined output.

The dual-screen cabin has almost no physical controls.

Image: Supplied

The cabin of the Jolion Max has a large dual-screen layout and floating-style centre console, with the gear selector moved to the steering column to create additional storage space.

The large central screen measures 12.3 inches and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

South African specifications and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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