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New Tank 500 SUV from Great Wall Motors Offers Hybrid Powertrains and Off-Road Capabilities
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is set to launch its new Tank 500 SUV in August, offering a blend of petrol-powered variants and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions that cater to both traditional SUV buyers and those transitioning towards electrified vehicles.
The Tank 500, a new offering from the Chinese brand Tank (a sub-brand under GWM), boasts impressive off-road capabilities. It features a ground clearance of 224mm, 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, a departure angle of 24°, and a wading depth of 800mm. The vehicle approach angle is 29.6°, while the longitudinal passing angle is 22°. The Tank 500 sends power to all four wheels and comes equipped with a rear view camera 'mirror'.
The gasoline-powered Tank 500 is equipped with a Miller cycle 3.0 V6 turbocharged engine that produces 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The transmission is a 9-speed automated manual with flappy pedals. The SUV is available in two variants: a seven-seat Tank 500 Sport model and a five-seat Tank 500 Luxury model.
The interior of the Tank 500 features high-end materials, leather seats, wood trim, and a Tank-branded analog clock. The second row in the Tank 500 Sport has three seats, with the middle seat appearing rather narrow but providing a lot of legroom. The interior also features classy clock and switches. The main touch screen in the Tank 500 is a 14.6-inch screen that stands free atop the center stack.
In addition to the gasoline-powered variants, GWM has introduced PHEV models (Hi4-T and Hi4-Z) that combine a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with electric motors and large battery packs (up to 59 kWh), delivering significant electric ranges (110 km to 201 km on the China CLTC cycle). These hybrid versions offer remarkable fuel efficiency (0.76L/100 km combined) and a total driving range exceeding 1,000 km, making them highly competitive against pure EVs in terms of usability and range anxiety.
The Tank 500's hybrid-focused strategy is likely to be received as a pragmatic approach that ensures market relevance during the transitional period away from purely petrol-powered SUVs. This hybrid emphasis should help GWM maintain appeal in traditional markets while also tapping into growing demand for electrified vehicles. However, fully petrol-powered variants might face increasing competitive pressure as stricter emissions regulations and EV incentives expand globally.
The Tank 500's design is inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser for overall design and Dodge RAM for the front. It is one of several upcoming Tank models, with the Tank 300 currently available and the Tank 400 and Tank 800 scheduled to hit the market. The Tank 500 is also equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems with LiDAR and GWM’s Coffee Pilot Ultra system, appealing to tech-savvy buyers who value safety and convenience along with rugged luxury.
In summary, the Tank 500 is expected to see a positive market response by leveraging hybrid technology and advanced features to balance the traditional petrol SUV appeal and the inevitable shift to electric mobility. The trend indicates that petrol versions might see slower growth, but the plug-in hybrid variants position GWM competitively in the evolving SUV market landscape.
Investment in the Tank 500 SUV from Great Wall Motors offers potential returns in both the traditional automotive industry and the growing electric-vehicles market. The finance sector may find interest in the hybrid PHEV models due to their significant electric range and remarkable fuel efficiency.
The Tank 500's strategic focus on hybrid technology positions it as a prime option in the lifestyle trends of individuals who value eco-friendliness and off-road capabilities. Car enthusiasts who consider both traditional SUV performance and electrified vehicle features may find the Tank 500 appealing.
The transportation sector may benefit from the Tank 500's hybrid offerings, as they provide a solution to balancing reduced emissions and extended driving ranges, addressing concerns related to usability and range anxiety.
The Tank 500's design, inspired by both the Toyota Land Cruiser and Dodge RAM, caters to those who appreciate a blend of luxury and ruggedness in their automotive choices, reflecting broader lifestyle shifts in the automotive industry.
