GWM P-SERIES P500. More than just a bakkie!

Bakkie! A truly South African slang for a small container or a light truck. The GWM P Series 500 just adds to that, in more ways than one. For starters, it is SA’s most powerful hybrid bakkie, delivering 255kW of self-charging hybrid electric power and is set to revolutionise the bakkie category with its impressive size and high specification levels that includes an innovative 40:60 tailgate split that opens like a stable door but also drops down as well. But it does not stop there. The P-Series P500 Double-Cab is the first bakkie in SA to have a 325-volt electric motor, and the second most powerful double cab bakkie in the segment. Now that is saying something! No matter the terrain, the P500 just performed endlessly and with ease in all sorts of gears and modes. It might be a bakkie, but it drives so smoothly and comfortably.

GWM’s innovative spirit is present in the load area as well, as seen with the introduction of exciting new features such as an electrically operated rear sliding window, a loadbox equipped with 28 anchor points, loadbox lamp, and a unique split rear tailgate with conventional drop down opening or 40:60 barndoor-style opening for easier loading.

“The P500 bakkie is arguably the most well equipped bakkie on the market right now. As a brand we take full advantage of China’s position as a leader in technological innovation in the automotive industry. The P500 is a thrilling driver’s vehicle with rugged capabilities on and off-road. I am confident that with this product, GWM will challenge consumer perceptions of what a leisure bakkie can offer,” said Kevin Li, GWM South Africa’s newly appointed Managing Director.

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Picture: Naresh Maharaj

State of The Art Powertrain

GWM’s latest self-charging HEV engine complements the brand’s new larger vehicle design. This state-of-the-art powertrain delivers a remarkable smooth driving experience with usable power available in an instant. The smooth shifting 9 speed automatic transmission adds to the premium luxury feel of the P500 with barely perceptible shifts.

The P500 Hybrid’s intelligent hybrid drive system makes use of a 78kW (268Nm) electric motor, a 2-liter 180kW (380Nm) petrol engine for a combined output of 255kW of power and a class leading 648Nm of torque ensuring exceptional performance and efficiency.

Bold Exterior Design

Picture: Naresh Maharaj

The P500 is hard to miss as it immediately draws attention with a bold front design featuring a large grille with square and distinctive LED headlights on either side.

The grille houses the front camera and sensors of the 360-view camera which are integrated into a large P-Series logo. Standard roof rails and fixed side steps finish off the adventure-ready-look of the P500.

A rear-view camera which is integrated into 360-degree view camera is positioned on the easy lift tailgate which has a unique split rear tailgate with conventional drop down opening or barn door style opening for easier loading. LED taillights with smoked black glass, and a high mounted brake light add to the premium feel of the P500’s design. In typical GWM fashion the P500 is also the first bakkie in South Africa with a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function

Spacious and Comfortable Cabin

The interior of the P500 offers nothing short of extensive comfort and luxury with attractive finishes and user-friendly high-tech advancements. The interior comes in Knight Black with appealing woodgrain-style trim on some panels.

A 12.3 inch or class leading 14.6-inch multi-media touchscreen display takes center stage in the cabin. The P500 Ultra Luxury double cab bakkie has a standard 10-speaker Harman Infinity™ audio system for unsurpassed sound quality.

Enhanced safety specifications

The GWM P500 offers the most advanced active and passive safety features in its class. Features that are normally only found in high-end luxury road vehicles include (but are not limited to) Automatic Emergency Braking which activates in critical situations to prevent collisions, Lane Keep Assist, ensuring the vehicle stays within its lane and a Driver Fatigue Monitoring System.

Typical GWM features like cross traffic alert, smart dodge (automatic emergency lane change), a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control are also present. In addition, seven airbags including a center airbag that helps to keep the front passenger and driver from colliding in the event of an accident.

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