Is a Great Wall Motors car on the cards for your next purchase? The Chinese automaker is the leading newcomer on the automotive scene. Their growing array of SUVs, pickups, and electric vehicles has captured the attention of numerous shoppers.
But before you click “accept” on that dotted line, there’s a lot you need to know. I have spent hours and hours researching and driving these vehicles in this extensive article for you.
GWM STORIES: start-up to a global force
Great Wall Motors didn’t spring up out of nowhere. Formed in 1984, the automaker began as a modest garage in Baoding, China.
Within two years, it had started making trucks, and it later moved into passenger cars. Today it’s one of China’s largest automakers and is striving to build a global presence.
They have a theme of providing low cost vehicles and yet not trading away too much of feature or safety. And it has allowed them to gain toeholds in markets in Asia, Europe, Australia and parts of Africa.
GWM has made a considerable investment in science and technology in recent years. These investments are specifically targeted toward electric vehicle technology and self-driving systems.
Top GWM SUVs That You Need to Know About
The Haval Line Up Of SUVs For Every Reason
– The Haval brand is GWM’s premium SUV brand. These range from small city cars to larger family lugger arounds.
The Haval H6 is also their top-selling model. It marries stylish lines with a roomy interior and cool tech features.
For the more urban-minded, the Haval Jolion is a more convenient size. It’s small enough for city driving but has enough cargo space for its size.
And if you need more space, the Haval H9 gets three rows. This bigger SUV goes head to head with those from Japanese and Korean car makers.
The Tank series: extreme off-road capacity
GWM’s Tank range is for the adventurous. These are a mix of luxury and actual off-road-viability cars.
The Tank 300 is inspired by cult-status off-roaders. You’ll find fully modern four-wheel drive systems and locking differentials inside its boxy bodywork.
Further up the range, the Tank 500 provides more space and power. This bigger model is no less off-road-worthy and has the high-end interior touches to match.
The Pickup Range: The Working Horse with The Gentle Back!
GWM pickups have had the reputation for their durability. And these rides, well, they accommodate work as much as they do a comfortable ride for your passengers.
Their Ute, sold as the Poer in some markets, is their leading pickup. It includes modern safety tech and creature comforts typically absent in work-oriented trucks.
The ORA Line: Electric Independence
The ORA sub-brand was created to spotlight GWM’s electric vehicle technology. These are models that prioritise style alongside environmentally-friendly transport options.
The ORA Good Cat (or Funky Cat in some markets) is retro-meets-EV that has us licking our lips. Able to practically use this daily with its range and charging facility.
What GWM Car Owners Prefer: Owners Pick Their Favorite #DesignGWM Features
Value Proposition
The most commonly cited benefit from GWM owners? Exceptional value. Such cars usually offer amenities that would cost thousands more from a more established brand.
Most buyers are shocked standard features such as leather seats, panoramic sunroofs and advanced driver assistance systems. Many of these can come at a stiff price-and they’re often not even available, in some of those brands’ higher trim levels.
Modern Technology Integration
GWM cars typically have tech-forward cabins too. Most have large touchscreens, smartphone integration and digital instrument clusters.
Interface is mentioned as a strong point, and the UI is commended for its simplicity. A lot of owners discover that the learning curve needs far less time than they expected.
Surprising Refinement
New GWM drivers, are all surprised by the unexpected level of refinement. Road noise levels are even competitive with some pricier rivals.
The ride is also equally impressive, riding on suspension systems that straddle the comfort/handling divide very well. That refinement is also carried into the interior, which features materials that feel more upmarket than the price point would lead you to believe.
Background Issues and Factors
Availability of Parts and Service Network
Make sure you have a good service network in your geographic area before buying. As GWM is extending its dealer network, it’s still unevenly covered in some parts of the country.
Parts availability has been pretty great the last handful of years. But some parts may have to be ordered – and additional wait times incurred.
Most dealerships have full-service facilities. This will give you peace of mind about when and how much service is going to set you back.
Resale Value Uncertainty
Resale value is an obstacle for many Chinese auto brands. As quality gets better perception of the market evolves.
Think carefully about when you plan to sell your property. To the extent that you’re going to keep the car for many years, resale is less of an issue.
In some markets, GWM models have even retained their value better than anticipated. That may even increase now that more people know its brand.
Warranty Coverage
GWM tends to be known for its generous warranty to account for any fears a buyer might have. These warranties are often superior to the industry standard for both time and coverage.
Before you buy, please read the warranty information. Knowing precisely what it covers can spare you surprises down the line.
Certain geographic areas have warranties that vary from the standard warranty. Always verify what coverage exists in your market, since they’re generalizing.
Data on Reliability and Experiences Ownning the TLXTypically, these things suck to own.
Quality Improvements
Previous GWM models have come in for some stick over build quality. This is changing, however, with major progress evident in recent years.
STATE OF THE ART Modern manufacturing facilities, combined with the use of advanced manufacturing methods. It is that investment which has led to quantifiable improvements in quality throughout the product portfolio.
