Fresh from the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, GWM is bringing models to Mzansi that will certainly solidify its status as the best selling auto manufacturer in Mzansi. SUVs dominate the onslaught largely due to GWM responding to local customer demands for SUVs whilst also considering fuel efficiency to counter the crippling fuel price hikes Mzansi is experiencing.
Below are the 3 models showcased in Beijing which are coming to Mzansi as early as next month:
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........ready your wallets, finance packages as it's going to get very tasty in the GWM showroom.
(1) Ora 5
Locally, we have experienced the Ora brand with the EV hatch Ora 3 launched a few years ago but now the Ora 5 SUV (above) will relaunch the brand in Mzansi. The Ora 5 starts off with a plus by offering SUV desirability in a stylish design with practicality being a major plus.
The design keeps the bug-eye front with LED headlights. It will ride higher than the Ora 3 hatch to cater for the SUV buyer and most importantly to allow Mzansi buyers to drive safely on our potholed and gravel roads.
The interior is a mix of space, functionality and minimalistic layout. There will be varying spec models (Ultra, Pro and Lite) to cater for "bank approvals" but GWM Mzansi assured us that they will come with a high spec as standard. Sliding into the models on show, one was surprised by the amount of space inside and the high seating position allowing ease of surround view, something that will be a boon in tight parking spaces.
The dash layout is dominated by a floating 15.6inch infotainment touchscreen in ultra high definition featuring GWMs latest Coffee OS. 3 which features intelligent tech designed to enhance the drive and passenger experience.
Overseas there are 3 motor options: Full EV (BEV), Hybrid (HEV) and an 1.5T engine. Mzansi will be getting the HEV and 1.5T for now with the BEV on hold pending Mzansi's adoption of EV cars. The 1.5T spec gets a 118kW/270Nm 4-cylinder 1.5 Turbo motor driving the front wheels via a 7 speed Dual-Clutch transmission. The HEV models uses the same engine but linked to an electric motor for a combined output of 164kW/476Nm driving the wheels via an HEV unique 2 speed Hybrid Transmission.
The Ora 5 will take on models like the Corolla Cross, T-Cross and Tiggo 4 with rumours hinting at a starting price below R400k. Coming in June 2026.
(2) Haval H7 Plus
This is the model that GWM will use to take on the Jetour T2 with what GWM claims will be a more user-friendly technical spec allowing all road driving. The Haval H7 Plus should not be confused with the 2026 COTY Finalist, the Haval H7 as the "Plus" means this is an entirely new model.
The H7 Plus will allow buyers to tailor-make the off roader to suit their lifestyle with design and functional extras available through the GWM dealer network. The 5 seater model will feature varying engine options with front and all wheel drive configurations available globally (no confirmation yet on the Mzansi spec).
There is an HEV and a PHEV with the HEV getting the 1.5 litre Turbo motor paired with an electric motor giving a total output of 179kW/530Nm. The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) will use the same motor but with an even bigger electric motor and batteries. There are two PHEV specs on overseas models with the 105 PHEV (268kW/750Nm) able to travel in electric mode for up to 105km. The higher spec 150 PHEV also uses the 1.5 Turbo motor with an electric motor (272kW/750Nm) with an ability to travel in electric motor for up to 150km. Models will feature the Hi4 all wheel drive system with 7 driving modes (Standard, Sport, Economy, 4WD, Mud, Sand and Snow) making it easy to drive in off road terrain.
The interior layout (Left hand drive pic shown) gets a 15.6-inch central control screen with soft touch materials used around the cabin. Heated and cooled leather seats with electric adjustability should come as standard whilst a Panoramic glass roof should enhance the airy cabin. GWM Mzansi promises best in class noise, ride refinement.
Expect this model in September 2026.
(3) Wey V9X
The Wei brand is the ultimate in luxury under the GWM Global banner with models designed to take on the premium luxury segment rivals. Initially this brand was only available in China but with the V9X destined for the global market, right hand drive models will now be available. This makes it eligible for Mzansi and GWM Mzansi has confirmed the luxury SUV will be coming to our shores in 2027.
The 6 seater V9X SUV features slim headlights equipped with intelligent projection and adaptive matrix technology with LED Daytime lights in a curved design. On to the side the V9X comes with 21 inch alloy wheels in chrome design whilst the two tone colour gives the model a luxury look (there are varying colours we saw in Beijing). A large Panoramic roof aids interior ambiance and exterior look. There are two length specifications with the longer model getting extra wheelbase length aiding rear passenger space. The rear features Matrix super emposed lights with what Wei claims is a 630-nanometer ultra-red LED taillight thats bright and eye-catching, soft and not dazzling.
That V9X features a 3 row 6 seater layout with the front and 2nd row seats electrically adjustable with varying luxury features like massage, cooling, heating whilst a 21.4 inches screen provides entertainment for rear passengers. Audio is catered by a 31 speaker 3080 watts sound system.
There are 3 screens up front with the instrument cluster catered for by a 12.3 inch screen that conveys drive info. This is supplemented by a 29inch Heads Up Display. The infotainment screen at the centre is one of two 17.3 inch screens up front with the other catering to the front passengers' entertainment.
Rear passengers also get side curtains for privacy and sub protection whilst the leather colour options will likely allow buyers to tailor-make their interior look.
The V9X is an All Wheel Drive SUV with a Plug-in Hybrid set up. There is a 2.0T petrol motor linked with dual electric motors that deliver from 500kW to 550kW depending on car length with Torque also varying between 862Nm to 930Nm. This means the V9X can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds topping at 225km/h.
The Wei V9X is confirmed for 2027 local launch.