GWM is set to launch the WEY G9 in Malaysia, directly competing with the Toyota Alphard

[PCauto] Great Wall Motors (GWM) recently officially announced that it will launch the right-hand drive version of the WEY G9 (previously known as WEY 80) in the Malaysian market. This plug-in hybrid MPV is positioned as a high-end luxury model, directly competing with established players such as the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.

This will be the first locally assembled (CKD) MPV under GWM's high-end brand WEY in Malaysia.

WEY G9 targeted at high-end family travel and business reception customers

Compared to the version available in China, the WEY G9 in Malaysia features an extended wheelbase to enhance rear-row seating comfort.

In terms of exterior design, the new car continues the high-end route of the WEY brand, with a large chrome-plated grille at the front complemented by sharp LED headlamps. The daytime running lights are integrated with the grille to form a highly recognizable visual signature.

The side of the body is equipped with electric sliding doors, a panoramic sunroof, and large alloy wheels.

At the rear, it features a through-type LED light strip and vertical combination taillights, complemented by a roof spoiler and chrome trim pieces, blending a sense of formality for business occasions with a modern vibe for family use.

WEY G9’s interior will adopt a new design

As for the interior, the Malaysian version has not adopted the dual-screen design used in the Chinese market but still offers a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen combination, equipped with GWM's latest Coffee OS 3 intelligent vehicle system.

The second-row seats have been upgraded to zero-gravity first-class seats, equipped with physical adjustment buttons and a massage function knob, significantly enhancing convenience.

Other premium features include a tri-zone independent air conditioning system, a 12.5-liter onboard refrigerator with a separate compressor, a panoramic sunroof, acoustic noise-reducing glass, and a multi-color ambient lighting system.

The safety features are equally comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and driver fatigue reminders as part of its active safety technologies.

The Powertrain is the Core Competitiveness of WEY G9

WEY G9 is equipped with Hi4 PHEV technology, consisting of a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine (156 horsepower), a front electric motor (177 horsepower), and a rear electric motor (183 horsepower), with a combined maximum power of 487 horsepower and a peak torque of 762 Nm.

Paired with a dedicated DHT hybrid transmission and a 37.96kWh lithium battery pack, the pure electric range under CLTC conditions is 140 kilometers, and the official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 5.7 seconds.

Although WLTP condition data for the Malaysian market has not been announced, referring to the updated version for the Chinese market, the long-range version can provide a pure electric range of 201 kilometers (51.55kWh battery pack), demonstrating that this powertrain architecture has strong technical scalability.

Notably, this hybrid system offers various driving modes, including snow and sport modes, and supports energy recovery adjustment functions to balance urban commuting efficiency and long-distance travel needs.

GWM Confirms Local Assembly of WEY G9 at the Melaka EPMB Plant

The EPMB plant is currently also producing the Haval H6 HEV model and has extensive experience in manufacturing hybrid vehicles. Setting up a production base in Malaysia not only helps to reduce tariff costs and improve price competitiveness but also serves as an export hub for the Thai, Indonesian, and other ASEAN markets.

In terms of market positioning, WEY G9 will directly challenge the dominance of Japanese flagship MPVs such as Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, while competing with premium Chinese electric MPVs like the Zeekr 009, Xpeng X9, and Denza D9. However, Malaysia's premium MPV market is still predominantly led by fuel-based models.

Regarding the price, referring to the pricing range of plug-in hybrid MPVs of the same class in China (178,000 MYR) and the price of the Toyota Alphard in Malaysia (about 548,000 MYR), the starting price of the WEY G9 may be around 250,000 MYR. GWM Malaysia dealers revealed that the new car is expected to be officially launched by the end of 2025, with specific configuration details and pricing information to be announced soon through official channels.