For buyers considering a luxury MPV, going hybrid does not necessarily mean having to plug in.
The GWM WEY G9 Hi4 HEV takes that approach, pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid-dedicated petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 1.67kWh battery. Priced at RM249,800 in Peninsular Malaysia, the seven-seat MPV offers electrified propulsion without requiring an external charging connection.
Its appeal is particularly relevant to households without convenient access to home charging, including some condominium residents, as well as drivers who prefer to retain conventional refuelling routines.
No Charging Routine
The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV combines its petrol engine and dual electric motors through a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). GWM’s Hi4 system provides intelligent all-wheel drive.
Combined output is rated at 358PS and 782Nm of torque, with a claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. Five driving modes are available: Normal, Eco, Sport, AWD and Snow, allowing the powertrain’s response and traction characteristics to be adapted to different conditions.
GWM claims fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km and a combined driving range of 845km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
The HEV manages its battery and electric assistance as part of normal driving, without needing to be connected to an external charger. For owners who cannot conveniently charge at home, this removes one practical consideration associated with plug-in electrified vehicles.
However, the absence of external charging does not automatically make the HEV cheaper to run. Actual fuel consumption and overall ownership costs is dependent on usage and driving habits.
Choosing Between The HEV And PHEV
The HEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions of the WEY G9 cater to different ownership needs.
The HEV suits buyers who want hybrid assistance without having to plan around charging. It is worth considering for households with limited access to private charging or drivers who regularly travel between locations without convenient charging facilities.
The PHEV, meanwhile, can be charged externally and offers a longer electric driving range. This can be useful for owners who charge regularly and make frequent trips that can be completed largely on electric power.
The benefits of a PHEV depend partly on how consistently it is charged. Owners who rarely plug in would not fully exploit its electric-driving capability.
Neither powertrain is automatically the better choice. You need to consider fuel and electricity costs, daily mileage and charging access before deciding.
For those who cannot charge conveniently, the HEV offers a more straightforward route into hybrid motoring. Those with reliable home charging may find the PHEV’s additional electric-driving capability worth considering.
Premium Seven-Seater For Family And Business Travel
The WEY G9 has a seven-seat, 2+2+3 layout, with two individual captain seats in the second row and a three-seat bench at the rear.
Its second-row Nappa leather Zero Gravity seats feature 10-point massage and ventilation functions. The third row has a 1,290mm-wide sofa, while luggage capacity ranges from 233 to 1,725 litres depending on seat configuration.
These features make the MPV suitable for a range of uses, from family holidays and airport transfers to business transport. The flexible seating arrangement also allows owners to prioritise passenger capacity or luggage space accordingly.
Cabin features include three-zone automatic climate control, an acoustic windscreen, acoustic glass for the first- and second-row doors, and HALOSonic active noise cancellation intended to reduce unwanted noise.
Technology And Safety
The G9 Hi4 HEV includes Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane centring and emergency lane keeping.
A digital rear-view mirror with automatic anti-glare functionality and integrated automated parking assistance are also included.
These systems can help reduce the demands of driving, whether on longer journeys or in heavy traffic (they do not however, replace the need for the driver to remain attentive and in control).
The vehicle’s size also makes parking assistance useful in tighter spaces.
Warranty And Ownership
The G9 Hi4 HEV comes with a six-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty. Coverage for the high-voltage battery, electric drive motor and electric motor control unit extends to eight years or 180,000km, whichever comes first.
GWM also announced introductory benefits comprising five years of free maintenance covering labour and parts, valued at RM11,200; five years of complimentary Vehicle Telematics Service; and RM5,000 in trade-in support.
Financing from participating banks starts at 0.08%, subject to eligibility and applicable terms.
HEV Practicality
The HEV variant broadens the choices available to buyers considering a premium seven-seat MPV. Its combination of hybrid assistance, intelligent all-wheel drive, passenger comfort and driver-assistance technology offers more than a straightforward fuel-saving proposition.
Its strongest practical argument is that owners can benefit from hybrid propulsion without needing access to an external charger.
Whether it is the more sensible choice over the PHEV depends on individual driving patterns, charging access and running costs.
CarTok Editor’s Note
A hybrid does not have to be plugged in to make sense, particularly in Malaysia, where access to home charging varies considerably between landed homes, condominiums and other living arrangements.
The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV addresses this practical gap while offering the space and comfort expected of a premium seven-seater. Its proposition is therefore practical: retain the convenience of petrol refuelling while adding electric assistance in a premium seven-seater.
