Vehicles wearing GWM and Haval badges are becoming increasingly familiar sights on our roads as the Chinese car maker expands its local presence and offerings.
Best known today for its Cannon and Cannon Alpha dual-cab 4x4 utes, GWM also sells the Tank 300 mid-sized 4x4 wagon and has just released the all-new Tank 500 large 4x4 wagon.
A generously equipped seven-seater based on the same ladder-frame chassis as the Cannon Alpha ute, the Tank 500 is offered in two grades comprising the Lux Hybrid ($66,490 driveaway) and Ultra Hybrid ($73,990 driveaway).
Stylistically, the Tank channels elements of both the Y62 Nissan Patrol and the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, with its bold chrome grille flanked by dusk-sensing LED headlamps.
Its key dimensions, including wheelbase, mirror those of the 300 Series, ensuring a generously proportioned seven-seat interior including an electrically operated third row.
Boot space is 1,459 litres with both rows folded, 795 litres with the second row in the upright position and 98 litres with the third row in use.
The cabin is accessed via power-operated side steps and features a luxurious fitout including lashings of faux chrome and timber, plus prestige Nappa leather-accented seats.
A 14.6-inch LED colour touchscreen incorporates embedded satellite navigation, AM/FM radio, DAB+, Bluetooth connectivity, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 360-degree monitor.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to plenty of head and leg room with rear window blinds, privacy glass and ventilated outer seats. Third-row passengers aren’t so generously accommodated but it isn’t notably better or worse than key rivals.
The powertrain consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder mated to an electric motor and 1.76kWh lithium-ion battery, combining to deliver an impressive 255kW/648Nm.
All that grunt ensures the Tank 500 shifts its 2,605kg kerb mass in a spirited manner with GWM claiming 8.3 seconds for the benchmark 0-100km/h dash.
Despite this, the Tank 500 never ‘feels’ as muscular or responsive as a 300 Series or a Patrol V8.
This is due no doubt to its hefty kerb weight and the fact you need to press the accelerator hard to engage the hybrid system’s full power and torque.
Key states: GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid MY24
Price: $73,990 (Driveaway)
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo, hybrid (255kW/648Nm), nine-speed automatic transmission.
ANCAP crash rating: Five stars (2024)
Fuel consumption (Combined Cycle): 8.5L/100km (197gCO2/km)
Warranty: Seven years, unlimited kilometres (vehicle); eight years, unlimited kilometres (lithium-ion battery)
For: Well-priced versus segment rivals, generously equipped, roomy interior, strong off-road capability, appears well built and nicely finished, excellent warranty and aftersales package.
Against: Low (3,000kg) braked towing capacity, suspension feels stiff-legged over potholes and bumps, soft brake-pedal feel, drivetrain can exhibit some hesitation, real-world fuel consumption doesn’t match combined cycle claims.
Price: $73,990 (Driveaway)
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo, hybrid (255kW/648Nm), nine-speed automatic transmission.
ANCAP crash rating: Five stars (2024)
Fuel consumption (Combined Cycle): 8.5L/100km (197gCO2/km)
Warranty: Seven years, unlimited kilometres (vehicle); eight years, unlimited kilometres (lithium-ion battery)
For: Well-priced versus segment rivals, generously equipped, roomy interior, strong off-road capability, appears well built and nicely finished, excellent warranty and aftersales package.
Against: Low (3,000kg) braked towing capacity, suspension feels stiff-legged over potholes and bumps, soft brake-pedal feel, drivetrain can exhibit some hesitation, real-world fuel consumption doesn’t match combined cycle claims.
GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid offroad.
Drive is channelled through a nine-speed automatic and a Borg-Warner transfer case providing a 2.64:1 low-range ratio.
A live rear axle ensures good off-road articulation, along with a handy 224mm of ground clearance, 800mm wading depth and nine selectable off-road drive modes.
A 2024 five-star ANCAP safety rating puts the Tank 500 on the top step of the safety podium with its standard safety kit including seven airbags and the latest autonomous driver-assist systems.
A modest 3,000kg maximum braked towing capacity will deter some buyers, but others will look past this to the low purchase price, generous equipment list and impressive aftersales package.
The latter includes a seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years of roadside assistance and seven years of capped-priced servicing.