Previewed: GWM Wey G9 – SIX Things We Learnt

Set for launch soon, the GWM Wey G9 arguably indicates that the luxury MPVs space is the next 'frontier' locally for burgeoning Chinese automakers.

Having somewhat flooded the crossover SUVs market space across multiple segments and price brackets, it seems the next ‘frontier’ for the burgeoning Chinese automakers in our market lies in the luxury MPVs segment and space.

This is evident with the arrival of fully electric (EV) alternatives to segment favourites like the Vellfire and Alphard – and perhaps their Lexus-badged LM ‘cousin’ – like this, this and this. Of course, range anxiety that EVs pose is something most MPV buyers – and users – are NOT ready to face, meaning the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) alternative promises to fare better.

This perhaps explains the drive for GWM Malaysia to introduce its newly-renamed Wey G9 – previously known as the Wey 80. Ahead of its planned debut, we were given an exclusive early preview of a near-final pre-production prototype for which. Certainly, this is one very ‘untypical’ fighter for this segment, and here are SIX things to know about it…

The move to show off both a fully built-up unit and a bare chassis next to it is 'untypical' indeed, but the latter does show plenty too.

1. It has a very strong chassis construction

‘Untypical’ of most, GWM Malaysia elected to show off the Wey G9 in its bare chassis form next to a fully built-up near-final pre-production prototype. The aim with the former was to show this luxo-MPV’s bones.

Said chassis is constructed with lots of high-strength steel using both traditional welding and novel structural adhesive techniques, and it also features additional strengthening applied at key and strategic points.

The Wey G9's chassis consists of up to 81.95% high-strength steel, and it's design includes reinforced A- and B-pillars forming a strong roof structure that can withstand up to 12 tonnes.

We’ll be brief and not nerd out too deeply here by pointing out that it all brings key results like a chassis that boasts 81.96% high-strength steel composition, as well as reinforced A- and B-pillars that form a roof structure capable of withstanding up to 12 tonnes of crushing pressure, amongst others.

The other bonus to this, especially when the battery pack and everything else (suspension, windscreen, etc) is applied, is a base strong enough to promise enhanced driving dynamics, and that’s despite the next fact… 

Both the 5,050 MM total length and 3,085 MM wheelbase dwarves the segment-favourite Toyota Alphard and Vellfire (as well as their Lexus LM 'cousin').

2. It’s massive

This is evident when you pace up-down this MPV’s side and grasp both its 5,050 MM total length and 3,085 MM wheelbase. For reference, the genre-defining Toyota and Lexus trio mentioned sit slightly shorter at just 5,005 MM and 3,000 MM respectively.

If there was a minimum requirement in terms of size and cabin real estate for any MPVs, the GWM Wey G9 appears to easily exceed which. Fitting three-rows of seats for up to seven occupants with decent room for luggage comes as an unsurprising feat then.

Even with the third-row seats up, the GWM Wey G9 still has 233 litres of standard luggage space to offer. Drop said third-row and this is expandable up to 1,725 litres in all.

The catch? Combined with Fact #1, and everything else it packs, this also results in a rather hefty MPV – so hefty in fact that GWM has not officially admitted to a kerb weight figure, not even in China.

Nevertheless, considering the next fact, this may not be a concern at all…

Underneath, the GWM Wey G9 employs a PHEV setup comprised of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill plus two e-motors and a sizeable 44.2 kWh battery pack.

3. It has a peppy and efficient PHEV heart

Yes, an electrified plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain package is almost unheard of in this space. We’ll remind you that the segment-defining Toyota noted do have self-charging hybrid variants available, but neither is offered locally.

Back to this Sino-badged offering and, underneath, it combines a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill with a pair of e-motors plus a sizeable 44.2 kWh battery pack. Altogether, this package outputs 442 PS (436 hp) and a rather meaty 642 Nm of twist.

All of which is managed by a 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. We’ll also add there are three selectable drive modes present – EV Mode, EV Priority Mode and Smart Hybrid Mode.

Paired with a 4-speed DHT, the package puts out meaty figures of 442 PS and 642 NM. Critically, there's also the added ability for DCFC allowing for 30-80% re-charges done in 26 mins.

