GWM has beaten Toyota to the punch with a large, three-row, hybrid off-roader.

    Deliveries of the GWM Tank 500 will begin early in the second quarter of 2024, with prices starting at $66,490 drive-away for the base Lux Hybrid.

    UPDATE, 13/02/2024 – GWM has published pricing for the Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid on its website. We’ve updated this article accordingly.

    The Ultra Hybrid is priced at $73,990 drive-away.

    As a body-on-frame hybrid SUV with seven seats, the Tank 500 has no direct competition. While the next-generation Toyota Prado due mid-year will offer a hybrid option, this hasn’t been locked in for Australia.

    Available in both Lux and Ultra grades, the Tank 500 will come with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque.

    It uses a nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission paired with a full-time four-wheel drive system.

    Off-road equipment includes an All-Terrain Control System with 11 drive modes, selectable low-range gearing, and a rear differential lock.

    The Tank 500 offers 224mm of ground clearance, with a wading depth of 800mm and approach, breakover and departure angles of 30 degrees, 22.5 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively.

    A ‘Clear Chassis Function’ also uses cameras to display a view of what’s under the vehicle.

    GWM claims combined cycle fuel economy of 8.5L/100km, with the Tank 500 featuring an 80L fuel tank.

    It also boasts braked towing capacity of 3000kg, and unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

    Specification highlights for the Lux include:

    • Automatic LED headlights
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Sunroof
    • Side steps
    • Black leatherette upholstery
    • 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
    • Heated front seats
    • 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay
    • Wired Android Auto
    • 8-speaker sound system
    • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • Semi-automatic parking assist
    • Surround-view camera with transparent chassis view
    • Electronic rear differential lock
    • Underbody protection

    The Ultra also includes:

    • Nappa leather upholstery
    • Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory and welcome function
    • 12-speaker Infinity sound system
    • Second-row window shades
    • Power-folding third row
    • 64-colour ambient lighting
    • Power side steps
    • Electronic front differential lock
    • Soft-close power tailgate

    All models have a full suite of safety equipment, which includes:

    • 7 airbags
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Autonomous emergency braking
    • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
    • Emergency lane-keep assist
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane centring
    • Front cross-traffic assist
    • Rear cross-traffic assist
    • Traffic sign recognition

    The Tank 500 will be offered in just four colours: Onyx Silver, Crystal Black, Dune Gold and Marble White, with all bar the latter costing an extra $595.

    Lux models come with a black leatherette interior, while the Ultra’s Nappa leather-accented interior can be had in either black or blue/cream colourways – the latter only with Marble White and Crystal Black exterior finishes.

    Pricing

    • 2024 GWM Tank 500 Lux: $66,490
    • 2024 GWM Tank 500 Ultra: $73,990

    All prices are drive-away.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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