Today’s drivers want everything. They want exciting performance. They want good fuel economy. And they want the security of all-wheel drive. For years, getting all three in one vehicle seemed impossible.
That’s where GWM’s innovative Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) system comes in. This technology is designed to solve this problem once and for all.
In this guide, we’ll break down the GWM Hi4 system’s smart P2+P4 design. We’ll look at its real benefits and show you how it changes what you can expect from a hybrid vehicle.
What is GWM Hi4?
The Hi4 system represents a major change in hybrid design. It delivers performance and capability without hurting efficiency.
Understanding ‘Hi4’
The name “Hi4” means Hybrid Intelligent 4WD. The goal is simple: give you the benefits of a complex dual-motor system with the cost and ease of a single-motor setup.
People often ask on forums like Reddit’s r/cars, “Is this just another name for standard AWD hybrid?”
The answer is no. Many e-AWD systems use a small, weak rear motor mainly for low-speed help. GWM’s Hi4 uses a powerful P4 rear motor as a main drive unit. This completely changes how the vehicle performs in all conditions.
The Core Philosophy
The Hi4 system works with what GWM calls “three engines” and “nine modes.” This means the gas engine, the P2 front motor, and the P4 rear motor work together across different driving situations.
This flexible design allows for the best power distribution at all times.
This approach is so innovative that GWM earned over 115 patents for Hi4 technology. This shows its unique position in the market.
It’s the world’s first mainstream series-parallel hybrid 4WD system. It sets a new standard that competitors must now follow.
The P2+P4 Architecture
To really understand Hi4, we need to look at its technical core: the P2+P4 hybrid design. This layout is the key to its unique mix of power, efficiency, and all-wheel drive ability.
The Front Axle Powertrain
The front axle has a highly efficient 1.5L turbocharged gas engine. This engine works directly with a P2 electric motor.
The P2 motor does many jobs. It provides instant power to completely remove any turbo lag from the engine. This ensures smooth and immediate power delivery.
In some modes, it acts as the main generator. It converts the engine’s mechanical energy into electricity. It also works with the engine to deliver maximum combined power to the front wheels during hard acceleration.
For those interested in the engineering details, the principles behind this setup are a key part of modern powertrain design. You can learn more about the detailed P2 hybrid architecture from technical overviews published by industry authorities.
The Rear Axle Powertrain
The rear axle features the system’s game-changer: a powerful, independently controlled P4 electric motor. This motor only drives the rear wheels.
This independent rear motor is the “Intelligent” part of Hybrid Intelligent 4WD. It lets the vehicle run in pure electric, rear-wheel-drive mode for silent city driving.
More importantly, it works with the front axle to provide instant, precisely controlled four-wheel drive power.
We’ve seen in test drives that the instant power from this P4 motor provides a confident push from the rear during acceleration and on slippery surfaces. It feels completely different from the front-wheel-drive systems common in this class.
How They Work Together
The genius of the Hi4 system is how these three power sources are managed. A smart control unit seamlessly coordinates their operation. This ensures the vehicle is always in the best mode for current driving needs.
|
Component |
Primary Role(s) |
Key Benefit |
|
Engine (ICE) |
Main power source for high speed; Charges battery |
Efficient long-distance cruising |
|
P2 Motor |
Power assist; Generator; Smooths engine operation |
Eliminates turbo lag; Efficient energy recovery |
|
P4 Motor |
Primary EV drive; Instant 4WD torque; Power boost |
Pure electric driving; Superior traction |
Unlike many competitors who use a simple, single-speed power-split device, GWM’s Hi4 uses a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
This 2-speed design is a key difference. It allows the engine to operate in its most efficient RPM range more often. This happens both when driving the wheels directly and when acting as a generator. This significantly improves overall fuel economy, especially during mixed driving.
The “Magic Triangle”
The Hi4 system’s technical excellence creates a “magic triangle” of real benefits: performance, efficiency, and all-weather 4WD capability. We can see this best by looking at common driving situations.
Scenario 1: City Driving
In urban areas and traffic jams, the Hi4 system works mainly in Pure EV or Series Mode.
The powerful P4 rear motor drives the car silently and efficiently. This delivers a pure electric vehicle experience. The engine stays off, saving fuel and eliminating emissions.
If the battery charge gets low, the system smoothly switches to Series Mode. The engine starts up but stays mechanically disconnected from the wheels. It runs at a steady, optimal RPM to power the P2 motor, which acts as a generator. This sends electricity directly to the P4 motor and recharges the battery.
