Auto China: These GWM models are coming to PH
GWM PH will have a busy year ahead
GWM came out in full force at Auto China 2024, showcasing its entire lineup that consists of its off-road Tank brand, the luxury Wey, the Ora EVs, the Haval crossovers, and the Poer pick-up trucks that are more commonly known as the Cannon in the Philippine market.
With GWM looking to expand its presence in the Philippines this year, Auto China 2024 gave us a first look of the upcoming models that GWM is bringing to the country. Exact specifications are still unavailable, but the following models you will see have been confirmed by GWM Philippines themselves. Let’s have a look:
Haval H9
The Haval H9 will serve as GWM’s next 7-seater offering in the country after the M6 that was previewed at MIAS 2024. In terms of the exterior, the H9 looks like a bigger version of the Menglong with a boxy design that seems to have been inspired by the Land Rover Defender.
In global markets, the H9 is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine or a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel. Good news for diesel fans, as GWM Philippines is leaning towards offering the H9 with the latter. As for its launch, GWM PH says they are looking to introduce the model by September 2024.
Tank 700 Hi4 PHEV
Meanwhile, those who’d like to have a premium electrified off-roader will be happy to hear that the GWM Tank 700 Hi4 PHEV is coming to the Philippines. And yes, it’s a 4x4 powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and a sophisticated hybrid system that puts out a combined 523 PS and 850 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed dedicated hybrid automatic transmission, and can even drive on electric power alone for up to 90 km.
GWM says the luxury off-roader can wade up to 900 mm deep flood waters, and comes with a water wading mode that can further allow the vehicle to cross streams up to 970 mm deep. Much like the Tank 300, the Tank 700 Hi4 PHEV comes with locking front and rear differentials while having the advantage in riding comfort by being fitted with air suspension.
For now, GWM Philippines is looking to offer the Tank 700 Hi4 PHEV in limited units. But if the demand is there, they might bring in more.
Ora 03 GT
The 2024 Manila International Auto Show served as the official launch of the all-electric Ora 03 from GWM, which now retails for under PHP 1.3-million. But pretty soon, it will have a sportier and slightly more powerful variant called the Ora 03 GT.
For all intents and purposes, if the Ora 03 is GWM’s electric Mini Cooper, the Ora 03 GT is the Mini Cooper S. Featuring a sportier-themed exterior and sports seats, the Ora 03 GT also packs a more powerful 171 PS, 250 Nm electric motor that can reach an all-electric range of over 400 km.
Like the Tank 700 Hi4 PHEV, GWM Philippines might also offer the Ora 03 GT in limited units.
Ora 07
Last but not least is the Ora 03’s other feline sibling called the Ora 07, otherwise known in other markets as the Lightning Cat. As the name suggests, the Ora 07 is GWM’s quickest EV offering, especially with its Performance variant that has a dual-motor AWD setup producing 408 PS and 850 Nm of torque. For those who seek the thrill of a high power EV, GWM Philippines says they intend to offer just the Performance variant in the country.
The four will serve as the next addition to GWM Philippines’ lineup in the coming months, together with the recently previewed Wey Gaoshan PHEV luxury MPV and the Haval M6 crossover.
