Strikingly Impressive: The Tank 500 from the GWM Stable

It’s an eye-catching Hybrid SUV that is hard to miss with it’s imposing stance. A perfect mix of luxurious comfort, great appealing looks and plenty power, both off and on-road that is sure to win over many customers. It’s big, it’s bold and rides like a beauty. I had the chance to put the Tank 500 through its paces on very tough terrain, tackling some of the most challenging and demanding mountain passes South Africa has to offer. The Tank 500 made it all so easy with an ultra-smooth and most comfortable ride. A great combination of elegance, advanced technology and exceptional off-road capability. This newest addition to the GWM line-up epitomises luxury, innovation and exceptional build ‘from the ground up’ quality. And if that was not enough, it comes with all the safety bells and whistles.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

 

Luxurious Interior

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 8-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. 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. The TANK 500 has a lushly upholstered luggage area with a luggage cover and tinted windows for added security. Luggage space is very big 795L with the third row of seats folded and 1459L with both back rows of seats folded flat.

 

Striking Exterior

Every aspect of the TANK 500 has been designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience. Its exterior features a bold front grille, 20-Inch alloy wheels, and automatic side steps, making entry and exit a completely indulgent experience. The panoramic sunroof gives the vehicle an airy and roomy feel, allowing every passenger to arrive feeling relaxed.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

 

Power and Performance

Under the hood, 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 – including Sports, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Expert – ensures that the TANK 500 can navigate any terrain you may encounter.

 

Hi-Tech and Cutting Edge

The TANK 500 represents GWM’s commitment to excellence, combining top-quality interior finishes with cutting-edge technology. The large 14.6-inch LED Colour Touchscreen offers seamless infotainment, while the Infinity® 12-Speaker System provides superior audio quality. The Heads-Up Display projects crucial information such as speed, vehicle data and navigation directions onto the windshield, enhancing your driving experience.

 

Unmatched Safety

Safety is a top priority in the TANK 500, and the vehicle boasts a 5-Star ANCAP Rating. This SUV is equipped with a very comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Auto Intelligent Parking. These systems work together to ensure maximum protection for you and your passengers.

 

Last word

“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,” says Kevin Li, newly appointed MD for GWM South Africa.

Image: Naresh Maharaj

 

Price:

TANK 500 2.0T 9HAT 4x4 Ultra Luxury: R 1 222 900

GWM Care begins the moment you receive your TANK 500 and continues throughout your ownership experience. The TANK 500 comes with a 7 Year / 200 000 km Warranty, an 8 Year / 150 000 km High-Voltage Battery Pack Warranty, a 7 Year / Unlimited km Roadside Assistance plan, and a 5 Year / 75 000 km Service Plan. This comprehensive care package ensures your TANK 500 stays in peak condition for years to come.