The GWM brand has proven once again that it's serous about offering an exceptional value SUV in the local market. After the success of sister brand Haval with the Jolion and H6, the Tank SUV in 500 trim up aims to take things further targeting the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. We attended its launch in George.
The front has a dominant look with a large chrome grille, Tank logo placed in the middle of horizontal slats. LED Headlights come standard with LED fog lamps placed on the lower part of the bumper.
20 inch chrome alloy wheels come standard with privacy glass designed to also aid sound insulation. Roof rails, window surrounds are finished in chrome with the side mirrors large enough to enhance visibility. At the rear, there are LED tail lights with the spare wheel mounted on the rear door. There is a hydraulic shock to aid opening. Crome accents also feature at the rear.
Since the Tank 500 only comes in Ultra Luxury spec, the side steps come out electrically when you open the side doors and retract when the doors are closed.
The interior is dominated by the 14.6-inch LED Colour infotainment Touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay negating the need for a Navigation system. Wireless charging, Infinity® 12-Speaker System with superior audio quality come standard. Chrome and wood grain finish are neatly placed around the cabin. The standard Heads up displays works with the digital instrument cluster to convey drive info. The large panoramic sun roof aids an airy ambience when driving.
All seats feature Nappa Leather-Accented with the driver and front passenger also getting heated, ventilated function and an 8-Point Massage feature. The front seats and steering wheel are electrically adjusted with a memory function for both front seats.
The second-row passengers enjoy similar comforts with reclining seat backs, two-way adjustable headrests, separate climate control (3 Zone adjustment for the whole cabin), seat cooling, and charging points. Second row legroom can be improved by sliding the seats backwards if there are no third-row passengers.
The third row seats can be folded or raised electronically and have their own roof mounted aircon vents. Luggage space is cavernous at 795L with the third row of seats folded and 1459L with both back rows of seats folded flat.
The interior of the TANK 500 really comes alive at night with a star theme lit dashboard panel ahead of the front passenger providing a welcome addition to the ambience. There is unlimited customisation of the ambient lighting system which can be set to the rhythm of music from the sound system.
the TANK 500 boasts a Direct-Injection, 2.0-Litre Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Petrol powerplant, combined with the latest in electric driving technology and delivering a combined 255kW/648Nm of torque. This SUV can tow up to 2.5 tonnes and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 8.3 seconds with a claimed figure of 8.5l/100km. Its advanced 9-Speed automatic gearbox, combined with 11 All-Terrain driving modes – including Sports, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Expert – ensures that the TANK 500 can navigate any terrain you may encounter.
This SUV is equipped with a very comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Auto Intelligent Parking. Its 360-Degree Camera, Auto Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning systems provide a complete view of what’s ahead, behind, and beside you, enhancing your driving experience and safety on the road.
PRICING
TANK 500 2.0T 9HAT 4x4 Ultra Luxury @ R 1 222 900.
The TANK 500 comes with a 7 Year / 200 000 km Warranty, an 8 Year / 150 000 km High-Voltage Battery Pack Warranty, a 7 Year / Unlimited km Roadside Assistance plan, and a 5 Year / 75 000 km Service Plan.