First previewed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024 (KLIMS 2024), GWM Malaysia has announced the GWM Tank 500 is now open for booking via a Facebook post, indicating that the premium off-road SUV will be launched locally soon with an estimated price below RM350,000.
If you thought the GWM Tank 300 was a large SUV, the GWM Tank 500 takes it up a notch. This massive hunk of metal comes in at 5,070 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm.
Like the much-loved Toyota Land Cruiser, it’s built on a rugged ladder frame chassis. In fact, GWM took some serious design cues from the previous-gen J200 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially in the design of the front grille and headlights. At the rear, unique vertical taillights and an off-centre mounted spare tyre on the tailgate complete the Tank 500’s off-road styling.
Inside, the cabin of the GWM Tank 500 is decorated with wooden veneers overlaid on the dashboard accented by an analogue clock, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, and a crystal element on the gearshift lever for an extra touch of pizzazz.
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We expect the interior luxuries to largely mirror that of the model shown during KLIMS 2024, which include a heated steering wheel, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, three-zone climate control, second-row sunshades, and a wide range of advanced driver assist systems.
Globally, the GWM Tank 500 is available with various powertrains, ranging from pure petrol internal combustion engine to plug-in hybrids (PHEV). GWM Malaysia did not disclose specific powertrain details in the announcement, although our local unit will most likely follow the Thai specification, featuring a hybrid powertrain as showcased during KLIMS 2024.
In this configuration, the powertrain uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 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 this power is managed by a nine-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) system to drive all four wheels.
Off-road equipment include locking differentials on the front and rear axles, plus a central differential lock, for a total of three. For off-road enthusiasts, the approach angle of the Tank 500 is 36.9 degrees. It also features the “Tank Turn” system, which reduces the turning radius by automatically locking the inside rear wheel.
Let’s hope that we won’t have to wait too long for the GWM Tank 500 to launch! We’ll be covering the launch, so stick with us for the price reveal and all the details!
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