GWM Tank 500: Hybrid Toyota Prado rival priced for Australia

GWM has beaten Toyota to the punch with a large, three-row, hybrid off-roader.

Deliveries of the GWM Tank 500 will begin early in the second quarter of 2024, with prices starting at $66,490drive-away for the base Lux Hybrid.

UPDATE, 13/02/2024 –GWM has published pricing for the Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid on its website. We’ve updated this article accordingly.

The Ultra Hybrid is priced at $73,990 drive-away.

As a body-on-frame hybrid SUV with seven seats, the Tank 500 has no direct competition. While the next-generation Toyota Prado due mid-year will offer a hybrid option, this hasn’t been locked in for Australia.

Available in both Lux and Ultra grades, the Tank 500 will come with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque.

It uses a nine-speed hybrid automatic transmission paired with a full-time four-wheel drive system.

Off-road equipment includes an All-Terrain Control System with 11 drive modes, selectable low-range gearing, and a rear differential lock.

The Tank 500 offers 224mm of ground clearance, with a wading depth of 800mm and approach, breakover and departure angles of 30 degrees, 22.5 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively.

A ‘Clear Chassis Function’ also uses cameras to display a view of what’s under the vehicle.

GWM claims combined cycle fuel economy of 8.5L/100km, with the Tank 500 featuring an 80L fuel tank.

It also boasts braked towing capacity of 3000kg, and unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

Specification highlights for the Lux include:

• Automatic LED headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Sunroof
• Side steps
• Black leatherette upholstery
• 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• 8-speaker sound system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Semi-automatic parking assist
• Surround-view camera with transparent chassis view
• Electronic rear differential lock
• Underbody protection

The Ultra also includes:

• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats with memory and welcome function
• 12-speaker Infinity sound system
• Second-row window shades
• Power-folding third row
• 64-colour ambient lighting
• Power side steps
• Electronic front differential lock
• Soft-close power tailgate

All models have a full suite of safety equipment, which includes:

• 7 airbags
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane centring
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Traffic sign recognition

The Tank 500 will be offered in just four colours: Onyx Silver, Crystal Black, Dune Gold and Marble White, with all bar the latter costing an extra $595.

Lux models come with a black leatherette interior, while the Ultra’s Nappa leather-accented interior can be had in either black or blue/cream colourways – the latter only with Marble White and Crystal Black exterior finishes.

Pricing

• 2024 GWM Tank 500 Lux: $66,490
• 2024 GWM Tank 500 Ultra: $73,990

All prices are drive-away.