GWM (Great Wall Motors) had one of the biggest success stories in Australian automotive last year when it saw sales figures increase 45.3% year-on-year. A large chunk of that success can be attributed to the Tank 300 which saw 1,932 sales on the year and 374 in December alone, enough to beat vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe (370) and Toyota Fortuner (344). Hardly surprising given it’s powerful, capable, and feature-packed.
The brand is fast becoming one of the most popular choices for offroaders and now the Tank 300 is going to be joined by the brand’s full-size 7-seater large SUV, the Tank 500, to compete against class-leaders like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. And as we’ve come to expect from the Chinese brands, it’s got a trick up its sleeve with a $66,490 drive-away price tag, undercutting the similarly spec’d Ford Everest Sport V6 (from $70,590 plus on-road costs) and Toyota Prado GXL (from AU$69,530 plus on-road costs).
RELATED: The GWM Tank 300 is a Retro Hybrid Off-Roader Destined for Australia.
Underpinning the GWM Tank 500 is a 2.0-litre turbo hybrid engine with a combined output of 255 kW and 648 Nm. This is mated to a 9-speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission (9HAT) paired with full-time 4WD. Fuel economy figures are stated at 8.5 L/100km combined and the Tank 500 offers a 3,000kg braked towing capacity and 750 kg unbraked.
These figures are on par with the competition, as are the approach, breakover, and departure angles which are almost identical to the Prado’s at 30°, 22.5°, and 24° respectively. The Tank 500 also gets multiple drive modes, low-range gearing, rear differential lock, turn assistance, and undercarriage protection as standard.
So how does it stand out? Well, off the spec sheet alone you could argue the standard interior appointments are better than those in the Prado and Everest, but we’re yet to test the Tank 500 so it’s hard to say whether the faux leather seats are comfortable for long drives or the 14.6-inch infotainment with wireless CarPlay and wired Android Auto is easy-to-use. For now, the jury is still out on the GWM Tank 500 until deliveries commence early in Q2, 2024.
Full Spec List for GWM Tank 500 in Australia
At the time of writing, we only have finalised pricing and specifications for the entry grade GWM Tank 500 Lux. Details about the top-spec Tank 500 Ultra will be revealed at a later date, but it’s said to include heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory and welcome function, heated and ventilated second row outer seats and electric folding 3rd row, and 12-speaker premium Infinity audio system.
GMW Tank 500 ‘Lux’ includes the following standard features:
- LED headlights with DRL + auto headlights
- 18” alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Body-coloured exterior door handles
- Sunroof
- Side steps – fixed
- Black Faux leather interior
- 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support
- 4-way manual front passenger seat
- Heated seats – front
- 14.6” multi-touch screen infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®Wired Android Auto™
- 8-speaker audio system
- 12.3” digital cluster
- Auto parking assist
- Auto Reversing Assistance
- 360° View Monitor + Clear chassis view
- Undercarriage protection plate
- Electronic rear diff lock
- Driving modes – Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud, etc
- 7 airbags
- RCTA + RCTBFCTA + FCTBLDW + LKA + LCK + ELK + LCAFCW + AEB (pedestrian + cyclist)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)ACC + Intelligent Turning
Colours for GMW Tank 500 Lux include:
- Marble White
- Onyx Silver Metallic ($595 option)
- Crystal Black Metallic ($595 option)
- Dune Gold ($595 option)
Interior trim options for the GWM Tank 500 include:
- Tank500 Lux– Black Faux leather interior
- Tank500 Ultra – Black or Blue/Cream* Nappa leather accented interior
*Only available with Marble White or Crystal Black exterior colours.
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