GWM Poer KingKong: A Bold Chinese Pick-Up with American-inspired Design
Next to the GWM Poer KingKong, it is clear why the brand picked such a striking name. The vehicle spans more than 5.6 meters in length, making it notably longer than popular pickups like the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi L200. It sits firmly in the category of a real light truck with a utilitarian mission and modern conveniences for everyday driving.
In conversations among enthusiasts, one observer quipped that the KingKong resembles a Ford F-150 but appears as though it arrived from AliExpress. This playful comment captures the fusion of Western pickup cues with a Chinese design language. The grille, headlights, and front bumper align with that workhorse aesthetic, while hood graphics reinforce a rugged, mass-forward profile. A curved side crease visually segments the body into three parts, lending heft to the overall silhouette. Beyond style, the KingKong remains a practical workhorse, equipped with an app for easier navigation and vehicle management.
On Moscow-area asphalt, the KingKong proves surprisingly agile. Sharp steering is accompanied by noticeable body roll in fast maneuvers, reminiscent of a deer test. In emergencies, the chassis stabilization and an electronic braking boost provide a safety net, functioning as ESP features to assist the driver in challenging conditions.
The suspension handles minor irregularities with ease but becomes coarse over serious potholes. A defining trait of this class is its unloaded rear leaf-spring setup, which tends to squat when the bed is empty. With cargo on board, the KingKong settles into a more confident stance behind the wheel, delivering steadier handling and better on-road composure.
Payload capacity reaches 975 kg, a figure that surpasses the Toyota Hilux and DongFeng DF6 and rivals the Mitsubishi L200, Isuzu D-Max, and JAC T6. Learners quickly acclimate to the vehicle’s dimensions in the forward view, yet the rear end remains a bit more challenging to judge from the cabin. The cargo bed length reaches 1820 mm, and to assist maneuvering, the model is equipped with parking sensors and a surround-view system for tight spaces.
Inside, occupants enjoy a quiet cabin with comfortable sound insulation, creating a sense of premium refinement. The cockpit blends minimalism with a touch of style: bold control keys, Renault Duster-inspired air deflectors, soft-touch materials, and a leather-trimmed interior in a refined configuration. A large heated steering wheel and multiple nooks for small items, along with two digital screens, complete the setup. The multimedia system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
The cabin offers ample space for large passengers. Even someone around 180 cm tall will find headroom in the rear seats adequate. Some ergonomic traits common to Chinese pickups appear, such as a fixed steering wheel with poor tilt adjustment and a pillar intrusion when the driver turns their head to the left. The climate control system behaves like a single-zone unit, and while the engine start button exists in some markets, a key or plug-type start remains the norm in this region. A panoramic sunroof is offered in other markets, but it is not yet available locally, limiting some open-air experience benefits for certain configurations.
GWM plans to offer a range of accessories for the KingKong, including a kennel-like cargo hold option and an additional hatch for specialized use. The engine lineup comprises two turbocharged two-liter options: a diesel producing 150 horsepower and 400 Nm, and a gasoline variant delivering 190 horsepower and 360 Nm. The diesel fuel economy sits around 9.4 L per 100 km, a figure carried from the Great Wall Poer lineage, which has been present in related markets since 2021. The gasoline engine is less economical, closer to 12 L per 100 km, yet it delivers strong torque and confident acceleration when needed. Both engines pair with a six-speed manual and a single-plate clutch. The gear ratios from second through sixth gears are similar for both engines, while the diesel engine uses higher first and reverse ratios, aiding heavy-load pulling and off-road work.
Automatic transmissions are available in China but are not planned for this market yet. Company representatives note that automatic versions would carry a higher price tag and may appear later. All KingKong models feature Part-Time four-wheel drive with a rigid front axle and a BorgWarner transfer case. In normal road and light terrain, rear-wheel drive in 2H mode is preferred, while 4H and 4L modes step in for tougher sections. Three large buttons on the center console switch between drive modes for quick adaptation to conditions.
The off-road capability shines in 4L, where the driver spends most time climbing steep slopes and negotiating deep ruts. The KingKong is prepared for snorkel installation to further improve water fording and dust protection on challenging routes. In 4L, downshifting boosts torque by roughly 2.5 times, and the system supports controlled descents with auto-downhill functionality. Initially, towing heavy loads by hand and testing sand-filled tires may feel adventurous, but the vehicle settles into a patient pace on longer, rugged journeys. For a novice, stepping back from the brake can be a challenge, but the KingKong’s systems take care of the descent with careful throttle input.
Price for the new GWM Poer KingKong starts around 2.8 million rubles, climbing toward 3 million depending on the chosen configuration. When questioned about anticipated sales volume, the Chinese automaker emphasized the model’s niche positioning. The target audience is described as middle-aged professionals in agriculture and maintenance, as well as corporate buyers. There are no plans to localize the model for Russia, which aligns with a relatively small pickup-truck market in the country, roughly around one thousand units per month. Sources from a recent auto review note these plans in the context of regional demand and distributor strategy, with the understanding that market conditions will guide any future decisions.