- The Wey V8X is the second model on GWM’s Global One S platform after the Wey V9X, and can be seen as a smaller version of the six-seat V9X.
- The Wey V8X goes from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.5 seconds and offers 402 km of CLTC all-electric range.
GWM (HKEX: 2333) will launch the Wey V8X next week, stepping up its push into the premium hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) market.
Wei Jianjun, chairman of the Chinese automaker, said on Weibo on Saturday that the Wey V8X large five-seat flagship SUV will be launched on August 14. He did not mention a start time for the event, although it is expected to begin at 7:30 pm.
Wei said engineers will take the stage at the launch event to explain the vehicle and answer questions from users on the spot.
He described it as another format innovation following GWM H10’s launch event. “I’m also looking forward to how this event turns out. See you on August 14, friends,” he wrote.
Pre-orders for the Wey V8X opened on July 29, with prices yet to be announced. Customers who place orders are eligible for limited-time benefits, including a 2,000 yuan ($295) deposit that counts as 5,000 yuan toward the final payment.
The model is the second production vehicle on GWM’s Global One S platform after the Wey V9X, and can be seen as a smaller version of the six-seat V9X. The V9X went on sale on May 18 with a starting price of 349,800 yuan.
The V8X measures 5,125 mm long, 2,025 mm wide and 1,821 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. Trunk capacity is 864 liters, expandable to 2,225 liters with the second row folded down.
For the powertrain, the top-end Ultra+ version pairs a 2.0T engine with the Super Hi4 hybrid system and a dedicated four-speed hybrid transmission.
The system delivers maximum power of 500 kW and peak torque of 930 Nm, allowing the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds with a full battery, or 4.7 seconds when the battery is depleted.
The model comes with a 66.6-kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture, supporting 6C fast charging that adds 170 km of range in five minutes. CLTC all-electric range is 402 km, with a combined range of 1,659 km.
On the software side, GWM said users can start the vehicle, change lanes, make U-turns and park using voice commands. The vehicle supports point-to-point Navigation on Autopilot (NOA).
GWM is fighting for share in China’s fiercely competitive premium SUV market. The company has already filed regulatory paperwork for an all-electric version of the V9X, a six-seat SUV measuring 5,299 mm long with two motors rated at 220 kW and 320 kW.
The Wey brand sold 7,725 vehicles in July, down 23.10% year-on-year but up 7.43% from June. Cumulative sales for January to July reached 52,239 units, still up 17.29% year-on-year.
GWM’s overseas sales surged 50.93% year-on-year to 62,015 units in July, while domestic sales fell 27.23%.
($1 = 6.7904 yuan)
