2027 GAC S7 Heading to Australia: The New PHEV Challenger to the Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento
GAC Australia has maintained some flexibility regarding the exact local showroom arrival — stating they are "proactively looking to add" the model to their lineup.
As the Australian market continues its shift towards electrification, Chinese automaker GAC is preparing to target the high-volume large SUV segment with its new flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 2027 GAC S7. Following its local preview at the Everything Electric show in Sydney, GAC has confirmed the premium SUV will enter global right-hand-drive production in the second half of 2027.
Powertrain and Real-World Range Expectations
Looking past the manufacturer's marketing claims, the S7 brings a substantial hardware setup to the table. The large crossover is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system. Power delivery is split between a 170kW/220Nm front electric motor and an 80kW/250Nm rear electric motor.
Feeding this system is a 36.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) "Magazine Battery". GAC's official communications claim a pure electric driving range of up to 150km and a combined range of up to 1,020km. However, prospective buyers evaluating these figures should note that the 150km electric range is based on the older, more lenient NEDC testing cycle, while the 1,020km total range utilizes China’s CLTC standard. Real-world range on Australian roads is expected to be lower. While single-motor front-wheel-drive variants with a smaller 21.3kWh battery exist overseas, GAC appears focused on bringing only the dual-motor, large-battery AWD powertrain to Australia.
Dimensions and Five-Seat Layout
Although positioned as a potential rival to the Kia Sorento PHEV, the GAC S7 adopts a large five-seat configuration rather than a traditional three-row, seven-seat layout—a strategy similar to the upcoming Geely Monjaro.
In terms of its physical footprint, the S7 measures 4900mm in length, 1950mm in width, and 1780mm in height, underpinned by a 2880mm wheelbase. These dimensions actually make it larger than most standard mid-size SUVs, bringing its size and presence closer to the Toyota Kluger. The vehicle rides on either 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels and features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.
Technology and Safety Equipment
Local specifications are yet to be finalized, but the S7’s standard equipment in China (where it is sold under GAC’s Trumpchi brand) provides a strong baseline. The cabin is centered around a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard comfort features include a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and front seats with heating, ventilation, and power adjustment.
Active safety and driver assist technologies are comprehensive, offering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic assist, and a surround-view camera with a "transparent chassis" mode. Higher-grade variants overseas add premium touches like ambient lighting, a 22-speaker Adigo Pro sound system, and a 17.3-inch 3K rear entertainment screen.
2027 GAC S7 Estimated Pricing GAC Australia has not yet confirmed local pricing or specific model grades for the S7.
- 2027 GAC S7 PHEV AWD: Pricing To Be Announced (TBA)
(For market context, GAC's only currently priced PHEV in Australia, the M8 people mover, starts at $76,590. As a five-seat crossover, the S7 is expected to be priced more aggressively to compete in the high-volume family SUV segment.)
