GWM has wild claims about its new P Series 500 Double Cab with words like "set to revolutionise the bakkie category with its impressive size and high specification levels" and "South Africa’s most powerful hybrid bakkie" being used frequently when we attended its local launch.
Easily the biggest bakkie in Mzansi, the P Series 500 adds on the already established P Series Double Cab. The front gets a bold front design featuring a large grille with square and distinctive LED headlights on either side.
The grille houses the front camera and sensors of the 360-view camera which are integrated into a large P-Series logo. Sensors for the intelligent drive system and anti-collision radar are positioned lower down on the front bumper which also houses the LED front fog lamps.
18inch alloy wheels, side steps, privacy glass, roof rails all come standard on all models (Luxury, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury model lines). LED taillights with smoked black glass, and a high mounted brake light also come standard. Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury spec come with an electric opening rear window.
GWM’s P500 comes with a loadbox equipped with 28 anchor points, loadbox lamp, and a unique split rear tailgate with conventional drop down opening or 40:60 barndoor-style opening for easier loading (see below).
In typical GWM fashion the P500 is also the first bakkie in South Africa with a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function. The steering column is electronically adjustable with 4-way adjustment for rake and reach with a memory function. Steering mounted controls allow easy access to key vehicle features and information including the Head-Up Display, multi-media infotainment screen, and virtual instrument cluster.
A 12.3 inch (Luxury spec) or class leading 14.6 inch multi-media touchscreen display (Super/Ultra Luxury) takes center stage in the cabin. The P500 Ultra Luxury double cab bakkie has a standard 10-speaker Harman Infinity™ audio system for unsurpassed sound quality. Black Nappa leather, electric front seats with heating and cooling as well as an 8-option massage function are offered as standard depending on the model.
Some of the high-end features available for rear seat passengers include electronically adjustable rear seats with adjustable headrests, heating and cooling, and welcome adjustment for easier ingress and egress. The rear seat has independent split folding with a wireless charger and a center armrest.
The P500 starts off with an all-new 2.4L Turbo Diesel with a power output of 135kW and 480Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption of 8.6l/100km.
The P500 Hybrid’s intelligent hybrid drive system makes use of a 78kW (268Nm) electric motor, a 2-liter 180kW (380Nm) petrol engine for a combined output of 255kW/648Nm. Combined fuel consumption is 9.8 l/100km, with CO2 Emissions of 225g/km. All models come standard with a smooth shifting 9 speed automatic transmission and 4x4.
The GWM P500 offers Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and a Driver Fatigue Monitoring System. GWM also offers features like cross traffic alert, smart dodge (automatic emergency lane change), a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control. In addition, seven airbags including a center airbag that helps to keep the front passenger and driver from colliding in the event of an accident.
For more on the extensive specification list, visit your nearest GWM dealer.
The model lineup consists of three models:
- GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury at R799 900,
- GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury at R889 900 and
- GWM P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury at R999 900.