Great Wall Motors (GWM) has officially entered the pre-sale phase for its premium flagship, the Wey V9X. Positioned as a large luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the V9X is designed to compete in the high-end SUV market, blending traditional aesthetic influences with cutting-edge electric architecture.
The pre-sale pricing for the three available variants ranges from 371,800 to 411,800 yuan (approximately $53,900–$59,700 USD).
Advanced Hybrid Powertrain and Performance
Built on the new GWM One platform, the V9X utilizes an 800V high-voltage architecture equipped with 6C ultra-fast charging capabilities. This high-voltage system is a critical industry trend, as it significantly reduces charging downtime, making EVs and PHEVs more practical for long-distance travel.
The vehicle’s performance is driven by a 2.0T engine paired with dual electric motors. Depending on the chosen trim, the system output varies significantly:
- Base Configuration: 500 kW (671 hp)
- Mid-Range Configuration: 510 kW (684 hp)
- Top-Tier Configuration: 550 kW (738 hp)
Battery options are equally diverse, with capacities ranging from 55.4kWh to 80kWh. This allows for a pure electric range of up to 470km (CLTC) and a staggering total combined range of up to 1,700km, addressing “range anxiety” by offering nearly double the distance of many standard hybrid competitors.
Design: Where Tradition Meets Technology
The V9X adopts a design language inspired by oriental architecture. The front fascia mimics the layered, symmetrical lines of traditional double-eave hip-and-gable roofs. This aesthetic choice aims to differentiate the brand from the more aggressive, futuristic designs common in the EV sector.
Key Design Features:
* Hi Light Intelligent Headlights: Capable of six different driving assistance projection scenarios.
* Three-Dimensional Taillights: Featuring over 100 individual lighting elements.
* Large Footprint: With a wheelbase reaching up to 3,150mm, the vehicle emphasizes interior space and stability.
A Luxury “Smart” Cabin
The interior is centered around a massive digital ecosystem, powered by the Qualcomm 8295P chip. The cockpit features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, dual 17.3-inch screens for the driver and passenger, and a 21.4-inch entertainment display for rear passengers.
Luxury is prioritized through:
* Premium Materials: Six-seat layouts featuring Nappa leather with intricate embroidery.
* The “King Chair”: A second-row zero-gravity seat equipped with a 22-point massage system.
* Immersive Audio: The Coffee AI Sound system utilizes 31 rare-earth magnetic speakers in an 8.1.4.8 architecture, delivering a high-fidelity acoustic experience.
Intelligence and Handling
The V9X is heavily invested in autonomous driving technology. It utilizes the Thor-U chip, providing 700 TOPS of computing power, and integrates a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) large model to enhance how the vehicle perceives and reacts to its environment.
To manage its significant size and power, the V9X employs a digital chassis, which includes:
– Dual-chamber air suspension.
– EDC continuously variable damping shock absorbers.
– 20-degree rear-wheel steering, which improves maneuverability in tight urban spaces despite the vehicle’s large dimensions.
Market Context and Future Outlook
The launch of the V9X comes at a time of momentum for Wey. As GWM’s high-end new energy brand, Wey has focused exclusively on PHEV models to date, seeing strong sales growth with monthly figures exceeding 12,000 units in late last year.
While the V9X is currently a PHEV, GWM plans to expand the lineup further by introducing Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and pure Electric Vehicle (EV) variants later this year. This move signals Wey’s intent to capture a broader segment of the electrified market, moving from a single-technology focus to a multi-pathway approach.
The Wey V9X represents GWM’s attempt to bridge the gap between traditional luxury and the high-tech demands of the modern electric era, focusing on extreme range, rapid charging, and intelligent automation.
