2026 Beijing Auto Show with GWM – What’s coming to SA

CAR Editor Ian McLaren reports back from the GWM stand at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on 24 April 2026.

Baoding-based Great Wall Motors (GWM) had a suitably impressive showing at the 2026 Beijing International Auto Show, including showcasing each of its sub-brands. Here’s a summary of what stood out, as well as what’s been confirmed for South Africa.

Showstopper

GWM Tank 700 exterior

Image: GWM

An undoubted showstopper on the GWM stand was the new Tank 700, which, together with a suitably standout body kit complete with massive alloy wheels, spoilers and a roof-mounted rear wing, features this brand’s new Hi4-Z powertrain. This pairs a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup for a combined power output of 635 kW. This allows the flagship Tank 700 to launch from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds, while being able to travel in all-electric mode for up to 190 km.

GWM South Africa says the Tank 700 will be under consideration for local introduction once the vehicle is confirmed for right-hand-drive configuration.

Haval H7 Plus

Haval H7 Plus exterior

Image: CarNewsChina

GWM South Africa will introduce the new Haval H7 Plus to our market before the end of 2026. While the show car featured an EV-style closed-off front grille, we know the version destined for South Africa will wear a more traditional item, engineered for a more rugged application, including feeding a Hi4 hybrid powertrain.

Undoubtedly set to take on the likes of the popular Jetour T2, the H7 Plus offers a prerequisite boxy stance, a spare wheel on its tailgate, clever use of LED daytime-running lights, and a suitably imposing stance. The H7 Plus’ interior is noteworthy for offering a foldaway third row of seating.

Ora 5

GWM Ora 5

Image: GWM

Another exciting new product launching in South Africa in the coming months is the Ora 5. As the name suggests, this is a larger relation to the Ora 3 already on sale in our market. The 5 introduces a larger footprint, so greater interior space compared to the 3, but significantly, the Ora 5 will be sold with the choice of three powertrains: a 1.5-litre turbopetrol, an HEV hybrid version, which pairs the 1.5-litre petrol mill with an electric motor and 1.03 kWh battery, and the same all-electric setup currently exclusively available in the Ora 3.

A brief stint in the Ora 5 showcased the benefit of this product sharing underpinnings with Mini’s modern portfolio (Mini has a significant partnership with GWM). The Ora offers similarly spirited handling and dynamic ability inherent to the modern Cooper.

Wey V9X

Wey V9X exterior

Image: GWM

Underpinned by GWM’s new One S modular platform, the Wey V9X is set to take on the likes of the Volvo XC90/EX90 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Unveiled to much fanfare at the Beijing Auto Show, the 5 299 mm-long show car featured a six-seat arrangement, including two captain’s chairs in the second row designed for optimal comfort and luxury. Highlights of the interior include massive (17.3-inch) displays throughout, a roof-mounted monitor that lowers for rear-seat passengers and dedicated wireless smartphone charging docks in each door card.

The V9X is fitted with the brand’s Super Hi4 PHEV system, which pairs a 175 kW/385 N.m turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor on each axle and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The all-wheel-drive Wey also features air suspension with continuously variable dampers, and rear-wheel steering for improved manoeuvrability.

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The post 2026 Beijing Auto Show with GWM – What’s coming to SA appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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