First Model on Guiyuan S Platform, An "AI Tough Guy" for Hong Kong's Luxury SUV Market

As the "boxy" SUV trend in China's auto market expands from hardcore off-roaders to luxury flagships, Great Wall Motor's Wei brand offers a new answer. On April 17, the Wei Brand V9X, positioned as an "AI luxury six-seat flagship," will officially open pre-sales. Built on Great Wall's latest "Guiyuan S" platform, this first model features a 5.3-meter length, 3.15-meter wheelbase, and a 2.0T plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive system, directly challenging domestic flagships like the Li L9 and AITO M9. For Hong Kong users, the arrival of the Wei V9X raises a key question: when a domestic full-size luxury SUV debuts with "AI agent" and "Guiyuan S platform" technology, and when its design echoes the Land Rover Range Rover, can it become a "new face" in Hong Kong's luxury SUV market?

Guiyuan S Platform: Hardware Standardization, Software Tagging, AI-Native

The core technology of the Wei V9X is Great Wall's newly launched "Guiyuan S" platform. Its design philosophy is forward-looking – through "hardware interface standardization, software function tagging, and AI-native," it enables the combination and invocation of various vehicle functions, extending possibilities ecologically. The Guiyuan S platform is essentially a technology base reserved for L3/L4 autonomous driving. It not only supports the current Hi4 hybrid architecture but also provides ample hardware and software redundancy for future higher-level intelligent upgrades. For Hong Kong users, the significance of this platform is that it represents Great Wall Motor's understanding of "tech luxury" – not just a pile of features, but systematic innovation starting from the underlying architecture.

AI Agent: From Passive Response to Proactive Service

Another key highlight of the V9X is the comprehensive empowerment of an "AI agent." The brand states that the vehicle has the core abilities to "understand, see, and think," accurately identifying potential risks and avoiding them through "defensive driving." Uniquely, it can present the reasoning process of risk identification through a CoT thought chain card, allowing the driver to know "what the system is thinking," thereby increasing human-machine trust. For Hong Kong users, the value of this system lies in addressing the unique local driving environment. Hong Kong's narrow streets, interweaving motorcycles, and unpredictable pedestrians pose greater challenges for ADAS than mainland China's wider roads. A system that can "think" and explain "why it did that" is theoretically more likely to win the trust of local drivers.

Super Hi4: 2.0T + 4-Speed DHT + 800V + 6C Ultra-Fast Charging

In terms of powertrain, the V9X features Wei's latest "Super Hi4" hybrid architecture, including a 2.0T engine, a 4-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), an 800V high-voltage architecture, and a 6C ultra-fast charging battery. With a full charge, it achieves 0-100km/h in the 4-second range – impressive for a vehicle weighing over 2.5 tons. Charging efficiency is another highlight. 6C charging means the battery can go from low charge to 80% in just 10 minutes. Combined range is expected to exceed 1,200km, completely eliminating range anxiety. For Hong Kong users, the value lies in flexibility. For daily commuting, it can run on pure electric power at a cost of about HKD 0.3/km; for long weekend trips north, it can run as a hybrid without worrying about charging network coverage.

Dimensions and Space: A 5.3-Meter "Mobile Palace"

The Wei V9X measures 5,299mm in length, 2,025mm in width, and 1,825mm in height, with a 3,150mm wheelbase. Compared to the BMW X7 (approx. 3,105mm) and Mercedes GLS (approx. 3,135mm), the V9X is firmly in the full-size luxury SUV category. The 3.15m wheelbase with a 2+2+2 six-seat layout provides generous space for all passengers. The second-row zero-gravity seats have leg rests, roof-mounted entertainment screens, and foldable tables, with wireless charging pads on the door armrests. The third row also offers massage functions. However, the 5.3m length is a challenge on Hong Kong's streets. Wei's solution is a large-angle rear-wheel steering system, making this behemoth more agile in tight U-turns and parking garage bends. A closed dual-chamber air suspension ensures ride comfort and handling stability.

Hong Kong Perspective: Great Wall's RHD Opportunity

For Hong Kong users, the Wei V9X holds several implications. Great Wall's Tank brand has already established a foothold in Hong Kong, with the Tank 300 and 500 attracting off-road enthusiasts. Wei, as Great Wall's premium brand, targets a higher segment, directly competing with the Li L9 and AITO M9. The V9X is expected to be priced between RMB 350,000-500,000 (approx. HKD 380,000-540,000). If an RHD version is introduced, after full First Registration Tax, the on-road price could reach HKD 600,000-800,000. This would compete with the BMW X5 (from HKD 800,000), Mercedes GLE (from HKD 800,000), and Li L9 (from HKD 700,000). The V9X's advantages include its 5.3m presence, rear-wheel steering, Super Hi4 efficiency, and the Guiyuan S platform's technical credibility. A challenge is brand recognition, but Great Wall's existing Hong Kong network and Tank's success provide a foundation. If successfully introduced, the V9X could become a new option in Hong Kong's full-size luxury SUV market.

Personal Opinion

Looking at the Wei V9X's specifications, my strongest impression is "a technological declaration for domestic full-size luxury SUVs." The Guiyuan S platform, AI agent, Super Hi4, and rear-wheel steering combine to place the V9X at the top of its class in platform, intelligence, powertrain, and handling.

The Guiyuan S platform's scalability provides ample headroom for future L3/L4 autonomous driving upgrades; the AI agent's "thought chain" makes vehicle-driver interaction more transparent and trustworthy; Super Hi4's 4-second acceleration and 6C charging balance performance and replenishment for this 2.5-ton vehicle. For Hong Kong users, the V9X offers a compelling blend of full-size space, high performance, and intelligent technology.