It’s another giant Chinese PHEV SUV! And the GWM Wey V9X is a real chance to come to Australia

GWM’s premium car-maker Wey is readying a high-end flagship luxury SUV that could steal sales from the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Named the Wey V9X, according to filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the full-size plug-in hybrid luxury SUV will measure a massive 5299mm long with an imposing 3150mm wheelbase. That makes it 90mm longer overall than a Mercedes-Benz GLS, with a 15mm longer wheelbase.

Locally, GWM has not yet confirmed whether the new Wey V9X is locked in for a launch in Australia, but the luxurious full-size SUV could help debut the Wey brand, which has been confirmed for our market and will be introduced in the second half of this year.

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The Wey G9 people-mover, which appeared at a tech day in Melbourne last October, is expected to be Wey’s local debut model.

When it arrives, Wey will line up alongside GWM’s Ora, Haval and Tank sub-brands in Australia.

Based on the Chinese car giant’s GWM One platform, which supports EVs, plug-in hybrids and pure combustion powertrains, the Wey V9X will feature 800-volt electrics and a 175kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, according to details filed with MIIT.

Offered with three battery options, the V9X can drive 240km, 363km or more than 400km on EV power alone on the Chinese CLTC test cycle.

Capable of ultra-fast 6C charging, up to 200km of EV range should be added in around five minutes when plugged in.

With a full unveiling expected in the coming weeks, the first images of the large Wey SUV reveal it will feature a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, suggesting advanced driver-assistance systems and hands-off adaptive cruise control.

Inside, the cabin should be bathed in light thanks to a full-width panoramic sunroof, while the 2+2+2 seating arrangement means the V9X seats up to six.

Enhancing the luxury feel, the second row features a pair of captain’s chair-style recliners.

As well as rivalling more established large European SUVs, in China the V9X will take on other new luxury SUVs such as the Denza D9, Leapmotor D16 and the recently unveiled XPeng GX.