Sited at the top of GWM South Africa’s SUV line-up, the Tank 500 has made landfall on local shores. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, from the Tank 500…
How much does the GWM Tank 500 cost in South Africa?
Locally, GWM offers only one Tank 500 derivative in SA. The sole model in the SA line-up is exclusively available in top-spec, Ultra Luxury level of specification and equipped with the Chinese automaker’s 2.0-litre HEV powertrain, the same set-up employed by the top-tier Tank 300 and pinnacle P500. The Tank 500 is priced from R1 222 900, making it the first China-sourced passenger vehicle in SA to exceed the R1 million marker. The asking price includes a service plan spanning five years or 75 000 km. A seven-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty and eight-year/150 000 km hybrid-battery warranty are included with the package.
GWM Tank 500 engine and transmission
As mentioned, in SA, this GWM SUV is exclusively powered by the firm’s 2.0-litre HEV powertrain configuration. The petrol-electric set-up comprises a four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 180 kW and 380 N.m, and an electric motor that’s good for 78 kW and 268 N.m of torque. In total, the hybrid arrangement churns out 255 kW and 648 N.m of torque, the latter of which is available from a lowly 1 700 r/min. The HEV unit is coupled with a nine-speed self-shifter. GWM claims an average fuel consumption of 8.5 L/100 km.
GWM Tank 500 specifications
Generously equipped as standard, the Tank 500 is equipped with a 14.6-inch, touch-enabled infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Screen mirroring; a digital instrument cluster; a head-up display, designed to relay a variety of information to the driver; a 12-speaker Infinity sound system; a wireless smartphone charging pad, and many, many more. The “many more” includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, which, for the driver and front passenger, features heating, ventilation and massaging functionality, while the rear pews are ventilated; ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.