2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid confirmed for Australia
A value-packed and rugged new four-wheel drive will land on Australian roads very soon to take the fight to one of the most popular vehicles in the nation.
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A new alternative to the Toyota Prado has arrived.
Booming Chinese brand GWM – formerly Great Wall Motors – has confirmed its Tank 500 will arrive in local showrooms in the coming months.
Prices for the two-tier model line up start at $66,490 for the Lux grade. Prices for the higher-spec Ultra will be confirmed later.
The seven-seat Tank 500 eschews diesel power in favour of hybrid petrol-electric grunt. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor and small battery to produce combined outputs of 255kW and 648Nm. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
GWM uses the same set-up in its smaller Tank 300 Hybrid four-wheel drive.
The Chinese maker says the Tank 500 will drink 8.5L/100km and has a braked towing capacity of 3000kg.
The Tank 500’s starting price puts it up against the cheapest Toyota Prado GX, which is a fairly bare bones proposition.
The Tank 500 Lux promises to come loaded with faux leather seats that are heated up front, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and rear privacy glass.
A giant 14.6-inch infotainment screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s complemented by a a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
It’ll be able to handle the rough stuff, with 11 driving modes including Snow, Sand, Rock and Mud. Other off-road gear includes under body protection, an electronic rear differential lock, high and low gears, 224mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of up to 800mm and generous approach and departure angles.
Additional hi-tech features include a 360-degree camera and a “Clear Chassis” function that allows you to see what’s going on under the car.
Ultra grades bump up the standard equipment list with desirable items such as heated and ventilated seats in the front and second row, massaging front seats, a 12-speaker Infinity stereo and plush Nappa leather-accented upholstery.
Originally published as 2024 GWM Tank 500 Hybrid confirmed for Australia
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