2025 GAC S7 PHEV is the Range Rover we have at home

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) functions somewhat similar to our country’s Land Transportation Office (LTO). It’s the government agency responsible for approving new vehicles before hitting the market.

Every month, the China MIIT posts these applications complete with images and a few specifications. Since these are listed as publicly available information, what that means for us is we get a glimpse of what automakers in the PRC are about to launch next.

As for GAC, this is what they plan to launch by next year. It’s the S7 PHEV – a five-seater, plug-in hybrid SUV with all-wheel-drive that promises a combined range that goes over 1,000 kilometers.

The S7 is the first model equipped with the third-generation PHEV system under GAC’s Trumpchi passenger car brand. Size-wise, the S7 PHEV measures 4900 mm long, 1950 mm wide, 1780 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2880 mm.

In front, the S7 features AI headlights made up of 2,248 smart lamp beads, creating a pixel-style light signature along with the full-width light strip that completes the S7’s identity when viewed from the front.

While it’s not an exact clone, we can’t help but think of the S7 PHEV’s design to be similar to the newest Range Rover. The silhouette, the boxy fenders, the vertical door garnish, and even the new slim taillights appear to be inspired by the British luxury 4x4 icon.

Complete engine specifications are yet to be released, but the S7 PHEV will have an engine called the 4A15M3. If we’re right about this, it’s likely to be a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder powerplant. The ICE puts out 160 PS, but it will be assisted by an electric motor powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

Furthermore, GAC will equip the S7 PHEV with advanced driving assists, evidenced by the LIDAR on the roof, plus the cameras on the rear, side, and fenders.

The GAC S7 PHEV is expected to be launched in the PRC by the first half of 2025. As for the Philippine market, the S7 PHEV could nicely slot in between the Emkoo and the GS8 in GAC Motor PH’s current lineup.