GWM Tank 500

The cabin of the GWM Tank 500 HEV gets plush Nappa leather seats with quilted stitching, extending to the door panels and dashboard. Contrasting soft-touch materials, including black and tan leather with pale stitching, enhance the upscale feel. While the wood-look trim adds visual interest, it may feel like plastic upon closer inspection. Glossy piano black and brushed chrome accents are used throughout, contributing to the sophisticated ambiance.

Front seats are eight-way power-adjustable with heating, ventilation, and an eight-point massage function. The second row offers ample legroom, reclining seats, and ventilation controls. The third row provides adequate space for shorter journeys. But it’s more suitable for children.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV comes with a three-zone automatic climate control system with a PM2.5 air filtration system.

Pros and Cons

Pros: High-quality cabin

Cons: Not much space in the third row

Features and Technology

The dashboard of the GWM Tank 500 HEV is dominated by a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This expansive display serves as the central hub for various functions, including entertainment, climate control, and drive mode selection. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The interface is user-friendly. But some core controls, like volume adjustment, are accessible only through sub-menus, which may require some acclimatization. The infotainment is connected to a premium 12-speaker Harman Infinity audio system.

Drivers of the GWM Tank 500 HEV benefit from a comprehensive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a clear, customizable format. A head-up display unit projects key data, like speed and navigation cues, onto the windshield.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV also comes with several intelligent systems that enhance driving experience, including voice-controlled drive-mode switching. It allows drivers to change driving modes using voice commands, facilitating hands-free operation.

Pros and cons

Pros: Comprehensive infotainment system

Cons: Complex control interface

Boot Space and Storage

With all rows up, the GWM Tank 500 HEV gets 98 litres of boot space. With the third row folded, cabin space expands to 795 liters. With the two last rows folded, the SUV gets a massive 1,459-liter boot space. 

Passengers on the front row get a spacious central console with ample storage compartments. There’s a retractable storage area behind the gear lever. There’s a generous glovebox and door bins. The sliding and reclining middle-row seats enhance comfort and access. Features include USB-C charging ports, dedicated air vents with climate controls, and ventilated seats. 

The third row gets electrically foldable seats with roof-mounted air vents. Underfloor storage compartments and side cubbies provide extra space for smaller items. A 220V power socket in the boot area allows for convenient charging of devices 

Pros and Cons

Pros: Multiple in-cabin storage options 

Cons: Limited boot capacity with all rows up

The GWM Tank 500 HEV measures 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. 

The GWM Tank 500 HEV gets a commanding and luxurious exterior design that seamlessly blends rugged off-road capability with upscale styling. The front is dominated by a large, chrome-plated grille with horizontal slats, inspired by classical Chinese architecture. This design improves air intake performance and thermal heat dissipation. Flanking the grille are dual eye-shaped Matrix headlights that automatically switch between high and low beams. The car gets all-around LED lighting. The fog lamps are integrated into the lower bumper and provide additional illumination in bad weather conditions.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV comes with electric side-step bars that automatically extend upon door opening and retract when closed, facilitating easy entry and exit. The multi-spoke 20-inch chrome alloy wheels enhance the vehicle's aesthetic appeal and also contribute to its robust stance. The chrome detailing extends to the window surrounds and door handles, adding a touch of sophistication to the SUV's profile. Functional roof rails provide additional utility for carrying extra cargo or sporting equipment.

Emphasizing its off-road readiness, the GWM Tank 500 HEV comes with a rear-mounted spare tire with a body-colored cover. It saves storage space. Positioned low on the rear, the vertical taillights are flanked by chrome accents, enhancing visibility and adding to the vehicle's stylish rear profile. The hydraulic hydraulic tailgate swings out. It’s equipped with a hydraulic shock absorber to aid in smooth opening and closing.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV is available in Crystal Gray, Hamilton White, and Sun Black colour options in Malaysia. 

Pros and Cons

Pros: Commanding presence

Cons: Design familiarity

The GWM Tank 500 HEV returns a real-life mileage of 7.14–8.33kmpl in urban conditions. On highways, the mileage is around 9.52–10.53kmpl, depending on driving habits and terrain. Under mixed conditions, the GWM Tank 500 HEV returns a mileage between 7.41–8.55kmpl.

Pros and cons

Pros: Robust performance

Cons: Limited electric-only range

The GWM Tank 500 HEV is mounted on a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension setup that balances comfort and control. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp handling, which suits the vehicle's size and intended usage. Despite the SUV’s body-on-frame construction, the suspension tuning does a commendable job of minimizing body roll and stabilizing the ride over rough terrain. Off-road capability is further enhanced with adaptive damping, although it lacks air suspension found in more premium European rivals.

The ground clearance and travel are more than adequate for light to moderate off-roading, and the SUV feels stable even when transitioning from highways to gravel or dirt tracks.

The vehicle offers a plush and quiet cabin, with superb insulation from road noise, thanks in part to its build quality and acoustic glass.

Pros: Comfortable ride 

Cons: No air suspension

The GWM Tank 500 HEV is hauled by a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission (AT). The hybrid setup comprises of a 78kW electric motor. The combined output of the powertrain is 347PS/648Nm. The setup enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 8.3 seconds, which is commendable for a vehicle weighing more than 2.6 tons.

On city roads, the hybrid system allows for silent start and low-speed cruising, eliminating the typical diesel clatter associated with large SUVs. Despite its size, the GWM Tank 500 HEV is relatively easy to navigate through urban traffic, courtesy the light steering wheel.

On highways, the GWM Tank 500 HEV maintains composure. The cabin insulation is effective, minimizing wind and road noise, contributing to a serene driving experience.

Pros: Potent powertrain

Cons: Hybrid system hesitation

Built with high-strength steel, the GWM Tank 500 HEV's structure is designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy effectively. It comes equipped with seven airbags providing comprehensive protection for all occupants. The SUV gets a 360-degree surround-view camera system, providing drivers with a comprehensive view of their surroundings. The system is complemented by 12 parking sensors and an auto parking-assist feature.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV is equipped with Level 2 driver-assist features that include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert and also driver fatigue monitoring.

Pros and cons

Pros: Robust structural design

Cons: Over-sensitive safety alerts

Competitor Comparison

The Toyota Fortuner is a close competitor of the GWM Tank 500 HEV in the Malaysian market. Both are rugged, seven-passenger SUVs but cater to slightly different buyers. The Tank 500 HEV offers a more luxurious experience with a powerful hybrid drivetrain, premium Nappa leather, and advanced tech like a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. The Toyota Fortuner, known for reliability and proven off-road capability, uses a diesel powertrain with simpler cabin features. While the Fortuner appeals to traditional SUV users seeking durability, the Tank 500 targets modern buyers desiring hybrid efficiency, luxury, and comprehensive driver assistance systems in a large SUV.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The GWM Tank 500 HEV blends luxury, performance, and hybrid efficiency in a commanding package. With its spacious cabin, premium features, and impressive off-road capabilities, it challenges established rivals like the Toyota Fortuner. While third-row space and boot practicality in seven-seat mode are limited, it excels in comfort and tech. For buyers seeking a modern, feature-rich SUV with green credentials, the GWM Tank 500 HEV is a compelling choice.