GWM’s Hi4 intelligent all-wheel-drive hybrid system has been honored with the Grand Prize at the 2025 Science and Technology Award by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (China SAE). The recognition marks the first time in more than three decades that a hybrid system has claimed the country’s highest automotive engineering accolade.
The award acknowledges GWM’s leadership in hybrid powertrain development and underlines the company’s commitment to delivering world-class performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
The Hi4 system introduces what GWM refers to as the world’s first twin-motor, multi-gear series-parallel four-wheel-drive architecture. It features three power sources and nine intelligent operating modes. According to GWM, the system adapts smoothly across both everyday driving and extreme off-road conditions, delivering faster, smoother, and quieter performance.
Central to the Hi4’s design is an intelligent terrain recognition capability that can identify up to thirty-two different off-road surfaces and three urban driving scenarios with an almost 100% accuracy rating. The system automatically adjusts power distribution to suit changing driving conditions. Meanwhile, a dedicated high-protection battery pack ensures consistent performance even at high operating temperatures, emphasising the brand’s focus on improving safety and durability.
GWM shares that since the Hi4’s introduction in May 2023, its vehicles equipped with the system have achieved global cumulative sales of around 410,000 units by the end of 2024. In China, the system has bolstered GWM’s position in the new-energy off-road segment, registering a growing market share of 10% in 2020 to 52% in 2024. Elsewhere around the world, GWM has identified Australia and New Zealand as key growth markets for its Hi4-equipped models.
“This award reaffirms GWM’s unwavering focus on innovation, leadership, and excellence in technology. Hi4 represents not just a new hybrid system, but a new era in intelligent and efficient four-wheel-drive mobility,” shared Steve Maciver, Head of Marketing Communications for GWM Australia and New Zealand.
