It was all bling colours, brash accessories and boxy designs at this year’s edition of the Beijing International Motor Show. As expected, Chinese carmaker GWM had a massive presence, with new models and derivatives of all its brands, including Haval, Tank, Ora, motorcycle brand Souo, and Wey, on display, and even a new heavy commercial GWM truck was demonstrated.
This year, themed “Go Local, Grow More”, strengthened the likelihood of possible (but not yet substantiated) local production of GWM products but perhaps the biggest news from the show – besides technical innovations including new, more powerful battery packs, diesel-hybrid development and the extension of Hi-4 technology – was the confirmed introduction to South Africa of Wey, the flagship marque in Baoding’s stable.
WEY V9X
Go With More Luxury
Set for release sometime next year, the first Wey product earmarked for the local market is the new V9X, a plug-in hybrid full-size three-row luxury SUV comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and the Volvo EX90.
Underpinned by the GWM One S platform, which can support combustion power, battery electric power, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the V9X is positioned as the flagship in GMW’s line-up, representing the culmination of the brand’s 36 years of automotive expertise.
Backed by GWM’s fully in-house AI technology, the luxury six-seater flagship pioneers the industry’s first native AI-powered cabin-drive agent “Little Wei,” enabling seamless interaction between the cockpit and the driving systems. Measuring 5,299×2,025×1,825mm with a wheelbase of 3,150 mm, the V9X is huge and commanding.
Its exterior design exhibits definite Mercedes-Benz GLS design traits (down to the two-tone paint offering). Up front, a light bar connects the headlights, alongside vertical fog lights. At the rear, it has oval-shaped taillights, also connected by a continuous light bar at the front. Traditional door handles are used instead of retractable door handles, and (interestingly) chrome trim is sparse.
The interior is elegant and sophisticated in the classical sense, with super high-quality trim and fittings. The cabin offers a truly luxurious experience with a 21.4” rear smart screen, 22-point full-body massage zero-gravity seats, and the Coffee AI Sound premium audio system with 31 speakers and a peak power of 3080 W, delivering an immersive auditory feast.
Equipped with a comprehensively upgraded Super Hi4 system, the V9X’s drivetrain combines a 173 kW 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, paired with two electric motors. With an 80 kWh battery, the V9X offers a pure-electric range of 470 km.
Complemented by an 800V high-voltage platform and in-house 6C ultra-fast charging cells, it delivers outstanding capability in both range and performance (a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds has been ratified). The V9X has a fully self-developed AI digital chassis that supports rear-wheel steering of ±10°.
It is equipped with dual VLA models, a LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof, and 27 additional sensors for the driving system. It utilises a double wishbone suspension up front and a rear multilink axle with adjustable shock absorbers and dual-chamber air suspension. Bionic motion controls are also anticipated for the V9X.
GWM ORA 5
New Aura for Ora
It would seem the Ora brand is set for an imminent relaunch locally with the introduction of the new Ora 5, in essence, the GWM version of the MINI Aceman, sharing a somewhat revised version of the electric vehicle platform of the MINI developed under the Spotlight Automotive joint venture between BMW Group and GWM.
In terms of design, the new compact crossover (introduced in China in December last year) adopts design elements from the Ora 3, adapted to an SUV silhouette. What is more interesting, though, is that the Ora 5 will be available with three drivetrain options:
A normal ICE engine (1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo delivering 135 kW), coupled with a seven-speed DCT, a full EV drivetrain consisting of a 150 kW electric motor paired with a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of either 45.3 or 58.3 kWh driving the front axle, or a new hybrid model with a 1.5T dedicated hybrid engine, an intelligent drive module, and a high-power battery pack, delivering a total system output of 166 kW.
The EV derivative has a range of 480-580 km according to the Chinese CLTC test cycle. In comparison, the hybrid version delivers a remarkable range of over 1,100 km on a full tank, according to GWM, and uses only 4.5 l/100 km in heavy traffic and for daily commuting.
On the performance side, the hybrid system delivers instant, zero-lag power, similar to that of a pure electric vehicle. Paired with a Multi-mode DHT, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. The Ora 5 adopts design elements from the Ora 3 and adapts them to an SUV silhouette.
The cockpit, with a clean, open and uncluttered design, has a driver display measuring 10.25”, while the dashboard features a 15.6” touchscreen with 2.5K resolution for the infotainment system. Pricing for the new Ora 5 is expected to be confirmed soon, and it should be competitive, given GWM’s aggressive local pricing strategy.
HAVAL H7 PLUS
H7’s Angular Addition
As a new flagship model in the Haval H7 family, the H7 Plus stands out in the new energy SUV segment, according to GWM, with four defining strengths: angular design aesthetics, spacious comfort, advanced intelligence, and all-scenario adaptability.
The H7 Plus is bigger than the current model, measuring 4,912 mm long, 1,950 mm wide, and 1,905 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, to offer a more spacious and comfortable interior, and a seven-seater option is apparently also under consideration for local introduction.
Set to replace the current H7 in South Africa, it is equipped to the hilt, with seat ventilation, heating, and massage functions, along with an intelligent temperature-controlled refrigerator and a co-pilot foldable table. The H7 Plus comes standard with the second-generation Hi4 intelligent hybrid four-wheel-drive system, offering a CLTC pure electric range of 255 km.
It is powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid-specific petrol turbo engine and front- and rear-mounted electric motors, coupled with a two-speed hybrid transmission. With total system outputs of 320 kW/750 Nm or 330 kW/660 Nm, depending on variant, the top-model H7 Plus can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.8 seconds.
The H7 Plus also features a rear e-locking mechanical dog-clutch differential, supporting crawl mode and Tank turn, combined with electronically controlled dampers to handle challenging off-road conditions. Its intelligent features have also advanced with the Coffee Pilot 3 driving assistance system. The Coffee OS 3 intelligent cockpit is equipped with a 15.6” central control screen and a 12.3” instrument panel, blending technology with practicality. The H7 Plus is set to arrive locally later this year.
HAVAL JOLION MAX
Larger Sibling for Jolion
The Haval Jolion Pro is set to be joined by a larger, more distinctive sibling, the Jolion Max, later this year. This new, bigger Jolion derivative slots in between the Jolion Pro and the H6 in the Haval product line-up. Measuring 4,590 mm in length, the Max is 120 mm longer than the Jolion Pro but slightly shorter than the H6. It also has a 10 mm longer wheelbase than the Pro.
No announcement has been made yet on the local model lineup and specifications, but the new Max is expected in the second half of the year. In top-spec form, the Max is expected to offer automatic LED headlamps and 18-inch wheels, whilst inside it will feature a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment screen and 7.0” digital instrumentation screen, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, and electric seat adjustment.
The Jolion Max will initially be powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, most likely producing 130 kW and 275 Nm of torque, with power delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed DCT, but a Hybrid model will most likely also be offered later.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © GWM CHINA/FERDI DE VOS
