It’s been a long time coming, but the GWM Wey G9 looks to be finally on track for its launch, a full year after being shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in 2024. The first CKD locally-assembled units have rolled off the production line at the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) plant in Pegoh, Melaka, making this the first Chinese new energy MPV to be assembled in Malaysia, GWM Malaysia says.
Accompanying the news is confirmation that the launch has slipped from the previous window of the fourth quarter of the year, with the Toyota Alphard-rivalling people mover now only expected to be launched in early 2026. The company has at least opened bookings for the G9, with its estimated price continuing to be under RM300,000.
While the car is still mostly under wraps, we can see that at least the initial units will be short wheelbase versions (sold in China as the Gaoshan 7), judging by what appears to be a shorter rear bumper and a shorter distance between the rear sliding door opening and the rear wheel arches – just visible underneath the covers. This is what was originally displayed at KLIMS.
This means the seven-seater (2-2-3 configuration) Malaysian G9 will measure a still considerable 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,900 mm long, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm. Contrast this with the middle length version (the Gaoshan 8) that was last at the local preview in September, which is 230 mm longer and has a 60 mm longer wheelbase. There’s even a long wheelbase six-seater model (Gaoshan 9) that is a whopping 5,410 mm long with a 3,275 mm wheelbase, but that won’t be coming here as we understand it.
We could see the middle wheelbase option being offered here at some point, given that Malaysia will export the G9 to other markets in the region with differing requirements, such as Thailand and Indonesia. In fact, the car has recently been launched in Thailand, again in SWB form priced at 2,399,000 baht (RM310,900).
Power comes from a Hi4 plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder engine at the front making 150 PS from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm, mated to a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). This integrates a 109 PS/170 Nm electric motor to drive the front wheels, with another 184 PS/232 Nm motor on the rear axle.
Combined, they produce 442 PS and 642 Nm, allowing the all-wheel-drive G9 to get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds on its, ahem, wey (I won’t make that joke again, I promise) to a top speed of 200 km/h. A 44.2 kWh NMC battery delivers a pure electric range of 170 km on the NEDC cycle, and thanks to a 58 litre tank, the total range is quoted at 1,000 km.
Standard kit in Thailand includes LED lighting, 18-inch two-tone multi-spoke alloy wheels, dual sunroofs, 64-colour ambient lighting, power-adjustable front seats with ventilation and driver’s side memory and massage, one-touch reclining second-row seats with built-in ottomans, a rear fridge, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a head-up display, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 17.3-inch rear monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50-watt Qi wireless charging, 21 speakers and a hands-free powered tailgate.
Safety-wise, the Thai G9 comes with six airbags, a 360-degree camera and a full complement of driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, parking AEB, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, a door opening warning and even hill descent control. Expect the Malaysian version to feature the same specs.
“The roll out of the GWM Wey G9 from Melaka represents the meeting point of global engineering excellence and local craftsmanship,” said GWM Malaysia COO Roslan Abdullah. It reinforces our commitment to Malaysia, from creating high value jobs to developing local suppliers and ensuring Malaysian customers enjoy premium New Energy vehicles assembled with pride here in Melaka. This milestone lays the foundation for a stronger and more competitive GWM Malaysia in the years ahead.”
Managing director Cui Anqi added, “Seeing the first GWM WEY G9 roll out from the Malaysian assembly line…reflects our global ambition to deepen our new energy presence in ASEAN and our confidence in Malaysia as a strategic manufacturing base. The partnership with EPMB is an important milestone in our regional expansion journey. This is more than local assembly, it is the beginning of a broader roadmap that will support future export opportunities.”
GALLERY: GWM Wey G9 previewed in Malaysia
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CKD or SKD
buyers better top up extra RM20k GLC200. merc brand had more prestige and glamour
The GLC 200 is RM 69,000 cheaper than the more powerful PH-EV GLC 350e. Both also too small with smaller sofar to be compared to this Wey G9. Wey G9 offer comfortable PH-EV other than EV from Xpeng X9, Denza D9. These target groups love larger future-proof MPV with comfort and digital sliding doors.
Alternative small suv can buy Smart EV.
Or powerful and fuel efficient H-EV like the Haval H6 that provide rich man peace of mind 10 years warranty, 1,000,000km coverage.
i was being sarcastic