Newer GWM vehicles are now receiving favorable independent ratings. It’s an indication the company is trying to get better.
Common Issues to Watch For
GWM cars like any production car have their fair share of issues. Electronics can be a problem at times, especially in vehicles built between 2018-2020.
There are reports that a few infotainment systems may need software updates, according to owners. These updates usually fix the issues, but may need a dealer’s help.
Performance of the transmission is questionable on some models. A wide range of road and driving conditions must be sampled during test drives to adequately assess this.
Maintenance Costs Comparison
$GWMGWM GWM Avg. CostCtrl. Avg. CostOil Change $45-65 $50-75Air Filter $20-30 $20-40Brake Pads (Front) $120-180 $150-250Timing Belt $400-550 $500-900Major Service (60k miles) $350-450 $450-700
Safety Ratings and Features
Crash Test Performance
Safety has become paramount for GWM. Newer ones have performed well in both IIHS and NHTSA tests.
Take the Haval H6, for instance which got the full five stars in Australian ANCAP testing. That’s performance on par with some of Intel’s competitors.
And Structural integrity is something which is improving generation by generation. Later models use high-strength steel in numerous areas.
Standard Safety Equipment
Most of the current GWM vehicles are provided with full safety kits. Base models often have multiple airbags and electronic stability control.
Driver aids: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are common in mid-level and above models. Among these are automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control.
It has different safety specs depending on the market. Look up the particular model you’re going to get in your area before you do so.
Real Ownership Costs
Fuel Economy Reality
I find published fuel economy specs a useful manner of comparison. But true consumption on the road might differ from lab results.
GWM’s positive-displacement turbocharged engines usually prefer premium-grade fuel. Keep this extra expense in mind when comparing the all-in cost of ownership.
There are substantial operational savings with hybrid and electric models. These benefits need to be balanced with a possibly increased purchase cost.
Insurance Considerations
The GWM car insurance by location is heavily disparate. They don’t fit into established brand categories for some markets.
Get insurance quotes before making a decision. This also helps avoid any nasty shocks when it comes to working out the total cost of ownership.
Even the perception of the cost of repair can effect Insurance Costs. Once you have a couple repairs under your belt, these costs tend to level out, compared to mainstream rivals.
Also Read: Shanghai Motor Show Highlights China Edge in Global Car Race
Depreciation Patterns
Depreciation early on is often higher than for established marques. The biggest drop is typically in the first two years of ownership.
The more top spec you buy, the better the residuals. All of the extra features offer some useful residual value.
Small-production special editions occasionally defy typical depreciation patterns. Such models can sometimes garner enthusiast attention that helps prop values.
Making Your Decision
Test Drive Essentials
Whenever possible, arrange for an extended test drive. First impressions following quick dealership loops seldom reflect a vehicle’s true nature.
Pay particular attention to:
Long term seat comfort Product info Seat crotch bumper combo Medium density foam with the best possible price Can be bought with optional back support at an extra cost.
Multi-angle view Published by Others
Real-world noise on the highway
In-context technology usability
How your cargo space needs are met
Negotiation Strategies
Look up what incentives are being offered on the Web before you visit car lots. Special financing or equipment packages are often available.
Look at the big picture — not just your monthly payment. Low payments can sometimes obscure high total costs.
Be ready to walk away, if need be.” There is heathy competition in this category of market.
Ownership Community Benefits
Get MG ZS electric owners on the online forum or social media groups. Such communities have a lot to add based on direct experience.
The community of fellow owners often shares ideas for maintenance and troubleshooting. This knowledge can potentially save you a lot of time and money while you own it.
There are groups all over that have fan meetups or conventions. These meets are a chance to see some tuned cars and chat about owning them.
Should You Choose a GWM?
There is enormous value in the Great Wall Motors vehicles. Their features, technology, and pricing need to be seriously examined.
Of course, whether these vehicles are right for you depends on your needs and priorities. Factor in your daily driving needs, service availability, and how long you plan on holding on to the car.
The value equation makes good sense for a lot of buyers. Features:D) and the elevated build quality easily balance out any concern about brand snob-value perception, or resale-down-the-road unknown.
Whatever you decide, research your choice well. Test several rivals, add up the total cost of ownership, and pick the features that are most important in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GWM Great Wall the same as Great Wall Motors?
Yes, GWM is Great Wall Motors. The abbreviation is commonly used by the company as part of its marketing and branding.
Where are GW M vehicles made?
GWM manufactures vehicles predominantly in China by various joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries, including in Baoding and Tianjin. They have also set up some international production facilities.
Are GWM cars equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
However, many of the current GWM models come with smartphone connectivity – the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – although availability is dependent on the market and grade.
What is the general life of a GWM car?
If you keep up with maintenance, GWMs can make it to 150,000-200,000 miles, which is roughly the same as other modern vehicles. The newer versions indicate better durability than older models.
Are GWM spare parts costly to change in GWM vehicles?
Parts for GWM vehicles are generally priced below those of the premium brands and are competitive with mainstream competitors. Availability has been greatly enhanced over the past few years.