Space Traveler: GWM WEY 05

Did you know that the Great Wall of China isn’t actually visible from space? Where this myth originated is unclear. It certainly wasn’t the builders of the wall, as space travel wasn’t exactly a Ming Dynasty hobby. What is clear, however, is that Chinese automakers are firmly establishing themselves in the European market. Take GWM, short for Great Wall Motors. Their latest model, available in Germany through the Emil Frey Group, is the WEY 05.

Not only does the name pay homage to the iconic structure, but the car also features state-of-the-art safety technology. Achieving a five-star NCAP crash test rating is no small feat—not every European manufacturer can claim the same. Bravo. Another standout? Its dimensions. The WEY 05 stretches an imposing 4.87 meters in length and stands 1.69 meters tall.  

Riding confidently on 21-inch alloy wheels, the WEY 05 exudes strength, with its silver exterior finish making a solid first impression. And the rest of the SUV? Equally striking. The design? On point. A bold grille accented with fine chrome detailing is flanked by distinctive quad headlights, while the sporty-elegant roofline tapers coupé-like towards the rear. The profile combines elegance with muscularity. A neat touch: fully retractable door handles that lead you seamlessly into the cabin.  

Time to climb in and hit the road. The interior is impressive, with displays that range from large to downright massive, and the rest of the cabin is uncluttered and tastefully designed. This focus is a good thing, as it ensures nothing distracts from the driving experience. And the WEY 05 delivers here too, thanks to a robust powertrain built on a plug-in hybrid concept. The petrol engine is powerful, but the electric component truly shines. With a class-leading range of 158 kilometers on electric power alone, the WEY 05 outpaces its competitors.