Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) premium brand, Wey, is preparing to launch its new flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, the V9X, in the Chinese market. This vehicle marks a significant step for GWM, being the first model built on the company’s next-generation modular architecture, known as GWM One. The V9X is positioned as a top-tier crossover, boasting a 400km electric range and advanced technology features.
New Architecture, Expanded Capabilities
The GWM One platform is designed for versatility, supporting five different powertrain options: internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). This flexibility allows GWM to adapt to evolving market demands and offer diverse versions of its flagship SUV. The architecture also incorporates high-end features such as rear-wheel steering and air suspension, enhancing both performance and comfort.
Performance and Design Highlights
The Wey V9X is a large SUV, exceeding 5.3 meters in length, and combines a 2-liter turbocharged engine with dual electric motors. This setup delivers a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds. The vehicle’s exterior design features distinctive thin LED running light strips with an illuminated Wey logo, traditional door handles, and a LiDAR sensor on the roof. Interior teasers show small blue lights, which indicate the activation of the Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) assisted driving function.
Charging and Market Timing
GWM has emphasized the V9X’s fast-charging capabilities, with its battery supporting 6C technology that can add 200km of range in just five minutes. The company is currently preparing for the sales license application with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), suggesting a listing in the MIIT catalog this month. Mass production is slated to begin in March 2026, with a potential debut at the Beijing Auto Show in late April 2026.
Why This Matters
The launch of the Wey V9X is strategically important for GWM as it tests the limits of their new modular architecture. The move to build all future models on the same core platform will reduce costs, simplify production, and speed up development. The V9X is designed to compete with other high-end Chinese SUVs, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain is well-suited for markets with stringent emissions standards. The vehicle’s performance metrics, combined with its long electric range, position it as a viable alternative to luxury foreign brands.
The V9X’s success could reshape how Chinese automakers approach vehicle development. By prioritizing modularity and advanced tech, GWM aims to establish Wey as a leading premium brand.
