This is the GWM Tank 500, a brand-new SUV that was unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show a couple of weeks ago.
Firstly, are the Tank 500’s dimensions. This massive ladder frame SUV is 4,878 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,850 mm long, while ground clearance is 224 mm.
For context, we’ve compared the Tank 500’s dimensions against the recently-launched Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Toyota Fortuner.
Dimension comparison |
Model |
Length (mm) |
Width (mm) |
Height (mm) |
Wheelbase (mm) |
Tank 500 |
4,878 |
1,934 |
1,905 |
2,850 |
LC 300 |
4,950 |
1,980 |
1,925 |
2,850 |
Fortuner |
4,795 |
1,855 |
1,835 |
2,745 |
Design-wise, the Tank 500 draws inspiration from GWM’s expertise in SUVs, as it gets a massive chrome-plated front grille flanked by a pair of square headlights, giving the Tank 500 an imposing look.
The side profile of the Tank 500 has elements of the Land Cruiser 300, including a belt link kink towards the rear. It wears 18-inch wheels all round.
Also Read: Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series debuts – Super King drops V8 for V6, now with Dakar rally input
As for the rear-end, the Tank 500 gets horizontal LED tail lights, while the optional tailgate-mounted spare wheel bumps the Tank 500’s length to 5,070 mm.
Stepping inside, the Tank 500 can be specified with a host of dual-tone colour options, lifting the cabin’s atmosphere. Sitting centre stage is a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an even larger 14.6-inch infotainment display.
Powering the Tank 500 is turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine hooked up to a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, allowing for a combined system output of 354 PS and 500 Nm. A nine-speed automatic transmission takes care of shifting duties.
Optional bits include an electronic 4WD selector with 11 off-road modes. Thanks to its electromagnetic coupling on the front axle, the Tank 500 can shuffle torque across different wheels within 50 milliseconds and up to speeds of 80 km/h.
According to Chinese media outlets, GWM is expected to launch the Tank 500 in China before the year ends, with prices estimated to be between CNY 300,000 (~RM 193k) to CNY 400,000 (~RM 257k).