Great Wall Motors (GWM) is wading into the luxury
SUV market with its Wey brand, and at the Guangzhou Motor Show this week the
company unveiled its first plug-in hybrid model, the P8, set to go on sale in
China in the first quarter of next year.
Based on the company’s VV7s flagship, the P8 is
differentiated by a larger full-length front grille and a charging port on the
left front fender. Otherwise, it retains the same angular front lighting
signature, high waistline and low-slung roofline. Inside, the P8 is reminiscent
of an Audi with a horizontal dashboard design, circular air vents and what
appears to be a pop-up infotainment screen.
Power comes from a 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine
paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electric motor on the
front and rear axle, providing all-wheel drive. Total system output is 335 hp
and 520 Nm of torque, enabling the P8 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5
seconds. Wey gives a fuel consumption figure of 2.3 litres per 100 km and an
all-electric range of 50 km.
Other features include standard-fit driver
assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise
control, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, lane change assist, blind
spot monitoring and a door opening warning system to prevent crashes. There’s
also a 360-degree camera and a digital rear-view mirror like you’d find on the
new Lexus LS.
