What's it like being driven around like a boss in the GWM WEY G9

We left the driving to someone else and spent a day as the “boss” on the road to Genting in the GWM WEY G9 Hi4 HEV, from Zero Gravity seats to hybrid power with no charging needed.

Let’s be honest: for most of us in our twenties, “being driven around” means the back seat of an e-hailing ride, phone on 4%, quietly praying the driver doesn’t take the scenic route. 

So when GWM invited us to spend a day on the Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands route with the new WEY G9 Hi4 HEV, I had one mission. Forget the spec sheet for a second: what does it actually feel like to be the boss?

The HEV joins the existing PHEV in the WEY G9 line-up, and the brand isn’t shy about the pitch: this is meant to be First Class on wheels. Big promise.

I left the driving to someone else and stayed firmly in the passenger seat all day. Here’s how it held up.

THE BACK SEAT IS THE MAIN CHARACTER

I started where any self-respecting “boss” would: second row, door closed, someone else at the wheel. The headline act here is the pair of Zero Gravity seats, and they live up to the name. Recline back, let your legs settle, and the climb up to Genting suddenly feels less like a winding mountain road and more like a lounge with a view.

The cabin does a lot of the quiet work. Premium materials everywhere you rest a hand, generous space even with a full row behind you, and the kind of hush that makes you lower your voice without realising it. It’s the first time a road trip has made me want to close my eyes and, at the same time, film the interior for my Close Friends story.

The verdict from the back: if your love language is an act of service, this is a car that understands you.

POWER YOU CAN FEEL WITHOUT LIFTING A FINGER

You don’t need to hold the wheel to notice how a car drives. Under the bonnet, the G9 HEV runs a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine, a four-speed DHT and dual electric motors, all working with GWM’s Hi4 intelligent all-wheel drive. From where I sat, that translated into a smooth, confident pull on the climb, no lurching, no straining, just steady progress as the road kept tilting uphill.

The best part, though, is what nobody has to do. There’s no external charging involved, so no hunting for a free charger, no planning your weekend around a plug. No charger at home? No problem. Just fill up at the petrol station like usual.

THE GROWN-UP STUFF (THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS)

Boss energy is fun, but the G9 is also built for real life. It seats seven across three rows, with flexible seating and enough luggage space for a Genting weekend with the whole group chat, or a family balik kampung run. 

On the safety side, there are six airbags, curtain airbag coverage across all three rows, and a full suite of driver-assistance tech for helpful backup, though the person behind the wheel is still in charge at all times.

Then there’s the choice. The HEV sits alongside the PHEV, so you can pick your version of First Class: hybrid driving with zero charging admin, or the PHEV’s electric commuting and long-distance flexibility.

SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE?

Honestly? Dangerously easy to get used to. 

Reclined in the back while someone else handles the bends, the WEY G9 Hi4 HEV makes a regular road trip feel like an upgrade. We may not all have a chauffeur yet, but for one day up the hill, we got a very convincing preview.

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