The 21st annual Shanghai Auto Show drew manufacturers from around China, representing numerous international brands. GWM used this opportunity to showcase their current and upcoming products, split primarily into two sections, occupying no less than 6500 m2 of floor space at the convention centre. With technology as the focus point, Haval, WEY, and ORA displayed consumer wares for the urban setting. Tank, Poer (P-Series in South Africa), and the all-new motorcycle division, Souo, cater for the adventurous lifestyle.
Related: GWM adds diesel power to Tank 300 range!
Extensive cutaways and displays gave visitors insight into GWM's Hi4 AWD drivelines, battery technology, and many innovations that will shape the brand's future. Several keynote addresses from various company members, including GWM president Mu Feng, gave the media insight into the hard work and investment that has taken place behind the scenes in the last few years.
It allowed us to get closer to some of the models destined for local soil and to catch a sneak peek into what GWM has planned for South Africa's future.
Global Standards and Local Customisation
Along with a refreshed logo, the 2025 showcase featured a keynote address from GWM president Mu Feng, who highlighted GWM's commitment to safety and progress. The approach is to create products that meet global safety standards while tailoring the offerings to the individual markets. Its commitment to safety has seen a 500-million RMB investment into a safety testing facility where GWM products can undergo stringent tests to help ensure the safety of passengers and other vulnerable road users.
Tests range from various impacts at various angles and speeds to rollover and battery durability testing. With electrification at the forefront of modern consumer vehicles, GWM is taking the necessary precautions to help ensure consumer safety. “There is always room to raise the bar for safety. There is no such thing as ‘just right’—only the relentless pursuit of better,” said GWM President, Mu Feng.
GWM Hi4 Technology
At this year's show, great emphasis was placed on the Hi4 driveline technology, showcasing GWM's innovation in all-wheel-drive systems for hybrid applications. GWM breaks their lifestyle and off-road vehicles into four categories: Ultra-Extreme Off-Road, Extreme Off-Road, General Off-Road, and Urban SUV. They have developed systems to suit each category, understanding that each segment has a unique set of requirements while considering the global shift to self-charging and PHEV hybrid powertrains.
Hi4 – Everyday Hybrid, Re-engineered
The standard Hi4 system ditches traditional front-heavy hybrid layouts. Instead, GWM moves one electric motor to the rear, giving the front motor dual roles: propulsion and energy recovery.
This setup delivers:
- True AWD performance
- Near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution
- Nine intelligent driving modes for any condition
Hi4 also features smart rear-axle decoupling at high speeds to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. Torque vectoring tech ensures seamless traction and confident handling – all with hybrid efficiency.
Best for: Daily drivers and families looking for balanced performance and fuel savings.
Hi4-Z – Power and Range for Big SUVs
Need more muscle? The Hi4-Z is designed for mid- to full-size SUVs, combining hybrid brains with serious brawn.
Here’s what it brings:
- 200+ km pure electric range (WLTC)
- 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds
- 20x torque amplification for true off-road power
- 3-speed series-parallel layout for seamless performance
Even after 20 hard launches, performance stays sharp. Hi4-Z is built for the school run, the open road, and the off-road trail.
Best for: Drivers wanting speed, electric range, and weekend adventure capability – all in one package.
Hi4-T – Hybrid Meets Hardcore 4x4
For off-road fanatics, the Hi4-T is GWM’s most rugged hybrid yet. It blends heavy-duty capability with hybrid tech to deliver the best of both worlds.
Key features include:
- Large-displacement engine + 9-speed hybrid gearbox
- Off-road-specific battery
- Non-decoupling AWD with three mechanical locking diffs
- 100% torque transfer to any one wheel
From deep sand to rocky climbs, Hi4-T powers through anything, while staying impressively efficient for a vehicle this capable.
Best for: Hardcore off-roaders who still care about fuel economy.
GWM Vehicles Coming to SA
The GWM stand at Shanghai Auto 2025 presented a few new models, few of which will be made available locally. These consisted of WEY (GWM's luxury SUV and MPV division), Haval, and Tank offerings that wouldn't appeal to local motorists. Instead, we were offered information on the models and variants earmarked for local introduction. A brief opportunity to sample these on the test days was equally impressive, with 4x4 challenges and handling tests highlighting some of their capabilities.
Haval H6
This year, the popular H6 gets an update with an updated 2.0-litre engine that produces an impressive 179kW. Expect revisions to the tech with a new infotainment system and enhanced safety systems. We anticipate the launch of this in June 2025
Haval H6 GT
While many thought the H6 GT was a gimmick, the sales figures don't lie, and it's proven to be a popular variant of the H6 range. GWM expands the range this year with the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant that improves efficiency in the existing recipe. It will still run a 2.0-litre engine but with the benefit of full-electric driveability. It is expected in June 2025.
H7 HEV
The recently launched H7 range is bolstered this year by adding a hybrid variant. The H7, with its aggressive styling and refined interior, will still be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine but sees the addition of self-charging hybrid assistance, bettering its fuel economy and boosting power. Earmarked for a second-quarter launch in 2025.
Others
The Haval Max, a compact crossover SUV, was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto 2025 motor show. It offers a sleek, modern package with that customary Haval flair. This model is under consideration for South Africa, but cannot be confirmed as yet.
GWM South Africa is looking to supplement the Tank 500 lineup by including a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel variant, with South Africa potentially seeing it as early as 2026. This engine and drivetrain combination is also considered for the P500 double cab.
We expect to see an updated Steed offering, possibly called the P100, to align it with the rest of the P-Series LCV models. This workhorse bakkie will feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The release date is yet to be communicated.
Hi4-T V8: Power Meets Precision
While most are concentrating their efforts on electrification and downsizing, GWM has been listening and they have heard that there is still a demand for large displacement, multi-cylinder engines. As such they've developed a brand new V8 that complements their Hi4 hybrid drivetrain.
The Hi4-T V8 sticks to a proven 90° layout, delivering natural engine balance and smooth, low-vibration performance. Twin turbos and a water-cooled intercooler sit neatly in the V, creating a compact, efficient setup. A smart cross-bank exhaust system ensures consistent power delivery and throttle response.
Borrowing tech from its V6 sibling, the V8 features high-pressure direct injection, dual fuel pumps, and the efficient Miller cycle—optimising performance while keeping fuel use and emissions in check. Its rare dual-injection system improves cold starts and cuts down carbon build-up.
A full-MAP oil pump adjusts pressure on the fly, reducing drag and boosting efficiency. Silicone oil dampers replace belt pulleys, keeping vibrations in check—especially at high RPMs.
And of course, it sounds the part: deep, bold, and unmistakably V8.
