GWM Haval Большая Собака PLUS

Why did I buy a car? I got my license 7 years ago but never drove, feeling like a failure among friends.

My缘分 with GWM Haval Big Dog PLUS started after renting a Tank 300 for a trip—it had great visibility and power, but was over my 150,000 RMB budget. Then I saw a video calling the Big Dog "life" vs. the G-Wagon's "dream." I fell for its retro, rugged look, especially the round "bone-shaped" headlights and square, muscular body. The PLUS version’s bolder front end and higher specs sealed the deal.

I chose the 2.0T 4WD top trim for safety (stable on highways), budget-friendliness, and future川西 road trips. The 4WD with rear axle lock felt like "one step到位" for my first car before 30.

Interior highlights: physical buttons, crystal-clear 360° camera (vital for new drivers), responsive voice assistant, smooth infotainment (supports Android/Huawei/Apple), 50W wireless charging, and practical door straps for cups/extinguishers.

Space is ample: at 176cm, I have over two fists of rear legroom. The trunk fits camping gear, and folded rear seats handled 15 moving boxes in 3 trips.

Driving is thrilling—2.0T acceleration is addictive, with instant throttle response (critical for avoiding a sudden truck lane change today). I average 12L/100km (9L highway, 9.9-16L city), acceptable for a新手.

Minor gripes: A-pillar/hood blind spots (mitigated by 360° camera), lack of physical light/fog buttons, dim/limited ambient lighting, non-foldable electric mirrors (one broke at 10km/h, costing 1.5K to replace), noisy wipers, and a slightly bulky rear design.

Overall, the Big Dog PLUS delivers emotional value—practical, safe, and fun.

I got my GWM Haval Big Dog PLUS at the end of September. Its 2.0T engine delivers strong and consistent acceleration, making overtaking easy, and the 9DCT transmission performs well overall though there's slight low-speed (below 3rd gear)顿挫 during aggressive driving. The L2 smart cruise control was very helpful during a 1000km highway trip, reducing fatigue significantly. The black exterior with darkened logos looks stylish and稳重. The interior space is ample with practical cup holders. The fuel economy is acceptable for a 1.8-ton SUV—around 9L/100km on highways and 13L in the city; some friends even got 7L with eco mode. The new infotainment system is smooth, responsive, and supports phone connectivity, with annual updates. The brakes are stable and easy to control. However, wind and tire noise are noticeable despite double-layer隔音 glass, possibly due to the boxy design. Parking can be tricky due to the large size, and the raised hood edges and thick A-pillars slightly affect visibility. Overall, it's a great vehicle for family use and light off-roading, and Haval deserves support for their efforts.

I picked up the Haval Big Dog PLUS in early 2025 and have driven 8,000 km so far. Initially considering the Big Dog, I test-drove both the Big Dog and Ergou. I chose Ergou for its superior interior, sophisticated and atmospheric exterior design, and the convenient airplane-style gear lever similar to Tank models. The 1.5T engine delivers quick acceleration, with responsive throttle even at high speeds (reaching 170 km/h stably), though wind noise is noticeable due to the boxy shape. Average fuel consumption is around 9.5 L/100km, acceptable given the vehicle's weight and my aggressive driving style. Overall, I'm very satisfied; many even mistake it for a higher-priced vehicle. Looking forward to owning a Tank 500 next!