"Mythical Beast" of China! 2022 GWM Haval Shenshou unveiled as new flagship SUV and competitor to Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Escape

Shenshou sits at the top of the Jolion and H6 in GWM's next-generation Haval SUV lineup.

GWM Haval has unveiled its new flagship mid-size SUV, Shenshou, which pushes the Chinese brand even further.

Shenshou (Chinese for "mythical beast") is the production version of the XY Concept, which debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

Acting as the technology leader for GWM Haval, Shenshou runs on the curiously named LEMON platform and is therefore associated with the new generation Jolion small and mid-size SUV that was recently launched in Australia.

In terms of dimensions, the Shenshou is 4780mm long (with a 2800mm wheelbase), 1890mm wide and 1676mm high, making it quite large for a midsize SUV. For reference, the H6 is 4653mm long (with a 2738mm wheelbase), 1886mm wide and 1724mm high.

Styling-wise, Shenshou builds on the GWM Haval's design language, especially at the front, where it has full-length LED daytime running lights and a larger grille.

From the side, the Shenshou makes an immediate impression with its flush door handles, but at the back it makes even more noise (pun intended) with its quad exhaust pipes.

Inside, Shenshou really steps up to the challenge of the Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Escape with its premium trim package, including two-tone leather upholstery used for most touch points.

However, it is the 14.6-inch central touchscreen that grabs all the attention, as well as the attached 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with the new GWM Haval Coffee infotainment system.

Under the hood of the Shenshou is a 137-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with 220 kW / 1.5 Nm, although two other options are planned to be added in the future: a 2.0-liter unit and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

So, will Shenshou be sold locally? This was announced by a representative of GWM Haval. Cars Guide that "at this stage there are no plans to roll out to Australia", as it will only be available in China from the third quarter.