Great Wall Motors (GWM) is driving innovation across the automotive landscape, developing a comprehensive full-powertrain strategy designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers worldwide. From conquering extreme off-road terrains to navigating bustling city streets, GWM’s advanced technologies in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and even hydrogen powertrains ensure a powerful, efficient, and safe driving experience for every scenario.
The Unshakeable Off-Roader – The Hi4-T (Strong Off-Road)
For the most demanding adventurers, the Hi4-T stands as a benchmark of extreme off-road capability. Its sophisticated transfer case multiplies torque by 2.6 times, combining with the first gear ratio for an impressive 57.2 times total gear reduction. This translates to an astounding 24,000 Nm of wheel torque in 4L, enabling it to climb, crawl, and push through terrain where others falter.
Equipped with three mechanical differential locks, the Hi4-T ensures zero slip and hesitation, directing 100% of torque to even a single wheel if it’s the only one with grip. It maintains composure in extreme conditions, with a control system that keeps thermal load low even at 45 degrees Celsius in desert heat, preventing overheating and power collapse common in other setups. In cold and low-traction environments, its mechanical four-wheel drive dynamically adjusts front and rear axle torque from 0 to 100%, preemptively intervening with drive and braking to maintain stability on ice and snow. Even with a low battery, the Hi4-T delivers 90% of its performance, a stark contrast to series hybrids that can lose nearly 40% .
The New Powerhouse – 3.0-Litre Turbo Diesel Engine
Building on the success of its diesel-powered Tank 500 and P500 models, GWM is soon introducing an all-new 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. This engine is engineered to deliver a significant leap in performance, offering 170 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque in the Tank 500.
With a wider torque band and smarter tuning, it enhances off-road capabilities, high-speed stability, and driving comfort. Key improvements include a 20% quicker 0 to 100 kph acceleration, an increased maximum brake-towing capacity from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg, and a 5% reduction in NEDC fuel consumption thanks to improved thermal efficiency. This engine promises to be a game-changer for diesel and off-road enthusiasts.
Hybrid Versatility – Hi4-Z and Hi4 for SUVs (General Off-Road & Urban)
GWM also offers sophisticated hybrid solutions for SUVs, balancing rugged capability with urban refinement.
The Hi4-Z is designed for large SUVs, seamlessly conquering permafrost by day and cruising city streets at night. It features a 2.0- or 3.0-litre turbo engine, a 3-speed power split module, a high-power rear motor, and a 59 kWh battery, along with low-range gearing for off-roading. This setup delivers a super performance SUV with 715 kW max power, 1375 Nm max torque, 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds, 200 km of EV range, and over 1000 km of combined range.
For medium and large urban SUVs, the Hi4 (featuring the second-generation Hi4 system) offers a perfect balance for daily commuting and full all-wheel-drive capability. It combines a 1.5-litre turbo GDI engine with a new 4-speed electromechanical coupling unit, decoupled all-wheel drive (80 kW front, 150 kW rear motors), and an in-house 19 kWh battery. This results in a combined 268 kW and 760 Nm, achieving 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.
The Hi4 Gen2 intelligently blends power from three units into nine smart modes, automatically switching for optimal response in any scenario, from pure electric city driving to efficient highway cruising. It also boasts a purpose-built hybrid engine with a leading thermal efficiency of 41.5%, 100 km of EV range, and over 1,000 km total range.
Safety is paramount, with a three-layer battery protection system that has passed extensive functional, reliability, and safety tests.
BEV and HEV – The All-New Ora 5
The Ora 5, a key model in GWM’s global strategy, offers two smart powertrain options: a highly efficient HEV hybrid system and a pure electric EV version.
The HEV system features an advanced two-gear smart shift parallel mode, balancing performance and fuel consumption perfectly. It delivers stronger high-speed performance, achieving 0 to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds and improving 80 to 120 kph overtaking by nearly one-third. Its six driving modes, including pure electric, serial, and various parallel modes, optimise efficiency and power for every situation, from city driving to mountain climbs. The HEV offers a total driving range of over 1,000 km, eliminating range anxiety.
The EV variant of the Ora 5 is characterised by powerful performance, long range, and ultra-safety. It achieves 430 kms of EV range and comes standard with a 150 kW motor delivering 260 Nm of peak torque. With energy consumption as low as 11.1 kWh/100 km and DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes, it offers outstanding running cost efficiency. The EV also supports 6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) power output, perfect for outdoor activities. Its second-generation short blade battery is engineered for “no fire, no explosion” under extreme conditions, with robust impact protection and a 24-hour AI early warning system.
Super Off-road and Hydrogen
Behind the scenes, GWM is working on a Super Off-Road system, the details are somewhat sketchy right now, but think military grade and capable of conquering anything our big blue planet can throw at it.
As for hydrogen, GWM has been in the FCEV game since … and offers 3 core hydrogen platforms, fuel cell, stack and storage. They have over 2,300 system products running in the market right now, in 20+ vehicle type models and have amassed over 42,000,000 kms.
Hi4-G – Hybrid for trucks
The GWM Hi4-G is an advanced, high-performance hybrid powertrain system designed by Great Wall Motor specifically for heavy-duty commercial trucks. It is a super intelligent hybrid system, combining a powerful diesel engine with electric motors to provide over 1,000 horsepower, optimised for long-haul logistics efficiency
Tarmac Takeaway
GWM is essentially building a global energy ecosystem. By advancing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen technologies, GWM acknowledges that the world’s roads and drivers’ needs are diverse. The foundational principle across all its powertrains remains “safety first”. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, GWM aims to empower exploration and give drivers the confidence to go further, ensuring that the best journey ahead is yet to come.
