GWM has introduced a pure beast, as the all-new Tank 500 Hybrid SUV offers a combination of elegance, advanced technology and exceptional off-road capability. 

This newest addition to the GWM line-up epitomises luxury, innovation and exceptional build quality. The Tank 500 is the latest in the series of new GWM vehicles to be introduced in southern Africa. 

As the flagship model, the Tank 500 stands as a true testament to the growth of GWM as a manufacturer of world-class luxury vehicles. The Tank 500 HEV is a technological tour de force with advanced features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety, on and off-road driving capabilities and ease of use. 

“The Tank 500 Hybrid SUV represents the pinnacle of GWM’s design and engineering efforts. It is the culmination of vehicle development process, which combines the know-how of the group’s research and development centres in China, the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia and India,” said Kevin Li, newly-appointed MD for GWM South Africa. 

The Tank 500 HEV is a large seven-seater SUV that exudes both elegance, luxury and functionality. 

Equally at home in the city and on rugged terrain, the Tank 500 represents the coming together of premium materials, cutting-edge technology and unbeatable performance, setting a new standard for luxury SUVs in this segment.

 Under the bonnet, the Tank 500 boasts a Direct-Injection, 2.0-Litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powerplant, combined with the latest in electric driving technology, and delivering a combined 255kW of power and an eye-watering 648Nm of torque. This SUV can tow up to 2.5 tonnes, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 8.3 seconds, despite its robust 2 605kg weight.

 Its advanced 9-Speed automatic gearbox, combined with 11 All-Terrain driving modes, ensures it can navigate any terrain. The Tank 500 HEV boasts an ultra-luxurious interior, which is customisable to suite every driver’s preference. 

A 14.6-inch multi-media touchscreen display dominates the interior of the Tank 500. The Tank’s user interface offers the option of both tactile physical buttons as well as touch screen controls for high use features such as air-conditioning, infotainment, and drive mode selection. 

The Nappa leather-accented seats are heated and ventilated for the driver and front passenger with an eight-Point Massage feature. Both seats can be electronically adjusted to the ideal driving position for long journeys, with three memory settings for the driver as well as the passenger. 

The second-row passengers enjoy similar comforts with reclining seat backs, two-way adjustable headrests, separate climate control, seat cooling, and charging points. Second row legroom can be improved by sliding the seats backwards if there are no third-row passengers. 

The third-row seats can be folded or raised electronically, and have their own roof-mounted aircon vents. The interior of the Tank 500 really comes alive at night with a star theme-lit dashboard panel ahead of the front passenger providing a welcome addition to the ambience. There is unlimited customisation of the ambient lighting system, which can be set to the rhythm of music from the sound system. 

Soft light emanates from the multi-media touchscreen, virtual instrument cluster, and buttons around the gear selector to give the interior an exceptionally classy and luxurious feel. The Tank 500 has a lushly-upholstered luggage area with a luggage cover and tinted windows for added security. Luggage space is cavernous at 795L with the third row of seats folded, and 1459L with both back rows of seats folded flat. 

The Tank 500 also offers a 360-Degree Camera, Auto Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning systems provide a complete view of what’s ahead, behind, and beside you, enhancing your driving experience and safety on the road. At the heart of GWM’s electrification strategy is its Dedicated Hybrid Technology. 

Each Petrol-Electric Hybrid Engine is highly-integrated and features a robust lithium-ion battery, enhancing performance and efficiency while reducing noise. The multi-Mode Hybrid transmission offers smooth, fuel-efficient starts and impressive acceleration, reaching 100km/h in 8.3 seconds.