GWM Returns in Triumph: Clinches Taklimakan Rally Production Title After a Decade, Showcases PHEV Breakthrough
At the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Taklimakan Rally—one of the world’s most grueling cross-country endurance races—Great Wall Motor (GWM) made a spectacular comeback, reclaiming the Production Class championship title after a ten-year hiatus. The victory not only marks a return to rally glory for GWM, but also underscores the company’s evolution from a diesel-dominated past to a future powered by advanced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technologies.
This year’s rally served as a critical proving ground for GWM’s multi-energy strategy, with the automaker fielding both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and cutting-edge new energy models. The results were emphatic: GWM not only preserved the legacy of its rugged diesel-powered off-roaders but also broke new ground in the electrified off-road segment—demonstrating to the world that Chinese brands are more than capable of leading in high-performance, extreme-condition motorsports.
Haval H9 Diesel: A Dominant Force in T2.1 Production Class
At the center of GWM’s diesel performance was the HAVAL H9, a rally-tested SUV that reaffirmed its legacy by dominating the T2.1 production class. Equipped with a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the H9 conquered the desert’s brutal terrain with finesse. Its triple locking differentials, electronic axle locks, and TOD intelligent four-wheel-drive system allowed for seamless torque distribution across uneven and shifting surfaces—delivering precision, traction, and endurance where many others faltered.
The H9’s showing was a nod to GWM’s roots in high-performance diesel technology, proving that even after a decade, its engineering prowess remains at the forefront of production-class off-road racing.
Pioneering the Electrified Frontier: TANK Hi4 Series Shines
However, the 2025 Taklimakan Rally wasn’t just about looking back—it was a clear declaration of where GWM is heading. In a bold and forward-looking move, the automaker entered the competition with PHEV models from its TANK brand, powered by the company’s breakthrough Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) technology.
The GWM TANK Hi4 Team emerged as the T2.E Production New Energy Manufacturer Champion, a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated how electrified powertrains can thrive in environments once thought to be the exclusive domain of diesel and gasoline engines.
Hi4 is the world’s first dual-motor distributed four-wheel-drive hybrid system, offering a unique combination of high-efficiency two-wheel-drive capability and robust four-wheel-drive performance. Designed for flexibility, Hi4 adjusts its power output in real time to optimize energy use without sacrificing torque or control—especially vital in desert stages where terrain can vary drastically over a single stretch.
A Decade of Progress: From Diesel Legends to Electrified Icons
GWM’s journey from its 2015 Taklimakan Rally championship win to its current position at the forefront of new energy off-road technology reflects a decade of relentless innovation and strategic vision. Where the brand once stood as a benchmark for diesel performance, it now positions itself as a pioneer in electrified mobility across challenging terrains.
The 2025 rally was a turning point, not just for GWM’s competitive achievements, but also for the broader perception of Chinese automotive innovation on a global stage. The automaker’s success in both traditional and electrified categories sent a clear message: GWM is no longer just a contender—it’s a trendsetter, one capable of rewriting the rules of off-road racing.
In total, GWM secured 12 prestigious honors at the rally, spanning multiple categories and stages. Victories included:
- Production Class Manufacturer’s Cup
- Overall Stage Wins in multiple segments
- Top Manufacturer Titles in both ICE and PHEV production classes
Its performance validated not only the strength of its vehicles, but also the endurance of its technology across extreme, real-world conditions.
Hi4 Technology: Bringing Off-Roading to the Electrified Era
Central to GWM’s success—and its vision for the future—is the mass deployment of Hi4 technology in its consumer product line. Flagship models like the TANK 300 Hi4-T and TANK 500 Hi4-Z are already leading the charge in China, offering consumers a balance of premium off-road capability and clean energy efficiency.
Hi4’s value proposition is compelling: four-wheel-drive performance at a two-wheel-drive price. This cost-effective, power-optimized drivetrain enables drivers to access true off-road capabilities without the fuel penalties or emissions associated with traditional systems. In essence, Hi4 democratizes rugged performance—making it more accessible for everyday users while also aligning with global sustainability goals.
As GWM scales this technology across additional models and platforms, it stands poised to redefine the very culture of off-roading in the electrified era.
A Strategic Vision Realized: All Powertrains, All Scenarios, All Users
The rally victory also serves as a landmark in the implementation of GWM’s broader technology strategy: “All Powertrains, All Scenarios, All Users.” This approach emphasizes cross-functional versatility, ensuring that GWM’s vehicles—whether diesel, gasoline, hybrid, or electric—are built not only for performance, but also for adaptability across diverse user environments.
By pushing mass-produced, street-legal vehicles through the punishing terrain of the Taklimakan Rally, GWM has bridged the gap between motorsport and mainstream use cases. The vehicles that win races are the same vehicles being delivered to customers, equipped with the durability and capability that only championship-grade testing can ensure.
This philosophy reinforces GWM’s position in the international market, where consumers increasingly demand vehicles that combine real-world performance with energy efficiency, technological sophistication, and long-term reliability.
Driving the Global Rise of Chinese Off-Roading
GWM’s sweeping success at the 2025 Taklimakan Rally is far more than a moment of triumph; it’s a strategic milestone that reflects the company’s upward trajectory in both innovation and global influence. As the automotive industry undergoes a massive shift toward electrification and sustainable mobility, GWM is not only keeping pace—it is defining the curve.
By integrating high-performance hybrid systems into rugged, off-road-ready vehicles, GWM is charting a course for the future of adventure driving—one where intelligent manufacturing, green energy, and real-world endurance come together seamlessly.
As it continues to expand its presence across international markets, GWM is set to introduce a new wave of vehicles that combine motorsport-proven durability with cutting-edge technologies—redefining what drivers expect from both ICE and new energy platforms.
In the deserts of the Taklimakan, GWM has not only reclaimed a title—it has reasserted its leadership in a global industry now watching China’s automakers with renewed respect and attention. And for GWM, the rally finish line is only the beginning.