The benefit is maximum fuel efficiency, whisper-quiet operation, and the instant response of a dedicated EV.
Scenario 2: Highway Overtaking
When you need a burst of power for highway merging or spirited driving, the system uses Parallel Hybrid Mode.
In this mode, all three power sources work together for maximum output. The gas engine and the P2 motor combine to power the front wheels. Meanwhile, the P4 motor powers the rear wheels at the same time.
This “all-in” approach delivers exciting acceleration and incredibly stable handling. The power delivery isn’t just FWD with rear assist. It’s true four-wheel drive power that actively pulls and pushes the vehicle forward.
This mode’s effectiveness is clear. As shown in a high-performance test by automotive journalists, GWM models with Hi4 technology achieved 0-100 km/h times much faster than their non-hybrid versions.
Scenario 3: Slippery Conditions
On gravel roads, in heavy rain, or during snowy conditions, the system’s Intelligent 4WD Mode takes center stage.
Advanced sensors monitor wheel speed, steering angle, and vehicle movement hundreds of times per second. If any wheel slip is detected, the central computer reacts in milliseconds.
It instantly and precisely distributes power between the front and rear axles. It does this by adjusting the power sent to the P4 rear motor. This is a proactive system, not a reactive one.
The real benefit is superior stability and safety. It anticipates and prevents traction loss before the driver even notices. This provides a level of confidence that reactive slip-and-grip systems cannot match.
The system’s speed is remarkable. It can adjust the front-to-rear power distribution in as little as 20 milliseconds. This provides a nearly instant response to changing road conditions.
Real-World Application
GWM is quickly using this advanced technology across its model range. They tailor it to suit the specific needs of different vehicles and drivers.
GWM Models with Hi4
The Hi4 system is a cornerstone of GWM’s new energy vehicle strategy. You’ll find it in key models, including:
• GWM Haval B07 (representing the next-generation family SUV)
• GWM Tank 300, 400, and 500 Hi4-T variants
The technology is smartly tuned for each application. In a family SUV like a Haval, the system is optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth, safe all-weather driving.
In a dedicated off-roader like the GWM Tank, the Hi4-T (the ‘T’ stands for Turbo) version is tuned for maximum power, robust performance, and superior control in difficult terrain.
Hi4 vs. The Competition
When compared to key rivals, the architectural differences of the Hi4 system become clear.
Against Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, found in models like the RAV4 Hybrid, the difference is power. Toyota’s e-AWD typically uses a smaller, less powerful rear motor for low-speed help. In contrast, Hi4’s permanent magnet P4 motor is a primary drive unit. It offers much more power for true 4WD performance.
When looking at a strong competitor like BYD with its DM-i and DM-p systems, the focus is different. Automotive analysts note that while both GWM and BYD offer compelling solutions, GWM’s Hi4 architecture works particularly well for larger SUVs and off-road vehicles. These are vehicles where robust, full-time 4WD capability is essential.
Enhancing Your Hi4 GWM
The Hi4 system provides an incredible electronic foundation for traction and off-road control. For owners of capable models like the Tank 300 who want to maximize its mechanical grip and utility, the right accessories are key.
For those looking to push their GWM’s capabilities even further on trails and adventures, specialized equipment can make a world of difference. Quality off-road accessories complement the Hi4 system’s intelligent power delivery. For a curated selection of parts specifically for GWM vehicles, we recommend exploring GWM-parts – EVparts4x4, which offers upgrades designed to enhance models like the Tank 300.
The Verdict
So, is GWM’s Hi4 the future of mainstream hybrids? By intelligently solving the core conflict between performance, efficiency, and capability, it makes a very strong case.
Key Takeaways
The Hi4 system’s advantages are clear and compelling.
• No Compromise: It successfully delivers strong performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and true, capable 4WD.
• Smarter Design: The clever P2+P4 architecture provides the benefits of a dual-motor system without the associated cost and complexity.
• Versatile Power: The system seamlessly adapts to any driving condition. From silent city cruising to powerful highway overtaking and technical off-roading.
• Proactive Safety: Intelligent, high-speed power distribution provides superior stability and control in all weather conditions.
A Forward-Looking Technology
Ultimately, the GWM Hi4 hybrid system explained is more than just an impressive engineering exercise. It’s a direct and compelling answer to the complex demands of modern drivers.
By refusing to compromise, GWM has created a hybrid system that is not only highly capable but also sets a new, higher standard. This is what we should expect from mainstream hybrid SUVs and 4x4s in the years to come.
