GWM Wey 80 Teased Again, Now Renamed ‘Wey G9’ Instead

The GWM Wey 80 as previewed during KLIMS 2024. From the marque's latest teaser, the model has been renamed as the GWM 'Wey G9' instead.

GWM Malaysia is set to expand its local line-up further soon, and not just with the all-electric GWM Ora Good Cat GT we saw ‘march’ in the recent Merdeka Day Parade. In fact, the firm is set to enter the luxury MPVs space with the GWM Wey 80.

Previewed locally twice, GWM Malaysia recently took to its official Facebook page to tease the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire fighter once more. However, the latest teaser marks one significant change – the model’s new name for the local market.

From said teaser posting embedded above, it’s clear that GWM Malaysia will soon launch the Wey 80 as the GWM ‘Wey G9’ instead. New name aside plus the promise of it ‘coming soon’, no other details were revealed in this posting.

New name and confirmation of its electrified PHEV powertrain, GWM Malaysia skirted away from revealing a launch date or tentative price for the renamed Wey G9. (Images: Facebook)

Nevertheless, one thing remains certain from which, that being the Wey G9 will be electrified. As previewed locally, this Chinese alternative to the Alphard and Vellfire harness a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain under the hood.

The package consists of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with a pair of e-motors – one up front, another at the rear – and a 37.96 kWh battery pack. Altogether, the package puts out 487 PS combined and yields up to 140 KM of CLTC-rated electric range.

The GWM Wey G9 at its most recent local preview held in July this year. Expect price and booking announcements as early as end of this month (Sept).

Besides that, the GWM Wey G9 for Malaysia is expected to offer several key features on board like second-row captain seats with massage function, massive 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running on GWM’s newest Coffee OS 3, and more.

Regarding ‘when’ will it launch, we’ll point out that GWM Malaysia had initially targeted for this sometime in the third quarter (Q3) of this year. Should plans remain unchanged, then we can expect bookings to open by end of this month at least.

For reference, officially imported Toyota Vellfire and Alphard units command RM438,000 and RM538,000 respectively. Expect the Wey G9 to be priced well below both.

Another key rival to note is the GAC M8 which has been opened for bookings since May with an estimated price of RM333,000. Expect the Wey G9 to be closely priced against which instead.

As for price, your guess is as good as ours. For reference, officially imported Vellfire and Alphard units from UMW Toyota Motor command RM438,000 and RM538,000 respectively.

Another key rival here is the GAC M8, which has opened for bookings since May this year with an estimated price tag of RM333,000. Expect GWM’s fighter to be priced well below both Toyotas mentioned and come close against the GAC-badged rival noted.