GWM Wey G9 previewed in Malaysia – Premium MPV below RM300k, AWD, 1,000km range, 442PS/642Nm

KUALA LUMPUR: Great Wall Motor Malaysia has previewed the Wey G9, a new premium plug-in hybrid MPV that will soon join the local market.

Previously referred to as the Wey 80, the model has now been confirmed as the G9 for Malaysia. Positioned directly against the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, it will be locally assembled (CKD) with pricing expected to come in below RM300,000. Only one variant will be made available.

This makes the Wey G9 a landmark product, as it becomes the first Chinese premium new energy MPV to be produced in Malaysia, with right-hand drive versions also destined for Thailand, Indonesia, and other regional markets.

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Larger than the regulars

Size is a major talking point. Measuring 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,900 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, the G9 is slightly larger than the latest Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, both around 5,010 mm in length.

The extra 27 centimetres may not sound much on paper, but translates into noticeably better cabin space, particularly for the second and third rows.

GWM has put strong emphasis on safety, with the G9 already awarded a five-star C-NCAP crash test rating. More than 81 percent of the body uses high-strength steel, while the A- and B-pillars are reinforced with 2000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel. The A-pillars themselves employ a hot-blow formed tube rated at 1500 MPa, three times stronger than conventional beams.

Roof crush resistance is rated at 12 tonnes, while the front bumper beam is crafted from aluminium extrusion for improved energy absorption. Full-length curtain airbags stretch 3,107 mm across all three rows and remain inflated for up to six seconds, enhancing protection in rollovers. Underneath, a chassis with four longitudinal and seven cross beams distributes crash forces effectively to maintain cabin stability.

As a plug-in hybrid, battery safety has also been addressed. The pack has undergone 89 separate tests covering performance, reliability and extreme scenarios. Protection includes four-layer side impact resistance, six-layer bottom shielding, and an advanced sealing design capable of withstanding high-pressure water immersion – an important reassurance for Malaysian conditions.

Interior Comfort: A Mobile Living Room

Inside, the Wey G9 has been designed as what GWM calls a “mobile living room on wheels.” Second-row passengers get zero-gravity seats with ventilation, a one-button reset function and 10-point massage zones. Nappa leather upholstery raises the sense of luxury, while an integrated 12.5-litre refrigerator offers cooling, heating and fresh-keeping modes, enough to store bottles and cans for long trips.

Flexibility is also a focus, with a sliding track system for the second and third rows, as well as luggage space expandable from 233 litres to 1,725 litres. In terms of tech, the dashboard combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 15.6-inch infotainment screen running Coffee OS 3.

Hybrid Performance with Long Range

Under the bonnet, the Wey G9 uses GWM’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors for all-wheel drive. The system produces 442 PS and 642 Nm, enabling 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

A 44.2 kWh battery allows for up to 170 km of pure electric driving range (NEDC), while the combined range can stretch to 1,000 km on a single tank and charge. Fuel consumption is rated at just 1.2 litres per 100 km. Charging is supported via DC fast charging from 30–80 percent in 26 minutes, or a full charge on AC in about 6.5 hours.

Positioned to disrupt the market

By combining luxury-level features, advanced safety systems and a high-performance hybrid drivetrain with a price point below RM300k, the GWM Wey G9 looks set to disrupt the premium MPV segment in Malaysia. Its closest rivals, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, retail well over RM500k, putting the G9 in a unique position to appeal to families wanting space and comfort without the half-a-million-ringgit price tag.

Bookings for the Wey G9 are now open at selected GWM dealerships across the country, with an official launch expected soon.

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