The WEY Latte 1.5T (326 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid DHT, launched in July 2022, represents WEY’s entry into the competitive plug-in hybrid SUV market. WEY, a premium sub-brand of the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors, focuses on luxury and technology. The Latte is primarily marketed within China, positioned as a sophisticated and efficient SUV aimed at consumers seeking a blend of electric driving and the range security of a gasoline engine. While not currently sold in the United States, the Latte showcases the advancements in Chinese automotive engineering and the growing trend towards electrification in the global market.
WEY Latte 1.5T: A Detailed Overview
The Latte is a five-seater, five-door SUV designed to appeal to families and individuals prioritizing comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency. It utilizes WEY’s DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Technology) powertrain, a sophisticated system designed to optimize performance and minimize fuel consumption. The vehicle’s design language emphasizes a modern aesthetic, with a focus on both exterior styling and interior refinement. The Latte aims to provide a premium driving experience through its combination of electric power, gasoline engine, and advanced features.
Engine & Performance
The WEY Latte 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid DHT combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a 34 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) battery pack. The gasoline engine produces 156 Hp and 173.33 lb.-ft. of torque, boasting a power density of 104.1 Hp per liter. The electric motor contributes an additional 177 Hp and 221.27 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined, the system delivers a total output of 326 Hp and 390.91 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain is coupled with a unique 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), allowing for seamless transitions between electric, hybrid, and gasoline power modes. The Latte achieves a combined fuel consumption of just 0.48 l/100 km (490 US mpg, 588.5 UK mpg, 208.3 km/l) under WLTC testing, and can reach a maximum speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). The vehicle meets China VI emission standards.
Design & Features
The WEY Latte features a contemporary SUV design, characterized by sleek lines, a prominent grille, and modern lighting elements. The interior is designed with a focus on luxury and technology, incorporating high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. Key features include a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The battery pack is strategically located beneath the floor, maximizing interior space and contributing to a lower center of gravity for improved handling. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and a suite of active safety technologies designed to prevent collisions and enhance driver awareness. The Latte’s design reflects WEY’s commitment to providing a premium and technologically advanced SUV experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | WEY |
| Model | Latte |
| Generation | Latte |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5T (326 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid DHT |
| Start of production | July, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined WLTC) | 0.48 l/100 km (490 US mpg, 588.5 UK mpg, 208.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Gross battery capacity | 34 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTC) | 184 km (114.33 mi) |
| Electric motor power | 177 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Front, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 326 Hp |
| System torque | 530 Nm (390.91 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 156 Hp |
| Power per litre | 104.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 235 Nm (173.33 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GW4B15 |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VGT |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4668 mm (183.78 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Height | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2745 mm (108.07 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE and electric motor drive the front wheels in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 2 gears, automatic transmission DHT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
The WEY Latte 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid DHT represents a significant step forward in Chinese automotive technology, offering a compelling combination of efficiency, performance, and luxury. While its availability is currently limited to the Chinese market, it demonstrates the growing capabilities of Chinese automakers in the development of advanced powertrain technologies and sophisticated vehicle designs.
