GWM Tank 500 HEV Launched in Thailand – 2.0L Turbo Hybrid, Three-Row 4X4 SUV

The Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) 2023 once again bears witness to the launch of an all-new model into the Thai marketspace, as Great Wall Motor (GWM) has unveiled the all-new Tank 500 HEV. This three-row luxury SUV is the latest product under GWM’s Tank sub-brand.

The Thai-bound Tank 500 will come in two versions, namely the Ultra and Pro, with the main difference between those two being mostly cosmetic. Measuring 5,070 MM long (including the spare tyre cover), 1,934 MM wide and 1,905 MM tall, the Tank 500 is about the same size as the Toyota Land Cruiser or Hyundai Palisade.

Powering this three-row SUV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill that works in-tandem with a single hybrid electric motor setup to deliver 345 HP and 616 NM. Power is then delivered to all four wheels via  a nine-speed hydraulic automatic transmission (HAT), with the car’s proprietary all-wheel drive (AWD) system featuring up to 11 selectable driving modes.

Said AWD system comes with front and rear electronic differential locks that provides the Tank 500 with better off-roading capabilities. Supplemented this is a tank turn function that utilises the braking force to reduce the car’s turning radius, a novel off-road cruise control system, water wading depth detection, as well as Body Transparent Mode, where few exterior cameras are being used to project the road image under and in front of the car for better visibility.

Visually, the Tank 500 boasts the typical boxy-style SUV look, while featuring some premium touches. The chromed-up front grille, paired with the flanking LED headlights and LED fog lamps give the Tank 500 a very handsome front fascia. On the side, this massive SUV rides on equally-massive 20-inch alloy wheels with multi-spoke design, finished in silver. There’s also power retractable side steps to help you jump into this high-riding, off-road-ready 4x4.

Although not featured in the photo, the Thai-spec Tank 500 will come with spare tyre hub and cover at the rear part, giving it a very outdoor-sy feel and look, aside from being a pretty practical addition. Present also is the vertical LED taillights, plus the corrugated low skid plate – also finished in silver hue.

On board, this rugged SUV sports a slew of tech equipment and luxury amenities, headlined by the massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and complemented by a 12-speaker sound system. Drivers will get a sizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel with powered adjustment function and paddle shifters, for good measure.

The luxury amenities list includes items like the Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats with memory function for the driver’s side, second-row sunshades, as well as powered backrests for the third-row seats – making them easier to fold down for much bigger cargo space.

On the safety front, the Tank 500 comes standard with both reverse parking camera and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). Meanwhile, the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is special only to the range-topping Pro spec.

The GWM Tank 500 HEV is now open for pre-booking in Thailand with an undisclosed price tag – making the Kingdom the first ASEAN regional market to officially obtain this full-size SUV. For references, the GWM Tank 500 price in China is ranging from CNY 335,000 to 395,000 (approx. RM216,975 to RM255,837).

Although the Tank 500 is about the same size as the Land Cruiser, the second best bet officially available in Malaysia is the smaller Toyota Fortuner. Should GWM plans to bring the Tank 500 into our local market, it is more likely to go against the likes of the new Ford Everest and the recently-facelifted Hyundai Palisade, with the latter being the more premium and luxury offering.

Folks, do you dig this China-made Land Cruiser fighter? Keen to see this 4x4 SUV rolling down our local streets? As always, hit the comment section below with your thoughts…