GWM introduced the Tank 500 as the flagship SUV in its Tank line-up, combining a body-on-frame chassis with a hybrid powertrain and a seven-seat cabin. The model is sold in markets including China, Australia and Malaysia, while a UK launch is not out of the question.
Here are our thoughts after spending some time with the global-spec Tank 500.
Design
The Tank 500 adopts an upright SUV design with a large chrome grille, squared bodywork and vertically stacked LED lighting elements.
The vehicle features a high bonnet, a near-vertical tailgate, electric side steps and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
In international markets, the Tank 500 features a seven-seat cabin with a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.
Equipment includes Nappa leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system. The front seats offer massage and ventilation functions, while rear passengers have a separate air-conditioning control panel.
The second-row seats fold in a 60:40 split, while the third row folds electrically in a 50:50 configuration. Cargo capacity is 98 litres with all seven seats in use, 795 litres in five-seat mode and 1,489 litres with the third and second rows folded. A 220V power outlet is also provided.
Experience in the Tank 500 HEV
Walking up to the GWM Tank 500 HEV, it feels like a large, Land Cruiser- or Nissan Patrol-style SUV, with the added appeal of a hybrid powertrain. Getting in is made easier by the deploying side step and A-pillar grab handle, both of which are useful in a tall, body-on-frame SUV.
Once inside, the front seats felt very comfortable and generously proportioned. For my wider frame, the seat width was good, the back support was strong, the under-thigh support was very good, and the headrests worked well for my height.
The cushioning offers a good balance of firmness and comfort, making this feel like a proper long-distance cruiser. The pedal box is also well designed, and even with my UK size 11.5 shoes, the dead pedal felt comfortable.
The cabin feels quite premium in places. I liked the analogue clock, large storage areas, sliding trays, deep cupholders and wireless charger with a sliding cover. The soft-touch upper surfaces, brushed aluminium-style trim, faux wood and big sunroof add to the ambience.
Visibility is good too, helped by the large glass area. Some trim pieces are only alright rather than luxurious, but the overall impression is positive.
The second row is spacious enough, though entry requires a bit of a stretch because of the SUV’s height. With the front seat set to my driving position, I had more than 10 cm of headroom and about 6 cm of knee room, helped by the scooped front seatbacks.
The second-row seats slide forward and backward and fold 60:40, but they do not recline. Rear passengers also get physical AC controls, temperature adjustment and seat ventilation, though the air vents themselves do not feel especially premium.
The third row is clearly for children. I had about 6 cm of headroom, but legroom and knee room were very limited, even with the second row moved forward. The large side glass and third-row AC vents help, but adults will not find it comfortable over long distances.
Specifications
The Tank 500 measures 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width and 1,905 mm in height. It rides on a 2,850 mm wheelbase and offers 224 mm of ground clearance. Wading depth is 800 mm, while the approach, ramp and departure angles are 30°, 22.5° and 24°, respectively. The fuel tank capacity is 75 litres.
The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre variable-geometry turbocharged petrol engine producing 180 kW (244 PS) and 380 Nm with an electric motor producing 78 kW (106 PS) and 268 Nm.
Combined system output is 255 kW (346 PS) and 648 Nm. The Tank 500 HEV uses a 9-speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission (9HAT) and an intelligent four-wheel-drive system.
Off-road equipment includes Intelligent 4WD with Mlock, front and rear electronic differential locks, Tank Turn Assist, Off-road Cruise Control, Wading Mode and Water Depth Detection. Driving modes include Standard, Sport, Economy, Auto, 4H, 4L, Mud, Sand, Rock, Snow and Expert.
Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with intersection assist, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
Pricing
The Tank 500 HEV is not sold in the UK, although Auto Express reported in early 2025 that GWM could introduce the Tank brand to Britain alongside Haval and Poer.
If launched in the UK, the Tank 500 HEV would be a difficult vehicle to price competitively. Its closest natural rivals, the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender 110 and Ineos Grenadier, all start well above £60,000, which would make a like-for-like price comparison misleading.
A more realistic bracket of £55,000-60,000 would position it as a value alternative to those established names rather than a direct competitor, though GWM would need to account for import costs, right-hand-drive conversion, and the retail network investment required to support a new brand in the UK.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
