Melaka, Malaysia – GWM Malaysia has marked a significant milestone with the first locally assembled (CKD) GWM WEY G9 rolling off the production line at EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) in Pegoh, Melaka. The roll-off ceremony was witnessed by Melaka Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, alongside senior representatives from EPMB and GWM Malaysia, underlining the importance of this project to both the brand and the state.
First Outside China, and Built for the Region
The WEY G9’s local assembly in Malaysia is more than symbolic. It represents the first time the model has been assembled outside China, positioning Malaysia as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for GWM’s premium new energy vehicles. According to GWM Chairman Jack Wey, Malaysian-assembled WEY G9 units will be exported to other regional markets, reinforcing the country’s growing role in ASEAN automotive production.
GWM Malaysia COO Roslan Abdullah described the milestone as the meeting point of global engineering and local craftsmanship, highlighting the brand’s long-term commitment to Malaysia through job creation, supplier development and the local assembly of premium electrified vehicles.
Launch Delayed, but Bookings Now Open
Originally expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, the GWM WEY G9 is now slated for an early 2026 debut. Despite the revised timeline, GWM Malaysia has opened bookings for the premium PHEV MPV, with an estimated price of under RM300,000.
When it arrives, the WEY G9 will become the second plug-in hybrid MPV in the Malaysian market after the GAC M8 PHEV, but notably the first locally assembled premium Chinese new energy MPV.
Short Wheelbase Confirmed for Malaysia
Initial CKD units appear to be the short wheelbase (SWB) version of the WEY G9, known as the Gaoshan 7 in China. This is evident from the shorter rear overhang and reduced distance between the sliding doors and rear wheel arches, consistent with the version previously displayed at KLIMS 2024.
In this configuration, the Malaysian-spec WEY G9 measures 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,900 mm tall, riding on a 3,085 mm wheelbase, and features a seven-seat 2-2-3 layout. While longer wheelbase variants exist in China, including a six-seater flagship, these are not expected for Malaysia at launch. However, a mid-wheelbase option could be introduced later, especially as Malaysia will serve export markets such as Thailand and Indonesia.
Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid Power with AWD Performance
Under the hood, the WEY G9 is powered by GWM’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid system. This pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150 hp and 240 Nm with a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Electric assistance comes from dual motors—one driving the front wheels and another mounted on the rear axle—resulting in an all-wheel-drive setup.
Combined system output stands at a substantial 442 hp and 642 Nm, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h. Energy is stored in a 44.2 kWh battery, delivering up to 170 km of pure electric range (NEDC) and a claimed 1,000 km combined range with a full tank and charge.
Charging support includes 6.6 kW AC charging, while GWM states the battery can be replenished from 30–80% in 26 minutes, although DC charging specifications have yet to be detailed.
A Premium, Chauffeur-Focused Cabin
Inside, the WEY G9 is clearly designed with comfort and chauffeured use in mind. The second row features captain chairs with ventilation, 10-point massage functions, powered adjustments and a one-touch ‘zero-gravity’ mode. These are complemented by fold-out tables, ambient lighting, wood veneer trims and a 12.5-litre refrigerator.
Black Nappa leather upholstery comes standard, with an optional Brown interior for those seeking a warmer ambience. Up front, drivers are greeted by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 15.6-inch central infotainment display, a setup unique to export models and different from the dual-screen layout found in the China-market version.
Rear passengers are further treated to a roof-mounted infotainment display, reinforcing the WEY G9’s positioning as a luxury people mover.
Familiar Yet Distinctive Design
Externally, the WEY G9 adopts a boxy, conventional MPV silhouette that places it closer to rivals like the Toyota Alphard than futuristic alternatives such as the XPeng X9 or Zeekr 009. Its front-end styling draws inevitable comparisons to the Denza D9, though the WEY G9 distinguishes itself at the rear with a full-width LED taillight bar flanked by vertical light clusters with three distinct slats on each side.
Safety and Equipment Expectations
Based on Thai-market specifications, the Malaysian WEY G9 is expected to come well-equipped, featuring LED lighting, dual sunroofs, large alloy wheels, multiple displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a high-output wireless charger, premium audio system and a hands-free powered tailgate.
Safety is likely to include six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision prevention and rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking.
A Strategic Step Forward for GWM Malaysia
Managing Director Cui Anqi described the Melaka roll-off as the beginning of a broader regional roadmap, emphasising GWM’s ambition to deepen its new energy presence in ASEAN. With local assembly now underway and exports on the horizon, the WEY G9 represents not just a new model launch, but a key pillar in GWM Malaysia’s long-term growth strategy.
As bookings open and the early 2026 launch approaches, the GWM WEY G9 is shaping up to be one of the most important premium electrified MPVs to enter the Malaysian market—locally built, regionally focused, and aimed squarely at redefining expectations in the segment.
