GWM Malaysia officially launched the WEY G9 Hi4 HEV in Malaysia on 30 October 2026. The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV is a hybrid version of its seven-seat luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that does not need to be plugged in. Priced at RM249,800 in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding Langkawi, the new variant joins the WEY G9 Hi4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), giving customers two powertrain choices within the same model family.
GWM Malaysia describes the HEV as a complement to the PHEV rather than a replacement. The PHEV suits drivers who charge regularly and want electric power for daily commutes. The HEV is aimed at families and business users who prefer familiar refuelling routines or have limited access to charging. The PHEV (read about it below), launched in January 2026, has delivered more than 2,000 units nationwide, according to GWM Malaysia.
The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and dual electric motors. Hi4, short for Hybrid Intelligent 4WD, manages power between the front and rear axles to support traction and stability as conditions change. Combined output is 358 PS (263 kW) and 782 Nm of torque, with 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The 1.67 kWh battery is charged within the vehicle, through the engine and energy recovered during deceleration, so owners only need to refuel with petrol. The system decides automatically when to use electric power, the engine or a combination of both. Unlike the PHEV, the HEV has no specified electric-only driving range. Five driving modes are available: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow and AWD.
Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 km, with a combined range of up to 845 km, both under the NEDC test cycle. GWM Malaysia noted that real-world figures will vary with driving style, traffic, terrain and vehicle load.
GWM Malaysia hosted us for a media drive from Kuala Lumpur to Awana Genting Highlands earlier this week, allowing us to experience the HEV as both drivers and passengers. On the highway, the WEY G9 Hi4 HEV proved smooth, comfortable and quiet. The cabin is fitted with HALOSonic active noise cancellation, an acoustic windscreen, acoustic glass for the first- and second-row doors and cabin insulation.
The seven seats are arranged in a 2+2+3 layout, with luggage capacity ranging from 233 litres to 1,725 litres depending on seat configuration. Premium Nappa leather covers the first and second rows, with leatherette in the third. The front and second-row seats are ventilated, while the driver and second-row passengers have a 10-point massage function. The second-row Zero Gravity captain seats add six-way electric adjustment and two-way electric leg rests.
Three-zone automatic climate control is standard, along with a CN95 cabin filter and an air quality system with plasma purification. A 14.6-inch infotainment display, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display keep information within view. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50 W wireless charger, six-zone voice recognition and a 21-speaker audio system round out the connectivity features.
For easier entry and exit, the cabin offers wide door openings, a low step-in height, B-pillar handles and a flat floor. ISOFIX mounting points in the second and third rows support compatible child seats. To help with manoeuvring a vehicle of this size, GWM fits a 360-degree camera with transparent chassis view, a digital rear-view mirror, parking sensors and fully automated integrated parking.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, with curtain airbag coverage across all three rows, as well as stability and traction control. Driver-assistance features include intelligent adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane assistance, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert and braking. The Level 2 ADAS assists under suitable conditions and does not make the vehicle self-driving, so drivers must remain attentive and responsible at all times.
The HEV is offered in Aurora White, Wisdom Grey and Nebula Black, with a black interior and grey roof. The 12.5-litre cold and warm refrigerator and the brown interior option remain exclusive to the PHEV. The HEV also does not offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L); the PHEV supports AC charging up to 6.6 kW, DC charging up to 60 kW and 3.3 kW V2L output.
The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV is locally assembled in Malaysia, alongside the PHEV. It comes with a six-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, plus eight years or 180,000 km of coverage, whichever comes first, for the high-voltage battery, electric drive motor and electric motor control unit.
Introductory ownership benefits include financing from as low as 0.08% through selected participating banks, RM5,000 in trade-in support, five years of free maintenance covering labour and parts valued at RM11,200, five years of complimentary Vehicle Telematics Service and a Touch ‘n Go GWM RFID tag. Terms and conditions apply. Owners can also use the GWM app to check vehicle status, fuel level, driving range and location, and to operate selected functions remotely, such as door locking, climate control and seat ventilation.
For many Malaysian households, choosing a larger family vehicle comes down to how it fits into the week. The WEY G9 Hi4 HEV is shaped around that thought. Owners who live in apartments, or who simply have no convenient place to charge, can enjoy hybrid driving by refuelling at the petrol station as they always have, while the engine, motors and battery work together in the background. For those who can charge at home, the PHEV remains available, and authorised GWM dealerships can walk customers through both options with a consultation and test drive.
Comfort is the other theme, and it is one that a whole family can share. Ventilated seats, massage functions, Zero Gravity captain seats and a quiet cabin are well suited to long journeys, whether the destination is a weekend in the highlands or a drive back to the hometown. The wide door openings, low step-in height, B-pillar handles and flat floor should also make life easier for older passengers, while ISOFIX points in two rows give parents flexibility with child seats.
Peace of mind matters as much as comfort. Six airbags with curtain coverage across all three rows, together with the driver-assistance suite, give families added confidence on the road. The six-year vehicle warranty, the eight-year coverage for the high-voltage components and five years of free maintenance also help owners plan ahead with greater certainty.
At RM249,800, the HEV sits RM20,000 below the PHEV’s RM269,800 price, which may suit buyers weighing the two. Those who want electric commuting, external power or the refrigerator will find the PHEV the better match, while those who value simplicity may find the HEV just right.
Photos by the author using the vivo X300 Pro.
