Power and luxury
SUV due to arrive for Australian market soon
GWM has confirmed the arrival of its Tank 500 for the Australian market in the second quarter of this year, pricing the two-variant large SUV range from $66,490 drive-away.
Due in showrooms by May, the GWM Tank 500 seven-seat SUV is dimensionally larger than the current generation Toyota Landcruiser Prado with which it will compete until the new 250 Series Prado arrives in the third quarter.
The current series Prado is priced from $62,830 before on-road costs.
GWM will offer two variants from launch –— the base-grade Lux and higher-trimmed Ultra — with pricing and specifications for the latter yet to be confirmed.
The range is powered exclusively by a two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with hybrid assistance, the combination providing 255kw and 648Nm to all four wheels via nine-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is listed at 8.5 litres per 100km.
In comparison, the Prado’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine develops 150kw and 500Nm and consumes 7.9L per 100km on the combined cycle.
Eleven drive modes are available, including the typical 2H, 4H, and 4L benchmarks.
Braked towing capacity matches the Prado at 3000kg while ground clearance is 224mm — 5mm more than Prado — and GWM’S claimed wading depth of 800mm is 100mm more than Toyota permits for the Prado.
Off-road geometry is not far off that of the Prado at 30 degrees approach, 22.5 degrees ramp over, and 24 degrees departure.
Bash plates and a rear diff lock are included as standard.
The Lux version of the GWM Tank 500 will arrive with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, power seat adjustment for the driver, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera system with see-through chassis view, trizone climate control, and dual 14.6and 12.3-inch infotainment and instrumentation displays. Wireless Apple Carplay and wired Android Auto connectivity is also fitted as standard.
The Tank 500 will be offered in four paint colours — crystal black, dune gold, marble white and onyx silver — with black upholstery on Lux grades.
The high-spec Ultra will feature a dual-tone blue and cream option.
Metallic paint is available for an additional cost of $595.
On the safety front, the Tank 500 is fitted with auto parking assistance, seven airbags, front and rear crosstraffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, lane centring control, emergency lane keep, forward collision assistance and automatic emergency braking, AEB, with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.
“This top-of-the-range SUV sets a new benchmark in the segment, offering unparalleled hybrid performance, off-road capability, state-of-the-art technology, and a unique blend of power, luxury, and ruggedness,” the importer said in a statement.
“The Tank 500 is a true powerhouse, boasting a robust hybrid drivetrain that delivers strong efficiency and dynamic performance.
“With advanced safety features and a variety of convenience features such as auto reverse assist, it delivers an unmatched driving experience.”