Wheels readers requested real-world PHEV fuel use data, and the magazine delivered with a 700km highway test of four plug-in hybrid SUVs. The goal was to measure consumption once the battery is depleted, a scenario that exposes the gap between official claims and daily driving realities.
The test began with a 6.6km drive to a Sydney motorway on-ramp, followed by 700km of 100km/h to 110km/h running. This forced the vehicles to use the petrol engine almost immediately, giving them almost no chance to regenerate electricity. All four SUVs started with a full tank and a full charge to provide their best efficiency figures.
The vehicles on test include the BYD Sealion 5 Premium, the Geely Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range, the GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD, and the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate. All four are priced under $50,000 and offer significant equipment levels for the money. The source notes that while regular hybrids are well-established, PHEVs are rapidly evolving, with Chinese manufacturers leading the pace of development in efficiency and control.
Related: Mazda to build next‑gen CX‑3 in‑house
Charging a plug-in hybrid every night at home and using electric power for daily commuting is the only way to access the technology’s benefits. An average Australian daily commute of 37km to 40km can be covered in electric mode, but if the vehicle is never plugged in, it becomes a standard hybrid with extra weight.
Real-world results
Electric range results varied significantly. The Geely Starray led with 102km before the petrol engine kicked in, followed by the Haval H6 at 73km, the BYD Sealion 5 at 72km, and the Chery Tiggo 7 at 69km. These figures remain impressive, especially considering the high-speed driving conditions.
When the battery was depleted, fuel consumption numbers showed a clear winner. The Chery Tiggo 7 used 5.2L/100km, which undercut the best regular hybrid result from a previous test. The Haval H6 followed at 6.2L/100km, the Geely Starray at 5.3L/100km, and the BYD Sealion 5 at 6.3L/100km. The source notes that even the thirstiest PHEV in this group was more efficient than expected, keeping regular hybrids in check.
Related: Honda to End Prologue EV Production After 2026
Driver impressions were mixed. The BYD felt the most premium on the outside and inside, though the infotainment system can be confusing. The Geely offers the longest electric range and a fast screen, but suffers from a harmonic vibration at highway speeds. The GWM Haval was praised for its steering and handling, with the AWD model proving engaging to drive despite its weight. The Chery’s infotainment was noted as outdated and slow, but its fuel efficiency and large fuel tank made it a standout.
While the GWM was a hoot to drive and the Geely’s electric range is attractive, the BYD delivers the most premium all-round package. However, for buyers on a strict budget, the Chery Tiggo 7 offers the best value equation, combining sub-40k pricing with real-world fuel consumption that rivals the best hybrids in its segment.
Vehicle specifications
- GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV AWD: 1499cc turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Combined outputs 268kW/760Nm. 19.09kWh LFP battery. 80km claimed electric range. 1.1L/100km (above 25% battery), 5.3L/100km (below 25% battery).
- Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate: 1499cc turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Combined outputs 255kW/525Nm. 18.4kWh LFP battery. 90km claimed electric range. 1.4L/100km combined fuel consumption.
- BYD Sealion 5 Premium: 1498cc four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Combined power 156kW. 18.3kWh BYD Blade battery. 85km claimed electric range. 1.3L/100km (above 25% battery), 4.6L/100km (below 25% battery).
- Geely Starray EM-i Inspire Extended Range: 1499cc four-cylinder plug-in hybrid. Combined power 193kW. 29.8kWh LFP battery. 136km claimed electric range. 1.4L/100km combined fuel consumption.
