GWM Hi4 Technology Impresses International Media with Next-Generation Hybrid 4WD Performance
Intelligent mobility is rapidly transforming the automotive industry, and few innovations have sparked as much attention as Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) Hi4 intelligent hybrid four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Designed to combine the robust capability of 4WD with the efficiency of a two-wheel drive (2WD), the system marks a major milestone in hybrid technology and sustainable performance.
At a recent international media test drive event held in Dujiangyan, China — a city known for its ancient irrigation marvels and symbolic harmony between human ingenuity and nature — GWM showcased its latest Hi4-equipped vehicles, including the WEY G9 and the TANK 500 Hi4-T. Across highways, city streets, winding mountain roads, and muddy off-road tracks, journalists from around the world put the vehicles to the test. The verdict was nearly unanimous: GWM Hi4 delivers on its promise of high performance, safety, and energy efficiency.
A Game-Changing 4WD System
At the heart of the demonstration was the GWM Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) system, which leverages a dual-motor hybrid architecture (P2 front motor + P4 rear motor) to intelligently distribute power between the front and rear axles. Unlike conventional 4WD systems that often sacrifice fuel economy for traction and capability, Hi4 balances both ends of the spectrum.
The result is an intelligent drive system that allows vehicles to operate with the strength and control of 4WD while consuming energy closer to that of 2WD. For consumers, this means fewer compromises: you can have rugged performance without worrying about soaring fuel costs.
Seamless Urban Efficiency
For everyday commuting, the GWM WEY G9 demonstrated just how effective the Hi4 system can be. Thanks to its pure EV driving capability, many test drivers reported being able to travel an entire week in city conditions without needing to rely on the combustion engine at all.
One journalist noted, “In daily traffic, the car ran completely on electric power. The cost of commuting was almost negligible.”
This efficiency is made possible by the intelligent energy management system, which continuously optimizes how power is distributed between the combustion engine and the electric motors. By prioritizing EV mode whenever possible, Hi4 not only reduces running costs but also lowers emissions — an increasingly important factor for eco-conscious drivers and regulators around the globe.
Precision Handling and Driving Pleasure
Beyond efficiency, the Hi4 system excels in driving dynamics. GWM’s iTVC (intelligent torque vectoring control) adds a layer of responsiveness and agility. When cornering, the system precisely calibrates torque distribution so that the rear axle powers the entry, while the front axle ensures a balanced and stable exit.
Test drivers described the experience as both confident and exhilarating. One media review highlighted, “The car delivers an excellent experience when entering and exiting corners, with a solid body that keeps even a coffee cup steady on the console. It can handle complex urban road conditions with remarkable composure.”
Contributing to this sense of control is the “Three power sources, nine driving modes” feature, which ensures that power remains available across all driving speeds and conditions — even when the battery charge is low. Meanwhile, the chassis and suspension system absorb bumps and road imperfections effectively, enhancing comfort for drivers and passengers alike.
Safety Across All Terrains
Safety is one of the most critical aspects of modern automotive design, and GWM has ensured that Hi4-equipped vehicles excel in this area. On wet asphalt, muddy trails, or loose gravel roads, the iTVC system performs millisecond-level torque adjustments to maintain stability and prevent slippage.
During the Dujiangyan test drive, journalists also had the chance to push the TANK 500 Hi4-T to its limits in off-road scenarios. Equipped with mechanical 4WD and three locking differentials, the SUV demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Even in situations where only one wheel maintained ground contact, the vehicle preserved 100% torque output to maintain forward momentum.
Media feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers praised the instantaneous electronic traction control, which proved quicker and more reliable than many traditional mechanical 4WD systems. For adventure seekers, families, and professional drivers alike, this blend of safety and adaptability represents a significant leap forward.
A High-Value, All-Scenario Solution
As international media concluded, the Hi4 technology is more than just a powertrain upgrade — it’s a comprehensive mobility solution. By balancing energy efficiency with strong performance and safety, GWM has created a platform that addresses the real-world needs of drivers in multiple regions and driving environments.
The significance extends beyond technical specifications. It reflects GWM’s long-term vision for sustainable innovation, focusing on both environmental responsibility and consumer value.
Expanding to Global Markets
GWM is not limiting the benefits of Hi4 technology to China. Models such as the HAVAL H6, WEY G9, and the TANK 300, 500, and 700 are poised to enter international markets. Countries including Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, and Kazakhstan will soon welcome Hi4-equipped vehicles to their showrooms.
For GWM, this global rollout serves two purposes. First, it expands the brand’s footprint in regions where demand for efficient yet capable vehicles is rising. Second, it positions GWM as a global leader in intelligent hybrid technology, competing directly with established players in the hybrid SUV and off-road market.
Innovation in Context: Dujiangyan as a Symbol
The choice of Dujiangyan as the location for the test drive event carried symbolic weight. The Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built more than 2,000 years ago, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and sustainable engineering. It continues to provide water management for the region without relying on traditional dams, showcasing an enduring balance between technological progress and environmental harmony.
GWM drew parallels between this historical marvel and its Hi4 system. Just as Dujiangyan represents harmony between humanity and nature, Hi4 embodies harmony between power and efficiency. The connection underscored GWM’s commitment not just to performance, but to thoughtful, future-oriented innovation.
Setting a New Benchmark for Hybrid 4WD
With the success of the Dujiangyan test drive, GWM has demonstrated that hybrid systems are no longer about compromise. Drivers no longer need to choose between the rugged performance of 4WD and the efficiency of 2WD. Hi4 seamlessly delivers both, redefining what consumers can expect from a hybrid SUV.
For international media, the conclusion was clear: Hi4 is a breakthrough that elevates driving experiences across every terrain and scenario. For GWM, it’s a statement of intent — a sign that the company is ready to compete on a global stage with technology that is innovative, sustainable, and driver-focused.