In turn, this yields respectable 0-100 km/h dashes in just 5.7 secs and claimed 200 km/h V-max. In short, you probably won’t hear cries of ‘sluggish’ pace from anyone piloting the GWM Wey G9. What is a stellar surprise here instead is the package’s overall efficiency.

For the latter, GWM touts up to 170 KM of electric range. Added presence of DC fast charging (DCFC) to deliver 30-80% recharges in 26 minutes boosts this. Next comes the claimed average frugality of 1.2 litres/100 km and up to 1,000 KM of total combined range. 

Certainly, many will agree on how this powertrain presents itself as a ‘balanced’ setup. How this fares in the real world remains to be seen, though we reckon many of you would be more interested in the next key USP from this upcoming Sino-badged fighter.

In the GWM Wey G9, its second-row 'Zero Gravity' seats closely mimics what you'll experience in any airline's First Class or Business Class deck.

4. ‘Zero Gravity’ second row seats are properly posh

We’ve seen – and experienced – plenty of second-row ‘Captain Seats’, but the ones in the GWM Wey G9 seems to be quite the stand-out. Simply put, how these, which GWM calls ‘Zero Gravity’ seats, mimic the seats in the First Class or Business Class deck of any major airline is Oscar-worthy. 

Firstly, these see the basics covered with quilted leather upholstery, followed by multi-point and -angle powered adjustments ability to the point you could even lay it down nearly flat –a front passenger seat Boss Switch aids this too. Next comes built-in ventilation function which, considering our climate, is nifty indeed.

Apart from multi-point - and -angle electric adjustments, these Zero Gravity seats feature ventilation and massage functions too. Other luxuries to note include multi-zone climate control, massive touchscreens, Boss Swtich, and chiller bins.

The icing on these seats’ cake though is their built-in massage function.  GWM touts each has 10-point massage zones built in, but time to test which proved elusive during our preview.  Nevertheless, we’re certain these are poised to keep anyone in them out of discomfort well, regardless how long or how far any journey with the Wey G9 may take.

Coupled with other posh bits like the presence of chiller bins, multi-zone climate control, massive glass sunroof, and enormous infotainment screens, it’s plain to see that the GWM Wey G9 is poised to impress any high nett worth individual (HNWI). Sure, this all perhaps sounds unsurprising for any luxo-MPV, but the next fact should prove exciting…

GWM Malaysia says the Wey 9 will be localised (CKD), meaning it should also offer competitive (read: accessible) pricing once launched.

5. CKD promises tempting prices and more

From our early preview, GWM Malaysia also confirmed plans to induct the Wey 9 into its local assembly (CKD) efforts with partners EPMB. The firm also will get the honour of becoming the first to produce the Wey sub-brand outside China.

Moreover, GWM Malaysia iterated that this CKD plan isn’t just for the benefit of local consumers, the firm is also seeking to export Malaysia-built Wey G9 to other neighbouring markets in the region.

Besides marking the first time the Wey sub-brand is built overseas outside China, GWM Malaysia has also earmarked Malaysia-made Wey G9 for regional export.

Naturally, with local production comes the promise of ‘rationalised’ pricing. GWM Malaysia skirted away from revealing any tentative figure, but they did hint it will be “competitively priced” against the Japanese contemporaries mentioned.

Realistically, expect a starting figure anywhere between RM300,000 and RM350,000, but don’t take out word on that just yet. We’ll know for certain once an official launch commences. Speaking of…

Registration of Interest (ROI) is now opened, and the GWM Wey G9 is expected to officially launch within Q4 - in other words, "very soon".

6. ROI is now opened, and it launches ‘soon’…

GWM Malaysia says registration of interest (ROI) for the upcoming new GWM Wey G9 has opened, and keen prospects need only visit any authorised dealerships and showrooms, or perhaps the brand’s roadshows, to do so.

Initially, the firm had planned for launch sometime in the third quarter (Q3), but it seems this will likely occur sometime in the final quarter (Q4) instead - very soon indeed.

Given what we’ve detailed here, and through our feature walkthrough video embedded below, what do you folks reckon? Are you digging the GWM Wey G9? Does it have enough to perhaps shake up the luxury MPVs scene? Hit the comments below with your take then…