GAC S7 Ultra 4WD (180km vs 240km LiDAR): Best LHD SUV for Desert & Snow Conditions?
Two model years, two flagship 4WD trims. We compare the 2025 GAC S7 Ultra 4WD and the 2026 Ultra 4WD LiDAR on traction, range, performance and equipment for harsh-climate markets.
By EVtoUPublished 3 min read
If your market has sand, gravel, mountain passes or winter snow, the GAC S7 Ultra 4WD is the version to look at. It is offered in three listed trims: the 2025 Ultra 4WD 180km, the 2025 Ultra 4WD LiDAR 180km and the 2026 Ultra 4WD LiDAR 240km. All three are left-hand drive with dual-motor electric all-wheel drive. The question for an importer is which one fits the buyer.
What do all GAC S7 Ultra 4WD trims share?
- A front motor plus an 80 kW rear motor, giving electric all-wheel drive
- An off-road drive mode in addition to Eco, Comfort and Sport
- The 1.5T range-support engine and 50 L fuel tank
- Pixel-type LED high beams, a driver knee airbag and 255/50 R20 tyres
- Max-level comfort: rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage, a 17.3-inch rear screen, head-up display and 22 speakers
How do the 180 km and 240 km Ultra trims compare?
| 2025 Ultra 4WD 180km | 2026 Ultra 4WD LiDAR 240km | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 36.3 kWh LFP | 38.88 kWh LFP |
| Electric range CLTC / WLTC | 180 / 160 km | 240 / 180 km |
| Combined range (CLTC) | 1,020 km | 1,084 km |
| System power | 368 kW (501 PS) | 398 kW (541 PS) |
| System torque | 613 N·m | Not listed |
| Motor power (front + rear) | 250 kW | 280 kW |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.8 s | 6.1 s |
| Ground clearance | Not listed | 200 mm |
| Curb weight | 2,235 kg | 2,260 kg |
| Soft-close doors | Yes | Not listed |
| LiDAR | No | Seyond 192-line, 250 m |
The 2026 trim has more power and 60 km more CLTC electric range, but the 2025 trim is quicker to 100 km/h according to the manufacturer — 5.8 s versus 6.1 s. The 2025 Ultra trims are also the only GAC S7 versions listed with electric soft-close doors.
Which is better for desert conditions?
For desert work, power at low speed and cooling matter more than top-end performance. Both trims use liquid-cooled LFP batteries and both offer the off-road mode. The 2026 Ultra 4WD LiDAR has the edge where buyers also drive long, hot highways: its larger battery covers more distance electrically, and its listed 200 mm ground clearance gives a clear figure to show customers.
Which is better for snow and ice?
In snow, the useful figures are torque delivery and traction control rather than range — cold weather reduces electric range on every trim. The 2025 Ultra 4WD lists 613 N·m of system torque and the quickest acceleration, and without LiDAR there is no roof sensor to keep clear of ice and snow. For winter markets where navigation-assistance functions are not used, it is the more straightforward choice.
Is LiDAR worth having on a 4WD SUV?
LiDAR helps the driver-assistance system see in poor light and detect obstacles at range. The value outside China depends on whether navigation-assistance functions are supported locally. For more on this trade-off, read Pro vs Max LiDAR: is smart driving worth it for overseas dealers?. If you want LiDAR on a 2025 4WD, the 2025 Ultra 4WD LiDAR pairs it with an NVIDIA Orin-X chip.
Verdict: which Ultra 4WD should importers order?
- Mixed desert highway + off-road use, premium retail: 2026 Ultra 4WD LiDAR 240km.
- Snow, ice and performance-led buyers, simpler maintenance: 2025 Ultra 4WD 180km.
- Top specification for VIP fleets: 2025 Ultra 4WD LiDAR 180km.
All three can be combined in one order. Ask our sales team for availability and an itemised quotation to your port.
