GWM Tank 500 hybrid SUV debuts in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: At the ongoing 44th Bangkok International Motor Show, the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors unveils its first flagship vehicle under the TANK brand, called the GWM Tank 500. The latest Chinese model is a three-row hybrid SUV that rivals the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The pre-bookings of the two versions (Ultra and Pro) of the Tank 500 are now underway in the Land of Smiles, however, the price is yet to be revealed. For reference, the luxury SUV retails between CNY 335,000 (RM 216,000) and CNY 395,000 (RM 255,000) in China. The deliveries of the vehicle are slated to commence in July this year.

Let’s check out the key highlights of the GWM Tank 500 hybrid SUV -

• The SUV measures 5,070 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 2,850 mm
• It underpins the Tank hybrid platform combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor generating a total system output of 350 PS and a peak torque of 616 Nm 
• Also part of the mechanical setup is a nine-speed HAT (Hydraulic Automatic Transmission), front and rear electric differential locks, a selectable four-wheel-drive system, and 11 driving modes 

• Suspension is taken care of by a double-wishbone system at the front and a multi-link unit at the rear, ensuring a comfortable experience on urban and off-road roads
• The SUV boasts a transparent body, helping drivers grasp road conditions quickly by 
• detecting the environment around it with the help of cameras
• Depending on the variant, the SUV comes equipped with automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, LED fog lights, power-retractable side steps, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-speaker sound system, paddle shifters, autonomous emergency braking, reverse camera, powered front seats, and adaptive cruise control

After Thailand, GWM is expected to introduce the Tank 500 in other ASEAN countries, and Malaysia could also be a potential candidate.

Also read: GWM aims to become an xEV leader in Malaysia; will launch 9 models