2024 GWM Tank 500 Review

Sitting as one of the only hybrid-powered 4x4s with a three-row, seven-seat cabin layout in Australia, the Tank 500 may be the answer to the prayers of fuel-conscious family buyers with an intrepid spirit.

How well does the GWM Tank 500 stack up as a practical family-mover that combines the added power and fuel-savings of a hybrid without sacrificing go-anywhere, 4x4 versatility? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

GWM Tank 500 Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

GWM has brought the 2024 Tank 500 range to Australia in a simple, two-variant lineup, with drive-away pricing applied to both.

The base model, the GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid is priced at $66,490 drive-away.

Stepping up to the GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid brings the price to $73,990 drive-away.

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GWM Tank 500 Lux Hybrid Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the GWM Tank 500 Have?

GWM’s entry-level Tank 500 Lux comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, side steps, adaptive cruise control, leatherette upholstery with power-adjustable, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a locking rear differential, a surround-view camera with see-through view, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, underbody protection, a semi-autonomous parking system and rear privacy glass.

Stepping up to the Tank 500 Ultra adds a locking front differential, power-retractable side steps, a powered tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery with heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, ambient lighting, power-folding third-row seats and rear window shades.

GWM Tank 500 Connectivity & Infotainment Features

Both members of the Tank 500 range come fitted with a massive 14.6-inch display that dominates the top of the dashboard.

It’s a sizable display that helps to keep the cabin feeling premium and high-tech, with the operating system offering quick navigation of menus, as well as a voice command system that can make adjustments to the climate settings, media and vehicle controls.

The base Tank 500 Lux’s infotainment system is paired with an eight-speaker sound system, while moving to the range-topping 500 Ultra throws in a premium 12-speaker sound system from Infinity.

The GWM Tank 500 also picks up a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with fairly crisp graphics and the option of displaying navigation information within the speed and hybrid driving information.

Overall, the Tank 500 confidently ticks all the boxes that tech-savvy buyers will be hoping for in a large, seven-seat SUV package.

Does the GWM Tank 500 Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

The GWM Tank 500 does indeed feature wireless smartphone connectivity, but not for both platforms.

Importantly for Android device owners, the Tank 500 misses out on wireless Android Auto support, instead, requiring you to connect your phone via the USB-C port.

Apple owners, however, will be pleased to know that the Tank 500’s infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, but it’s a shame that there’s no wireless support for both ecosystems.

Is the GWM Tank 500 Comfortable to Drive Around Town?

The Tank 500 is a breath of fresh air for a segment overflowing with loud, brash turbo-diesel powertrains.

Thanks to its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol paired with an electric motor, the Tank 500 is also quite the powerhouse, with 255kW up its sleeve and a hefty 648Nm of torque ready to be deployed.

Power is thrown to all four wheels via a part-time 4x4 system working alongside a nine-speed automatic transmission.

With the help of its hybrid powertrain, the Tank 500 glides off the line silently, with the electric motor doing a lot of the heavy lifting at low speeds around town.

When the petrol unit does kick in, the Tank 500 remains subdued, hiding a lot of the noise of the petrol unit away from the cabin, making it impressively refined for a body-on-frame, family-friendly off-road SUV.

Acceleration off the line is rapid thanks to its generous amount of torque and the immediate power delivery from the electric motor, making the Tank 500 zippy on its feet for such a large vehicle. 

Around town, the Tank 500 proves itself a surprisingly refined daily driver.

While it can’t hide its outright size, GWM has given the Tank 500 a feather-weighted steering rack that makes it easy to turn while parking or navigating tight quarters, while visibility is decent.

Pick up the pace and the Tank 500’s suspension package makes light work of city streets and remains confident as you pick up the pace.

On the open road, the Tank 500 handles moderate bumps with ease, proving itself a mighty versatile package that isn’t phased by some of the rougher sections of Australian B-roads.

On the highway, the Tank 500 chews up the kilometres thanks to its endless torque figures and refined high-speed ride, representing an impressively versatile large SUV package that isn’t too much of a handful on a daily run around town.

Is the GWM Tank 500 a Good Off-Roader?

