Gaoshan 8 and 9 Take on China’s Premium MPV Market

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Great Wall Motor (GWM) has expanded its portfolio by introducing a premium line of plug-in hybrid MPVs under its high-end Wey sub-brand. Initially, this lineup began with just one model, the Wey Gaoshan, which made its debut in October 2023. Over time, this singular model has evolved into an independent vehicle series comprising three different variants: the Gaoshan 7, Gaoshan 8, and Gaoshan 9. This transformation marks GWM’s strategic attempt to gain a stronger foothold in the luxury MPV market segment, where it now aims to compete directly with notable models like the Denza D9 and Voyah Dream.

Great Wall Motor Gaoshan 8

Although the original Gaoshan model did not become a massive hit, it still managed to sell 8,378 units between November 2023 and April 2025. Despite its modest performance, GWM continued to invest in the platform and expanded its reach internationally, selling the same vehicle under the name “Wey 80” in overseas markets. In 2025, GWM rebranded and extended the Gaoshan into a series by launching the Gaoshan 8 and Gaoshan 9 models, which are minivans that maintain a similar design language but offer various improvements and differentiating features.

Visually, the Gaoshan 8 and Gaoshan 9 look very similar. Both models adopt a contemporary MPV aesthetic with a large chrome-accented front grille and a flat roofline. Their overall appearance bears a strong resemblance to the Toyota Alphard, a well-known luxury MPV from Japan. Each of these vehicles is equipped with a rooftop LiDAR sensor, 18-inch alloy wheels, and sliding doors for easy access. However, they differ in size and interior configuration.

Gaoshan

The Gaoshan 8 is slightly smaller, with dimensions of 5,280 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,900 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3,145 mm and comes with a 2+2+3 seating arrangement. Passengers in the second row enjoy a 17.3-inch entertainment screen, and the vehicle provides a trunk capacity of 435 liters. In contrast, the Gaoshan 9 is the flagship of the lineup. It stretches to 5,410 mm in length and has a longer 3,275 mm wheelbase. It features a 2+2+2 seat layout and a smaller trunk space of 315 liters.

Inside, both the Gaoshan 8 and 9 share a similar high-tech cabin setup. The dashboard is anchored by a dual 15.6-inch screen setup powered by a Snapdragon 8295 processor running Coffee OS3. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a two-spoke steering wheel, while a 26-inch head-up display enhances driver visibility. Additional interior highlights include a wireless charging pad and a built-in 12.5-liter refrigerator.

Gaoshan 8

Under the hood, both minivans utilize the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain. This consists of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower, paired with two electric motors generating 107 hp and 228 hp respectively. The combined system delivers an impressive 452 horsepower and comes with a standard four-wheel-drive setup. The Gaoshan 8 is powered by a 44.28 kWh ternary lithium battery, offering up to 172 kilometers of pure electric range based on WLTC standards. Meanwhile, the Gaoshan 9 features a larger 51.55 kWh battery, extending its electric range to 201 kilometers.

In terms of pricing, the Gaoshan 8 is available for approximately \$43,000, while the larger and more premium Gaoshan 9 is priced around \$49,100. These new models are strategically positioned to compete with other advanced electric MPVs such as the Xpeng X9, Denza D9, and Voyah Dream. Looking ahead, GWM is also preparing to launch the more affordable Gaoshan 7, which is expected to further broaden the brand’s appeal in the competitive MPV market.

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