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Huge dimensions and huge electric-only range stamp GWM’s authority in the fast-growing Chinese executive SUV market.
Another Chinese brand has joined the battle for status, with GWM unveiling the 2026 Wey V9X SUV, among the hoards of similar new vehicles vying for attention.
Already available to order in China, the top-spec version of the V9X boasts an electric-only driving range of 363km based on WLTC testing, or 470km according to lenient Chinese CLTC test conditions.
The shortest-range model manages a still decent 240km in WLTC testing, or 310km under CLTC conditions.
Two versions of the V9X will be offered, a regular-wheelbase version riding on a 3050mm wheelbase, and a VIP variant with a 100mm wheelbase extension and an overall length of 5299mmm making it just 6mm shorter than an extended-wheelbase Bentley Bentayga.
The regular-length model is hardly compact, measuring 5205mm long, 24mm longer than a BMW X7.
As with other high-end competitors in its segment, the Wey V9X boasts equipment like an AI-powered cockpit assist that can understand emotions and chat with the driver, a three-row cabin with second-row captain’s chairs and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, air suspension, navigate-on-autopilot semi-autonomous driving, and LiDAR-based driver assist technology.
The V9X comes with the expected rear door sunshades plus third-row shades, but in an unusual touch, also includes front window shades that can be pulled up over the rear half of the front door glass.
The interior is available with a 3080-watt, 31-speaker sound system, wireless chargers in the rear doors, zero-gravity reclining rear seats, Nappa leather trim, electric seats in all three rows, and a fragrance diffuser.
The cabin also features an array of screens, including dual 17.3-inch infotainment and front passenger screens, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 17.3 or 21.4-inch rear screen, depending on the model.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 175kW and 385Nm, but the heavy lifting is handled by the electric motors, with a 110kW/170Nm front motor and 270kW/380Nm rear motor in the flagship version, rated to a combined 550kW/930Nm.
Lower-grade models vary slightly, with 500kW/930Nm in the regular wheelbase model, and a 510kW/862Nm set-up in the lower spec of the two long-wheelbase versions.
Battery capacity varies from 55.4kWh to 80kWh depending on the model, with 400-volt and 800-volt versions available, the latter of which can fast-charge the biggest battery from 30-80 per cent in nine minutes.
GWM states fuel consumption as low as 6.2 to 6.3L/100km with a discharged battery, based on WLTC testing.
In late 2025, GWM confirmed that it would introduce Wey to Australia during 2026, with select dealers chosen to handle the sales and servicing of the luxury Wey cars.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
