The Great Wall Motor (GWM) Tank 500 HEV has officially made its local debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 yesterday, following a preview at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) late last year. Marking its arrival as a new entrant in the premium hybrid SUV segment, the seven-seater 4×4 is now offered locally in a single, fully-equipped variant assembled at the brand’s Rayong plant in Thailand.
The Tank 500 offers a rugged, off-roader style design, featuring a massive chrome grille up front and flanked by angular LED projector headlights. The bumper is finished with a U-shaped chrome strip stretching across its width, complemented by slim LED fog light strips. Smooth, rounded fender flares give the SUV a less aggressive and more upscale appearance, while chrome window trim adds to the vehicle’s refined look.
Additionally, on its back is a sideways-opening tailgate with soft-close functionality and a full-size spare tyre. Completing the exterior package are 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Continental CrossContact RX tyres, power-deployable side steps, and roof rails.
Inside, the Tank 500’s cabin offers quilted Nappa leather upholstery and faux wood trim. A broad, horizontal dashboard houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Further enhancing convenience and comfort are a wireless Qi charger, a distinctive pistol-style gear selector, and a premium 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Practicality is further boosted by a 360-degree camera system with a transparency view, automatic parking assist, and a soft-close tailgate.
The Tank 500 is built on a traditional ladder frame chassis, measuring at 5,078 mm long, 1,934 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase. As powertrain, it features a parallel hybrid system combining a 244 PS, 380 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor with an output of 106 PS. Together, it delivers 350 PS and 616 Nm of torque, which is handled by a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate its electronic locking differentials front and rear, a mechanical centre locker, off-road cruise control, and a water depth detection system. The “tank turn” function allows for tighter manoeuvring by locking the inner rear wheel, while 11 selectable drive modes – four for on-road, seven for off-road terrain – enable adaptability across a variety of conditions. GWM adds that the SUV can also wade through water up to 800 mm deep.
The Tank 500 HEV is generously equipped with advanced driver assistance features as standard. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane centring assist, curve speed reduction, and a “wisdom dodge” system that shifts the vehicle slightly to create safer passing room for larger vehicles and motorcycles. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking, and a door opening warning system also contribute to occupant safety. Six airbags and stability control round out the safety package.
In Malaysia, the GWM Tank 500 HEV is priced at RM328,800 on-the-road, excluding insurance. For more details or to arrange a test drive, you can visit the official GWM Malaysia website.
