Beware Land Cruiser? GWM Tank 500 unveiled in Thailand with 408 PS plug-in hybrid engine

Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) is building its presence in the Philippines with its electrified lineup.

But in other parts of the world, the brand also sells Tanks – no, not the ones used on the battlefield.

GWM’s Tank brand specializes in luxury sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), with the Tank 300 making its global debut on July 2020.

This was followed by the seven-seater Tank 500, unveiled globally on August 2021 and appeared on March 2023 at the Bangkok International Motor Show.

Unlike modern crossovers, the Tank 500 uses a ladder-frame chassis and features locking front and rear differentials for serious off-road driving.

Glitzy SUV

Anyone who remembers the old Dodge Durango SUV will get a bit of throwback with the GWM Tank 500.

The chrome front grill dominates the entire front end, matching the very prominent hoodline. This is flanked by boxy LED headlights and foglights intricately molded into the lower bumper.

The Tank 500’s side profile takes cues from the old Toyota Land Cruiser 200, especially the high beltline and the unmistakable rear windows that lead the eye to the tailgate spoiler.

Out back, this luxurious leviathan is decidedly old-school, with the spare-wheel carrier mounted right on the hatch. This is flanked by LED taillights that look like beautiful illuminated sculptures.

Sumptuous 7-seat cabin

Sit inside the GWM Tank 500, and there is no question that it is a luxury SUV.

Acres of cream-and-navy blue Nappa leather is used throughout the cabin, with light-colored wood veneer in the doors and the dashboard.

Dominating the dash is the 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An Infinity surround-sound system is also standard in the Tank 500.

Other neat details include the Intelligent Shifter and push-button, split-folding third-row seats.

Plug in hybrid available

The GWM Tank 500 is available in three powertrains for the Thai market.

The first is a mild-hybrid variant with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gasoline engine producing 354 PS and 500 Nm of torque. 

The second is a full-hybrid model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine with a combined output of 350 PS. Finally, the top-spec model is a Plug in Hybrid EV version of the 2.0 with 408 PS and 750 Nm of torque.

All engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

Would GWM Philippines do well to bring in this electrified Tank to take on the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol?

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