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Kota Kinabalu: Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) has launched its brand new Wey G9 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) luxury MPV in Kota Kinabalu, offering a model priced at roughly half the cost of premium Japanese rivals while delivering significantly higher power output.

Unveiled at the company’s showroom in Petagas on Saturday, the Wey G9 is priced at about RM270,000, far below comparable luxury MPVs such as the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire that can cost more than RM400,000 reconditioned.

Despite using a modest 1.5-litre engine similar in size to that found in compact cars, the vehicle produces a combined 436 horsepower through its plug-in hybrid system, more than double the output of many conventional MPVs in the segment.

Sales Manager Ivan Lim said early response to the model has been strong even before its official launch.

“We have received more than 30 bookings for the Wey G9 within just one week of launching it,” he said during the event.

Lim said GWM currently offers four models in Malaysia the Tank 500 SUV, Haval H6, Ora electric vehicle and the Wey G9.

“This year we plan to introduce two more, including another SUV and a four-wheel drive model,” he said, adding that the Tank 500 similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser, remains the brand’s top-selling model in Sabah.

“The Tank 500 is our top seller in Kota Kinabalu and Sabah. It is priced around RM340,000 and the demand has been very strong,” he said.

The Wey G9 combines petrol and electric power, allowing drivers to switch between hybrid and fully electric modes. The vehicle can travel up to 170km on electric power alone, while the combined petrol-electric range can reach about 1,000km.

The MPV features a 2+2+2 six-seater configuration designed to maximise passenger comfort, equipped with Nappa leather Zero Gravity seats with 10-point massage functions and seat ventilation.

Both the Haval H6 and Wey G9 sold in Malaysia are locally assembled in Melaka.

Lim said after-sales support was a key priority for the company, particularly for customers in Sabah.

“We understand that after-sales service is very important, especially in Sabah. Spare parts are stocked in three warehouses in Peninsular Malaysia and can usually be delivered to Sabah within a few days,” he said.

The Wey G9 comes with five years of free servicing and an eight-year warranty covering the battery and hybrid power system.

Lim said GWM, which has more than 35 years of automotive manufacturing experience in China, continues to expand globally with several models performing strongly in overseas markets.

“GWM has strong experience in four-wheel drive technology and we believe the brand will continue to grow in Malaysia,” he added.