CAR Editor Ian McLaren checks out the GWM stand at the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show, which opened on 24 April 2026. The Baoding-based brand showed off each of its sub-brands, with plenty to note for South Africa as well.
Showstopper
An obvious standout on the GWM stand was the new Tank 700. It wears a striking body kit, huge alloy wheels, spoilers and a roof-mounted rear wing, plus the brand’s new Hi4-Z powertrain. That setup combines a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system for a total of 635 kW. The Tank 700 can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and can run in all-electric mode for up to 190 km. GWM South Africa says the Tank 700 will be considered for local introduction once a right-hand-drive version is confirmed.
Haval H7 Plus
GWM South Africa will bring the Haval H7 Plus to our market before the end of 2026. The show car on display wore an EV-style closed-off front grille, but the South African version will use a more traditional grille, designed for tougher use, and will feature a Hi4 hybrid powertrain. Set to rival the likes of the Jetour T2, the H7 Plus presents a boxy stance, a spare wheel on the tailgate, clever LED daytime-running lights, and an imposing presence. Inside, it offers a foldaway third row of seating.
Ora 5
Another exciting launch for SA in the coming months is the Ora 5. This is a larger relative of the Ora 3 already on sale here. The Ora 5 adds more interior space and will be offered with three powertrains: a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, an HEV hybrid that pairs the 1.5 petrol with an electric motor and 1.03 kWh battery, and the same all-electric setup that’s available in the Ora 3. A quick look at the Ora 5 showed how closely its platform and feel align with Mini’s modern lineup (Mini has a significant partnership with GWM), with Ora delivering similarly spirited handling and dynamic performance.
Wey V9X
The Wey V9X is built on the new One S modular platform and is aimed at taking on rivals like the Volvo XC90/EX90 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The show car measures 5,299 mm in length and features a six-seat layout with two captain’s chairs in the second row for extra comfort and luxury. Inside, there are massive 17.3-inch displays throughout, a roof-mounted monitor that drops down for rear-seat passengers, and dedicated wireless smartphone charging docks in each door card.
Power and tech come from Wey’s Super Hi4 PHEV system, pairing a 175 kW/385 N.m turbocharged 2.0-litre four with an electric motor on each axle and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The all-wheel-drive Wey also rides on air suspension with continuously variable dampers and includes rear-wheel steering for easier maneuvering.
