GWM Tank 500 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Verdict
At RM328,800 versus RM329,888, the GWM Tank 500 is RM1,088 cheaper yet gives you seven seats, 241 hp and 380 Nm. It is the bigger, more powerful SUV, but the listed 98-litre boot is tight next to the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s 620 litres. The GLC counters with a longer 2,888 mm wheelbase, seven airbags and quoted pace of 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. For a Malaysian buyer, this is space for people versus space for luggage.
Pick the GWM Tank 500 if you need seven seats, stronger outputs and a longer six-year warranty for almost the same money.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want a five-seat SUV with a much larger listed boot, seven airbags and quoted 7.8-second 0-100 km/h performance.
Key differences
- Price: GWM Tank 500 RM328,800; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888
- Seats: GWM Tank 500 7; Mercedes-Benz GLC 5
- Power and torque: GWM Tank 500 241 hp/380 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp/320 Nm
- Boot space: GWM Tank 500 98 L; Mercedes-Benz GLC 620 L
- Wheelbase: GWM Tank 500 2,850 mm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm
- Warranty: GWM Tank 500 6 years; Mercedes-Benz GLC 4 years
Tank 500
- Seven-seat cabin
- Higher 241 hp and 380 Nm outputs
- Longer six-year warranty
- Only 98 L of listed boot space
- Larger body to place in town
- Six airbags versus seven in the GLC
GLC
- 620 L listed boot space
- Longer 2,888 mm wheelbase
- Seven airbags
- Five seats only
- Lower 201 hp and 320 Nm outputs
- Shorter four-year warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 328,800✓ | RM 329,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing with hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 241 hp✓ | 201 hp |
| Torque | 380 Nm✓ | 320 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 105 hp✓ | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | 268 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 1.75 kWh✓ | 1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Nine-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 9 | 9 |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 221 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,070 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,934 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,905 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 75 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 98 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 265/50R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 265/50R20 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size Spare | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact RX | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Second Row Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Projector LED Headlights | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Massaging Function and Seat Ventilation | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest, 50:50 Split Power Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB Ports, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Shade, Rear Window Shades | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Infinity Sound System | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 6 years✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000-km High Voltage Battery Warranty | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 440 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Tank 500 vs GLC FAQ
Is the GWM Tank 500 or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The GWM Tank 500 is better for carrying people and for output figures, with seven seats, 241 hp and 380 Nm. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is better for luggage and stated performance, with 620 L of boot space and a 7.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The GWM Tank 500 costs RM328,800, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888. The Mercedes-Benz is RM1,088 dearer.
Which one has the bigger boot?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the bigger listed boot at 620 litres. The GWM Tank 500 is listed at 98 litres, though it has seven seats compared with the GLC’s five.