Test Drive - GWM WEY 05
The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show was packed with models from Chinese manufacturers, featuring bold designs and unique characteristics. Unfortunately, their moment in the spotlight was short-lived. While promises were made to meet European safety and environmental standards, it soon became clear that achieving either—or both—was often beyond their capabilities. And when compliance was achieved, it came with a price tag comparable to that of a spacecraft. By the next auto show, the absence of Chinese brands left the event feeling empty and uninspired, with no one stepping in to fill the gap. Many of the companies from that era have since faded into history, but those that survived have returned with valuable experience, seemingly determined to stay.
One of these survivors is Great Wall Motors (GWM), which recently introduced its luxurious plug-in hybrid SUV, the GWM WEY 05, to the European market. Designed to compete with internationally renowned premium brands, this model aims to expand the company’s global reach by offering environmentally friendly, comfortable, and powerful vehicles.
The WEY brand was established by GWM in 2016 to provide luxury vehicles that meet international standards. The name "WEY" is derived from the surname of the company’s founder, Wei Jianjun.
As demand for environmentally friendly vehicles grows, WEY has focused on developing electrified models. In 2020, it unveiled the WEY Coffee 01, a luxury vehicle with an impressive electric range. The WEY 05 builds upon the Coffee 01 and has been tailored to meet the demands of the European market, offering up to 146 km of electric range and advanced plug-in hybrid technology.
The WEY 05 boasts the following key specifications:
Length: 4870 mm, Width: 1960 mm, Height: 1690 mm, Wheelbase: 2910 mm.
Its all-wheel-drive system delivers up to 476 horsepower and 847 Nm of torque, propelling the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h. Equipped with a 39.67 kWh battery pack, the vehicle offers a pure electric range of up to 146 km and supports both AC (11 kW) and DC (50 kW) charging.
The WEY 05 made its European debut in 2023, targeting markets in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Scandinavia. It has garnered attention for its electric range, performance, and luxurious design. Positioned as a competitively priced alternative to premium plug-in hybrids produced in Europe, the WEY 05 offers savings of tens of thousands of euros compared to its competitors.
The design of the WEY 05 is undoubtedly aimed at capturing attention, evident both at first glance and upon closer inspection. The dominant front grille gives the vehicle a commanding presence, while the slim LED headlights, cleverly integrated into the grille, add a futuristic touch. The design draws inspiration from contemporary Western luxury brands, with subtle influences of Chinese culture.
The side profile reflects a blend of sleek aerodynamics and robust character, highlighted by prominent wheel arches. Strong character lines emphasize the SUV’s powerful stance, combining sporty elegance with rugged appeal.
The rear design takes a minimalist approach, with wide LED taillights connected by a horizontal light strip that gives the car a stable and expansive appearance. This feature is not only visually striking but also enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
Overall, it’s hard to say whether the design is exceptionally good or perhaps slightly overdone in today’s minimalist era. Nevertheless, it stands out, which is essential for any vehicle.
Minimalism is abundant in the WEY 05’s interior, featuring simple horizontal surfaces that deliver a premium-class experience. Soft leather and fine detailing create an elegant and comfortable environment, while well-contoured seats provide both visual appeal and physical comfort.
The dashboard is equipped with a large touchscreen that provides intuitive access to various functions. The digital instrument cluster in front of the driver offers clear, practical information, enhancing focus on the road. Higher trims feature an augmented reality head-up display and ambient lighting that reacts to audio cues. Unfortunately, the test model did not include the ambient lighting feature, but experiencing such a "disco ball on wheels" effect would have been intriguing.
The WEY 05 offers a spacious cabin with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. Seats are electrically adjustable and come with heating and ventilation functions, even in the rear. The large cargo area easily accommodates items for daily commutes or long journeys.
The powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver a potent hybrid setup. This combination ensures that the over 2.3-ton vehicle moves with impressive agility. While the weight is noticeable in certain driving conditions, the steering response and braking performance remain commendable. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a stable and quiet ride that matches the vehicle’s overall character.
On the downside, the voice command system could use improvement. At times, it feels as though the virtual assistant "behind the screen" isn’t fluent in English. However, all functions can be manually controlled, so this is more of an annoyance than a major issue.
Prices range from €60,000 to €65,000, depending on the trim level.
