Wey 05: Powerful, strong and alert

The Wey 05 is not exactly a successful model in Germany. The KBA counted just under 700 registrations of the plug-in hybrid SUV from Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motor this year. Even the basic version of the massive part-time electric vehicle offers strong arguments with its luxurious full equipment, unrivaled electric range and exemplary price-performance ratio. Which once again exposes talk of the Chinese disrupting or even conquering the German car market as a myth.

However, the reluctance to buy may also be due to the extravagant appearance of the 4.87 meter long GWM flagship, which is almost a little intimidating with its mighty radiator grille with vertical chrome segments and 21-inch wheels. The interior is impressive: diamond-quilted Alcantara, ambient lighting and massage seats leave little to be desired. But not everything shines: cheap plastics and a static rear seat are minor drawbacks. However, with a wheelbase of 2.91 meters, the Wey 05 scores points for spaciousness - at least for passengers. The luggage compartment remains rather average with 500 to a maximum of 1229 liters.

Under the bonnet, the Wey 05 delivers a full 476 hp (350 kW) of system power and an astonishing 847 Newton meters of torque. This allows the 2.4-ton SUV to sprint to 100 km/h in just five seconds. The chassis is comfortable, but a little too soft in bends, and the steering is rather unspectacular. The electric range is impressive: the hybrid managed just under 140 kilometers in the everyday test, although a small petrol tank limits the total range. Annoying is the restrictive driving control system, which reacts with instructive severity to any carelessness - annoying, but can be deactivated.

At an entry-level price of 59,900 euros, the GWM Wey 05 comes with a wealth of equipment: from 360-degree cameras and an Infinity sound system to a head-up display, everything is on board. A five-year unlimited mileage warranty rounds off the package. (aum)