Let’s be honest. Malaysian roads are chaotic, families are big, and petrol prices are irritating. Enter the GWM WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV: an MPV that somehow manages to be ludicrously fast, absurdly spacious, and surprisingly practical. This isn’t your dad’s beige box—it’s a proper people mover that makes sense for Malaysians while giving you a grin you didn’t think MPVs could offer.
At 5,050 mm long, 1,985 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, the WEY G9 is colossal. You won’t miss it in traffic; it arrives. Thanks to clever cameras and light steering, even Malaysian mall parking is doable, although tight spots will make you sweat. Inside, there’s space for 7 adults, plus luggage, groceries, or sports gear. Folding the third row opens a cavernous cargo area that would make some SUVs jealous. The sheer size is brilliant for families—a definite pro—but city parking remains a mild con you can’t ignore.
Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid setup that shouldn’t work for a people carrier but somehow does:
Combined output: 442 PS and 642 Nm of torque. 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. Yes, this MPV can embarrass sports sedans on the PLUS highway. Fast acceleration is a huge pro, while some might grumble it’s overkill for school runs—a tiny con for most buyers.
EV-only range is 170 km, perfect for city driving. Total range? Almost 1,000 km, which means KL–Penang trips are no problem. Charging is simple: DC fast charging takes 26 minutes from 30–80%, while overnight AC home charging tops it up. The blend of electric efficiency and petrol reliability is a huge plus for Malaysian owners, though purists who want a full EV might see it as a minor con.
Step inside and ask yourself: “Is this really an MPV?”
Even the third row is adult-friendly. Comfort and luxury are big pros, making long trips enjoyable. Some might say it’s overdone for an MPV, but for Malaysian families who value convenience and comfort, it’s exactly what you want.
The G9 is loaded with features you’ll actually use:
Safety is a huge pro, giving confidence for balik kampung trips or city congestion. The only small downside? Relying on tech might make some drivers a touch complacent, but that’s hardly a deal-breaker.
For the money, the G9 delivers more tech, comfort, and efficiency than most Japanese MPVs. EV-mode fuel savings are real, and servicing is covered. A minor con is that some buyers may hesitate with a Chinese brand.
The GWM WEY G9 is absurd, yes, but also clever. Fast, spacious, luxurious, and practical in a way that perfectly suits Malaysian roads and lifestyles. It makes you smile while still checking all the boxes a sensible Malaysian buyer cares about. Expensive enough to feel premium, ridiculous enough to be fun, and honest enough to make you wonder why MPVs weren’t this good all along.
