GWM Hi4 Hybrid Takes Top Engineering Honor in China

GWM’s Hi4 hybrid system has earned the Grand Prize at the 2025 Science and Technology Award presented by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China SAE), marking the first time in over 30 years that a hybrid technology has received the nation’s highest automotive engineering distinction.

The Hi4 technology—short for Hybrid Intelligent 4WD—was recognized for its breakthroughs in power performance, battery safety, and off-road intelligence. Developed with a twin-motor, multi-gear series-parallel four-wheel-drive architecture, the system integrates three power sources and nine intelligent drive modes for smooth, efficient performance across both city roads and rugged terrain.

A standout feature is its terrain recognition system that can identify 32 off-road surfaces and three urban driving scenarios with 99% accuracy, automatically adjusting power distribution to match road conditions. The system also features a high-protection battery pack designed for all-weather reliability and class-leading safety.

Since its debut in May 2023, over 410,000 Hi4-equipped vehicles have been sold globally, boosting GWM’s market share in China’s new-energy off-road segment from 10% in 2020 to 52% in 2024. The technology is now expanding into key markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

“This award reaffirms our commitment to innovation and leadership,” said Steve Maciver, GWM ANZ Head of Marketing Communications. “Hi4 represents a new era in intelligent and efficient four-wheel-drive mobility.”