GWM Tank 500 HEV – seven-seat luxury 2.0T hybrid SUV shown again in Malaysia ahead of official debut

Following the opening of the order books for the GWM Tank 500 earlier this week, Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has offered another showcase viewing of the upcoming SUV, doing so at its media night earlier this evening. This is the second time the seven-seat body-on-frame offering has been shown here, the first being at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) last December.

As previously indicated, the Tank 500, which measures in at 5,078 mm long, 1,934 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm-long wheelbase, will arrive here in its parallel hybrid (non-plug-in) form, similar to how it is offered in Thailand.

Estimated selling price for it has also been indicated, with the model expected to go for below RM350,000. While Thailand has two variants, a base Pro and range-topping Ultra, we should only see the fully-loaded variant heading our way, given the indicative pricing and communication points highlighted for the model thus far, not to mention the absence of the base model among the display vehicles today.

The HEV’s powertrain set-up consists of a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill putting out 244 PS from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm, paired with a 106 PS/268 Nm electric motor to deliver a combined output of 346 PS and 648 Nm. Power is to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic HAT (Hydraulic Automatic Transmission) and accompanying selectable four-wheel drive system.

Mechanical highlights include 11 driving modes (four on-road, seven off-road) as a mechanical locking centre differential. Other standard fit features include a “tank turn” function, off-road cruise control, front and rear electric differential locks, a wading mode and a water depth detection feature.

There’s also a Body Transparent System, which uses cameras to provide imaging under and in front of the vehicle to aid the driver when navigating challenging terrain. Relevant numbers include a 224 mm ground clearance and an 800 mm wading depth capability.

As for equipment levels, the kit list should largely mirror that seen on the Thai Ultra version. Standard fit items include automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, roof rails, a powered tailgate, power retractable side steps, a panoramic sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of interior kit, the Tank 500 comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, powered front seats (eight-way adjustable driver, four-way passenger) with both massage and ventilation functions along with quilted Nappa leather upholstery.

Also to be found are a triple-zone climate control system, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, a head-up display, a wireless charger, second-row sunshades as well as third-row powered backrests, with buttons by the boot allowing users to fold and unfold the third-row seats electrically.

For safety and driving assistance kit, the list includes six airbags and a raft of items under its comprehensive ADAS suite, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane leeping and lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring and front/rear cross traffic alert with auto brake. Three exterior colours will be available for our market, these being Crystal Gray, Hamilton White and Sun Black.

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