Tank 500 plugs in for Oz arrival in Q4

GWM has announced details of its forthcoming Tank 500 Hi4-T, a plug-in hybrid variant said to offer Australian buyers superior performance and efficiency when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

The variant features GWM’s Hi4-T plug-in hybrid technology the Chinese manufacturer says is engineered to high output, long electric range, true mechanical 4WD capability, and heavy-duty towing support.

Power is drawn from the combination of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that deliver a total system output of 300kW and 750Nm. Drive is via a nine-speed automatic transmission with torque-on-demand four-wheel drive.

GWM quotes a combined cycle fuel use figure of 2.1 litres per 100km and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. Battery power is stored in a 37.1kWh ternary lithium battery enabling an all-electric driving range of 120km (NEDC).

Combined with petrol power, the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T is said to have a total driving range of up to 950km.

Electrical recharging is via a CCS2 connector allowing fast charging rate of up to 50kW (DC). GWM says the battery may be charged from 30-80 per cent in as little as 24 minutes when using DC fast charging, or in 6.5 hours when charging at home.

With 2H, AWD, 4H Lock, and 4L Lock off-road modes, a choice of 11 driving modes, and three locking differentials (front, centre, and rear), the Tank 500 Hi4-T is said to offer genuine off-road credentials and a braked towing capacity of up to 3000kg.

Ground clearance is listed at 213mm and water wading 800mm, while approach, break-over, and departure angles are noted at 30.0, 22.5, and 24.0 degrees respectively.

The five-seat-only GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T (necessary to accommodate the high-voltage battery) is equipped with second-row heated, ventilation, and massage functionality in the outboard seats, and a dedicated rear-seat interface via a 7.0-inch touchscreen.

Further forward, we find a 14.6-inch infotainment array hosting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, tri-zone climate control, auto parking and reversing assistance control, and many more.

Paint options include Onyx Silver, Crystal Black, and Dune Gold premium colours (+$595) and standard Marble White. Upholstery options are in Nappa leather with Black or combination Blue and Cream available.

As is the case elsewhere in the GWM range, the Tank 500 Hi4-T is backed by the Chinese importer’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre new car warranty with eight years/unlimited kilometre coverage on the high voltage battery pack.

Roadside assistance and capped-price servicing is included for five years via GWM’s network of 117 dealerships nationwide.

The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T will be available in those showrooms from Q4 this year. Pricing will be announced in the coming weeks.