Chinese automotive giant GAC has moved a step closer to launching its S7 plug-in hybrid SUV in Australia, confirming right-hand-drive production is expected to begin globally in the second half of 2027.
The large five-seat SUV has made its public Australian debut at the Everything Electric show in Sydney last Friday, where GAC used the opportunity to gauge local reaction to the potential new model.
An Australian launch has not yet been formally confirmed, but the move to right-hand-drive production removes a significant hurdle for the S7 to join GAC’s rapidly expanding local range.
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The S7 isn’t entirely new to Australia. It was displayed behind closed doors at GAC’s Australian brand launch in November 2025, when company executives confirmed it was being evaluated for right-hand-drive production and a potential local introduction.
2027 GAC S7 on the stand at Everything Electric.
Former GAC International Australia CEO Kevin Shu also told media earlier this year that the company planned to introduce a plug-in hybrid SUV in 2027 similar in size to the Ford Everest, but with five seats and a monocoque construction rather than the Ford’s ladder-frame chassis.
Those comments pointed towards the S7, which is around 4.9 metres long and would give GAC an entrant in the large SUV segment.
International specifications supplied by GAC for the S7 appearing in Sydney include a 36.3kWh battery and a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 150km.
The all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors on both axles.
2027 GAC S7 on the stand at Everything Electric.
The front electric motor produces 170kW and 220Nm, while the rear motor contributes 80kW and 250Nm. GAC claims a combined petrol-electric driving range of up to 1020km.
Australian specifications have not been announced and could change before any local launch.
But given GAC’s value-driven pricing proposition and sales ambitions in Australia, there seems little doubt it would be pitched to attract attention.
The S7 was originally revealed in China under GAC’s Trumpchi brand, but the company has simplified its branding for Australia, where vehicles from its Trumpchi, Aion and Hyptec operations are being sold under the GAC banner.
2027 GAC S7.
If approved, the S7 would expand a local range that launched in late 2025 with the Aion V electric SUV, Emzoom petrol small SUV and M8 plug-in hybrid people-mover, and has since grown with the Aion UT electric hatch.
There is plenty more to come from the Chinese auto giant, including cheaper Aion UT and a new dual-cab ute due in 2027.