The Land Cruiser certainly has its charms, but for us Malaysians, it’s not the easiest car to get your hands on, given that it’s not officially brought into the country by UMW Toyota Motor. So what should you do if you truly crave the iconic Land Cruiser experience? Well, we think the GWM Tank 500 is probably the closest you can get in Malaysia – all without the headache of grey-import markups or the lack of an official manufacturer warranty.
Despite its rugged and imposing exterior, the Tank 500 features a surprisingly posh and spacious interior. Configured as a seven-seater in a 2-3-2 layout, it provides a modest 98 litres of boot space with all seats upright. However, if you don’t need the third row, cargo capacity expands to a generous 795 litres. For those massive hauls, folding both the second and third rows reveals a whopping 1,489 litres of total space.
Upfront, the driver is greeted by a dashboard finished in premium wood veneers, housing a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The cabin is packed with luxury amenities, featuring quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a three-zone climate control system with a dedicated rear control panel and air vents. For maximum comfort, both front passengers enjoy massaging and ventilation functions, while those in the second row also benefit from seat ventilation.
Underneath the bonnet of the GWM Tank 500 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged straight-four engine that is paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, housing an integrated electric motor. This setup produces 346 hp and 648 Nm, which is sent to a part-time selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) setup, featuring 11 driving modes.
For off-road junkies, the Tank 500 capabilities include an approach angle of 30 degrees, three locking differentials (front, rear, and central lock), Tank Turn” system, off-road cruise control, transparent chassis view, and 11 different driving modes.
The GWM Tank 500 is now available in Malaysia, priced at RM328,800 on-the-road and without insurance. For those who want a more sinister look, a Black Edition model is also available at a RM8,000 premium.
ALSO READ: GWM Hi4 tech explained – Off-road-ready hybrid 4WD systems that’ll even save you fuel!
