GWM Tank 500 SUV previewed in Malaysia – seven-seat 2.0T hybrid, 350 PS/516 Nm, arriving here in 2025

Encouraged by the strong market response to its Tank 300 off-road SUV, Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia is looking to introduce a follow-up act from its sub-brand, and the vehicle you see here is likely to be it. Previously stated as having been earmarked for Malaysia and due in next year, the Tank 500‘s appearance at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) – under the guise of a preview – pretty much amplifies that tack.

Measuring in at 5,078 mm long, 1,934 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm-long wheelbase, the seven-seater body-on-frame SUV is not what you would term demure. It’s a big lad, perfect for those looking for an imposing presence sculpted along traditional lines and as as an alternative to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.

A number of powertrain options are available domestically for the 500, including a 360 PS and 500 Nm 3.0 litre twin-turbo mild hybrid V6, but it’s likely that the SUV will be offered here in the same configuration as seen in Thailand, which incidentally is where the KLIMS display example is from.

In that market, it is offered only in parallel hybrid form, with the set-up consisting of a 244 PS/380 Nm 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill and a 106 PS/268 Nm electric motor. The system delivers a combined output of 350 PS and 616 Nm of torque, and this is delivered to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic HAT (Hydraulic Automatic Transmission) and accompanying selectable four-wheel drive system.

Mechanical highlights include 11 driving modes as well as front and rear electric differential locks and a mechanical locking centre differential. There’s also a “tank turn” function, an off-road cruise control system, water wading depth detection and a Body Transparent System, which uses cameras to superimpose the road image under and in front of the vehicle for improved visibility of surfaces being navigated.

Standard equipment includes automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, a reverse camera, power retractable side steps and 20-inch alloy wheels. As for interior kit, you’ll find a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, along with quilted Nappa leather upholstery and powered front seats with driver’s side memory function.

Also on are a triple-zone climate control system, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, second-row sunshades as well as third-row powered backrests. Speaking of the third row, there are buttons by the boot to fold and unfold the third-row seats electrically with a single push.

As for safety and driving assistance kit, the Tank 500 features a usual array of items such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and a Wisdom Dodge System that moves the car over to the outer edge of the lane to make space for large vehicles and motorcycles.

Given the Tank 300’s RM250,000 retail price, buyers can definitely expect to fork out quite a bit more for the larger offering. Sources intimated that pricing for the Tank 500 could be in the RM350k to RM400k region.

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