GWM Malaysia has previewed the upcoming GWM Tank 500 in Malaysia. They have previously announced that bookings are open for the luxury off-road SUV with an estimated price from RM350,000.
This is not the first preview of the GWM Tank 500 as it was previously showcased in Malaysia during last year’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024 (KLIMS 2024). It’s likely that the Tank 500 will be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand.
It measures 5,070 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm which makes the Tank 500 a significantly larger SUV than its smaller sibling, the GWM Tank 300.
Like its sibling, the GWM Tank 500 is built on a ladder frame chassis and it sports an external design that is heavily inspired from the Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly on its front grille design and headlights, which resembles those on the J200-generation Land Cruiser.
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The unique design touches of the GWM Tank 500 are the vertical rear tailights that resembles the units on the GWM Tank 300. Like its smaller sibling, the Tank 500 also has an externally mounted spare tyre, but the one on the Tank 500 is positioned off centre on the tailgate. There’s also powered side-steps which extends outwards when you unlock the Tank 500.
As a luxury off-road SUV, the interior of the GWM Tank 500 boasts a large 14.6-inch central mounted touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital display for the driver.
Other luxury amenities include the dashboard overlaid with wooden-look veneers, quilted Nappa leather upholstery for the seats, an analogue clock on the dashboard, massage function for the front seats, seat ventilation for the first- and second-row seats, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, three-zone climate control, and second-row sunshades.
The GWM Tank 500 will be sold in Malaysia as a seven seater. It comes with switches in the boot that folds down the third-row seats. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature that allows them to power their electronics off the beaten trail.
Globally, the GWM Tank 500 is offered with various powertrains, ranging from mild-hybrids (MHEV) to plug-in hybrids (PHEV). If Malaysia’s Tank 500 is CBU from Thailand, it will most likely have the same powertrain as the Thai unit, which is a hybrid (HEV) powertrain.
This HEV powertrain is centred around a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 244 hp and 380 Nm, coupled with an electric motor generating 106 hp and 268 Nm. The combined output of this powertrain is 350 hp and 616 Nm.
All of the power is managed by a nine-speed hydraulic automatic gearbox and a part-time selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) system that sends power to all four wheels.
As an off-roader, the approach angle of GWM Tank 500 is approach angle of the Tank 500 is 36.9 degrees. Other off-road equipment include a locking differential on the front and rear axles, plus a central differential lock. In total, the Tank 500 comes with three differentials.
The Tank 500 will also feature the “Tank Turn” system, which reduces the turning circle by automatically locking the inner wheel, just like on the Tank 300. The GWM Tank 500 will be displayed at the 2025 Malaysia Auto Show. For those interested, be sure to make your way there.
ALSO READ: GWM Tank 500 previewed at KLIMS 2024 – Coming to Malaysia, due next year?
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