At the final stage of the 2025 Taklimakan Rally, GWM reclaimed the Production Class championship after a decade, once again demonstrating its dominance in the off-road segment. This year, GWM competed with both internal combustion and new energy vehicles, not only continuing the legacy of its legendary diesel-powered models, but also setting a new performance benchmark in the electrified off-road category with its Hi4 series PHEV technology—raising the global profile of Chinese automotive brands in the world of rally racing.

A consistent winner at the Taklimakan Rally, the GWM HAVAL H9 Diesel delivered a commanding performance in the T2.1 production-class fuel vehicle category, powered by a robust 2.4T engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and equipped with triple locking differentials. Its advanced TOD (Torque On Demand) intelligent four-wheel-drive system automatically distributed torque based on terrain conditions, working in concert with electronically controlled mechanical front and rear axle differential locks. On the demanding 287-kilometer SS5 stage—from Moyu to Hongbaishan, featuring soft dunes and rough construction gravel—the H9 showcased exceptional traction and recovery capabilities. Notably, the team completed the entire Taklimakan course in just 4 hours, 35 minutes, and 6 seconds, securing the championship title in the T2 Production Class and outperforming more than ten heavily modified T1+ four-wheel-drive rally vehicles—further underscoring the reliability and durability of GWM’s diesel technology.

In the new energy segment, the GWM TANK Hi4 Team secured the T2.E Production New Energy Manufacturer Championship with a commanding lead—highlighting the vast potential of PHEV technology in extreme off-road environments. At the heart of this performance is GWM’s groundbreaking Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) system, the world’s first dual-motor distributed four-wheel-drive architecture. This innovation achieves a breakthrough balance between four-wheel-drive performance and two-wheel-drive efficiency.

The GWM TANK 300 Hi4-T claimed the overall championship in the T2.E category with a total time of 37 hours, 30 minutes, and 42 seconds. Throughout the grueling 2,350-kilometer course, its Hi4-T architecture delivered stable power output, with its electric drive modules working in high-efficiency coordination. The GWM TANK 300 Hi4-T not only proved the reliability of new energy vehicles in off-road racing through a championship win, but also provided valuable real-world data under extreme conditions—contributing to the advancement of mass-production PHEV off-road technology.

From winning the championship in 2015 to the full-scale breakthrough of Hi4-PHEV technology in 2025, GWM has spent a decade evolving from an internal combustion engine performance benchmark to a leader in new energy off-road mobility. In this year’s Taklimakan Rally, GWM HAVAL, GWM TANK, and GWM POER product lineups collectively secured 12 honors, including the Production Class Manufacturer’s Cup, overall championship titles, and multiple stage victories.

With the successful mass production and deployment of Hi4 technology in models such as the GWM TANK 300 Hi4-T and GWM TANK 500 Hi4-Z, GWM is redefining off-road culture for the new energy era through a robust product portfolio spanning both hardcore and lifestyle off-road vehicles. Looking ahead, this technology will be rolled out to an even wider range of models, allowing more consumers to experience four-wheel-drive performance at the price point of two-wheel drive—ushering in a new era of off-road driving for all.

This championship victory marks the maturation of GWM’s “All-powertrains, All-scenarios, All Users” technology strategy. Whether in the scorching deserts of the Middle East, the frigid terrains of Russia, or the environmentally regulated markets of Europe, GWM offers tailored solutions—leveraging the efficiency of Hi4 hybrid technology and the high-torque performance of its diesel powertrains.

 By testing its mass-produced vehicles on the rally field, GWM leverages its championship-grade quality to expand its presence in the global off-road market. Looking ahead, the company will continue to anchor its development in user needs, delivering more products that can endure extreme challenges—driving the rise of “intelligent manufacturing in China” across the world’s toughest landscapes.