Great Wall Motor (GWM) has launched the hybrid version of its Big Dog SUV in China, adding oil-electric hybrid powertrains to a model previously offered only with petrol engines. The Big Dog HEV went on sale on September 28 with three trims, priced at 119,900 to 137,900 yuan (about $16,900 to $19,400) as Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives, with a limited-time promotional price of 105,900 to 123,900 yuan, according to Chinese outlet D1EV.
The new model is offered in two drivetrain configurations: a Hi2 two-wheel-drive system and a Hi4 all-wheel-drive setup. Both combine a 1.5-litre hybrid-specific engine with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 182 kW (about 244 hp). The Hi2 version produces 535 N·m of combined torque, while the Hi4 adds a rear electric motor for a combined 670 N·m, along with a rear electronic mechanical locking differential to improve off-road capability.
Fuel economy as the headline
Rather than a conventional launch event, GWM turned a long-distance fuel consumption test into the reveal. The livestream lasted about 18 hours, covering city roads, highways and national roads while climbing from low altitude to above 1,500 metres. Public reports cited by D1EV said the vehicle covered roughly 1,050 km with an indicated fuel consumption of 5.6 L/100km.
GWM claims the Hi2 version achieves 4.6 L/100km in a full-tank test with a combined range of 1,381.36 km, while the Hi4 version records 4.94 L/100km and a range of 1,138.89 km. Both configurations have received first-class energy efficiency certification from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC). The 1.5-litre hybrid engine reaches a thermal efficiency of 41.5 percent, with power mode switching and intelligent decoupling used to cut energy losses.
No battery-electric range figure is quoted because the Big Dog HEV is a conventional hybrid, not a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or range-extender (EREV), so it cannot be driven on electric power alone for long distances.
ADAS and cabin upgrades
The Big Dog HEV also steps up its driver assistance package. It comes with GWM's Coffee Pilot 3 Lite system, which uses 26 sensing units to enable highway and city NOA (navigate on autopilot, or urban advanced driver assistance) as well as remote parking. Inside, the cabin features a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a head-up display.
The launch places the Big Dog HEV in the crowded 100,000 to 130,000 yuan (about $14,100 to $18,300) mainstream SUV segment, where it now combines hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive and advanced driver assistance in one package. GWM's move reflects a broader trend among Chinese automakers of adding hybrid options to existing petrol models to meet tightening fuel consumption regulations and shifting buyer preferences.
