Peter Lyon
December 5, 2024
Following the announcement last year that the GMW Tanks 500 would definitely be introduced in Malaysia, the 500 debuted at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024 (KLIMS 2024). Although the car on display isn’t quite ready for launch, it may offer us an idea of what to expect when it does arrive.
First off, the Tank 500 will be sturdy enough for off-roading because it is constructed on a ladder frame chassis, just like its smaller Tank 300 sister. Its sights are aimed fairly at the Toyota Land Cruiser, and that’s why it’s sized similarly, measuring 5,070 mm or 4,878 mm in length, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,850 mm.
The same is true of its appearance, as Great Wall Motors has obviously drawn a lot of inspiration from the well-known Japanese off-road vehicle, at least from the J200 model from the previous generation. The parallels are most noticeable up front, where the horizontal grille bars are bookended by LED headlights that have a similar wing-like design.
Meanwhile, the hefty chrome highlights around the much larger grille give the GWM Tank 500 a much beefier appearance. A covered spare wheel that is angled somewhat off-center complements the vertical tail lights, which are a rather distinctive, if not straightforward, design element around the back.
Similar to the Tank 300, this larger sister has opulent interior features, including quilted Nappa leather seats, a crystal accent on the gearshift lever, and oak veneers placed on the dashboard. Even the cockpit boasts an analogue clock, which is a telltale sign of a high-end car.
A heated leather steering wheel, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, three-zone climate control, second-row sunshades, and a variety of cutting-edge driver assistance systems are among the standard interior features that match the vehicle’s luxury status.
Mild hybrids and full-fledged PHEVs are among the many powertrain options available for the GWM Tank 500 worldwide. Although GWM Malaysia has not disclosed which of these would be entering Malaysia, we would venture to assume that it will likely be the same model that is available in Thailand and was on show at KLIMS 2024.
That translates to a non-plug-in parallel hybrid with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine producing 244 horsepower and 380 Nm and an electric motor generating 106 horsepower and 268 Nm—for a total of 350 horsepower and 616 Nm. Drive is transmitted to all four wheels via a part-time selectable 4WD system, and the powertrain is mated to a nine-speed automated gearbox.
The Tank 500 is built for off-road. That’s why it employs a front and rear electronic locking differential, as well as a mechanical locking centre differential totalling of three. With its tallish ride height, the 500 has an approach angle of 36.9 degrees, and like its younger brother, it also has a “tank turn” feature that can automatically locks the inner rear wheel, significantly reducing its turning angle in narrow paths.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
It’s GWM’s Land Cruiser. Well, it certainly takes design hints from the Toyota although I can also see distinct Dodge Ram accents in the grille mix as well. Or is it Ford F150 maybe? Whichever way, there’s a strong blend of East meets West.
