GWM Tank 500 HEV launched in Malaysia – 7-seat luxury hybrid 4×4, 346 PS, 648 Nm; RM328,800 OTR

Next on the list of debuts at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 is the GWM Tank 500 HEV, finally launched in Malaysia. The seven-seater luxury hybrid 4×4 was first shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in December and previewed again last month, so really, the big news here is the official pricing.

That long-awaited figure is RM328,800 on-the-road without insurance for the sole full-spec variant offered in Malaysia. The car is assembled in Thailand at the Chinese carmaker’s Rayong plant.

Specifications are as per what was shown previously, with the car coming in Thailand’s flagship Ultra trim. Power comes from a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 244 PS from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm, mated to a 106 PS/268 Nm electric motor and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Total output is rated at 346 PS and 648 Nm, routed through all four wheels through a switchable four-wheel-drive system.

There’s also a good deal of off-roading tech on board, such as front (exclusive to the Ultra model) and rear electronic locking differentials , a mechanical centre locker, off-road cruise control, a water depth detection function and a “tank turn” function that locks the inside rear wheel for tighter U-turns. You also get a total of 11 drive modes to choose from (four on-road, seven off-road) and a maximum water-wading depth of 800 mm.

Measuring 5,078 mm long (4,878 mm without the standard-fit external spare tyre), 1,934 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall – with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm – the Tank 500 sits between the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest in terms of size. However, its technical specs and appointments put it one rung above these one-tonne pick-up truck-based SUVs, being closer in ethos to the more sophisticated Toyota Land Cruiser 300.

Just like its competitors, the Tank 500 rides on a ladder frame construction and features distinctly Americana styling, led by a massive chrome grille flanked by triangular LED projector headlights. The bumper, meanwhile, features full-width U-shaped chrome trim topped by LED fog light strips.

Moving to the side, the smooth fender flares provide the Tank 500 with a more sophisticated and less rugged look compared to the smaller Jeep-inspired Tank 300, even though its off-roading prowess is hardly diminished. Up top, the upright glasshouse features chrome window trim that thickens towards the rear, emphasising the strong D-pillars and subtle window line kink.

The rear of the Tank 500 is pure 4×4, with a sideways-opening (non-powered, but with soft-close) tailgate and a full-size spare tyre, along with slim vertical taillights. Standard kit includes roof rails, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 265/50R20 Continental CrossContact RX tyres and power-deployable side steps.

Inside, the Tank 500 is exceedingly plush, upholstered in quilted Nappa leather. The wide, rectangular dashboard is lined with faux wood trim and houses both a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Below the centre screen is an analogue clock sitting between the air vents, with a welcome row of climate control buttons underneath. There’s also a Qi wireless charger, a pistol-style gearlever and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system.

Other bits of kit include power-adjustable front seats (eight-way for driver, six-way for passenger) with memory, first- and second-row ventilation, power-folding and unfolding third-row seats, triple-zone climate control, an air ioniser, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system with a transparency function, park assist and a soft-close side-opening tailgate.

The Tank 500 also comes with a full complement of driver assists as standard, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, curve speed reduction, a “wisdom dodge” system that moves over for large vehicles and motorcycles, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and a door opening warning. Six airbags and stability control are fitted.

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