GWM has packed the Tank 500 with a long list of hardcore equipment that promises a healthy mix of well-mannered driving around town with go-anywhere abilities.

The Tank 500’s powertrain is paired with an adjustable all-terrain control system featuring 11 different driving modes for certain terrains and off-road situations.

There’s also a low-range transfer case to help push you up particularly steep inclines, as well as an electronically locking rear differential in the base model, while the range-topping Ultra picks up an electronic locking front differential.

Rounding out its off-road touches is a clever ‘Tank Turn’ feature that nibbles at the inside brakes and uses some clever differential trickery to help it more accurately squeeze into certain sections of an off-road trail.

The end result is a mighty impressive off-road package that, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and generous heaping of hardware, gives it confidence and a wide range of abilities when pushed off-road.

• Ground Clearance: 224mm

• Wading Depth: 800mm

• Approach Angle: 30-degrees

• Breakover Angle: 22.5-degrees

• Departure Angle: 24-degrees 

How Much Can the GWM Tank 500 Tow?

GWM caps braked towing capacity for the Tank 500 range at 3,000kg, putting it behind some of the benchmark towing figures for the segment, but on par with most of its rivals, with unbraked towing capped at 750kg.

• GWM Tank 500 Braked Towing Capacity: 3,000kg

• GWM Tank 500 Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750kg  

Is it Fuel Efficient?

While the Tank 500 receives a trick hybrid powertrain, outright power seems to be a higher priority than fuel efficiency.

On a combined cycle, the Tank 500 is rated at 8.5L per 100km, which is decent for a petrol-powered vehicle of this size, but doesn’t exactly scream outright fuel efficiency.

For reference, the majority of the Tank 500’s competitors come powered by a turbo-diesel unit that returns equal, if not better fuel economy figures, though it’s rather pointless comparing petrol and diesel units head-to-head on economy.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Step inside the Tank 500 and it’s clear to see that this is a mighty impressive package for the money.

Even the base model with its comparatively shorter features list comes jam-packed full of equipment and premium-looking touches that make the Tank 500 feel far more luxurious than its direct rivals.

It does a great impression of a premium, European SUV cabin than a relatively affordable family off-roader, with the look of materials across the dash, centre console and switchgear matched by a solid, sturdy feel.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to a healthy amount of headroom which means taller occupants won’t be short on space, with healthy forward visibility over the large bonnet.

Storage options are plentiful in the front of the cabin, with the usual host of cup holders, a retractable storage area behind the unique gear lever, tonnes of storage inside the folding armrest, a glovebox and healthy door bins.

Move to the second row and passengers are treated to a very generous amount of leg and headroom, with no issues for adults sitting in the rear of the Tank 500’s cabin.

The second row is able to slide and recline to give those in the third row some more real estate, with amenities like USB-C chargers, air vents with dedicated climate inputs, door bins and ventilated seats in the top-spec Ultra.

The Tank 500’s third row is somewhat tricky to access, though once you’re in, there’s enough space on offer to give it credentials of a fully-fledged seven-seater rather than a part-timer.

For the parents, the Tank 500 has two ISOFIX anchors in the second row and three top tether mounts, while the third row misses out.

How Big is the GWM Tank 500’s Boot?

In seven-seat mode, the GWM Tank 500’s boot measures in at just 98L, which is very, very compact.

Fold down the third row and you’ll unlock a total of 795L of boot space, expanding to a maximum of 1,459L with both rows of seats folded.

While boot space in seven-seat mode is limited, the Tank 500 does, at least, receive a full-sized spare tyre that hangs off the rear of the boot, which is a particularly nice touch for an adventure-focussed SUV package.

GWM Tank 500 Boot Size

• 98L (third row standing)

• 795L (third row folded)

• 1,459L (both rows folded) 

Is the GWM Tank 500 Safe?

As standard, the GWM Tank 500 boasts a hefty list of active safety equipment, though it feels as though some of the active safety tech needs a bit more refinement.

Better yet, both variants pick up the same list of safety gear, which means you’re not left out of any key features when opting for the entry-level Tank 500.

The list includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with lane-centring, front & rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, seven airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and a surround-view monitor.

Does the GWM Tank 500 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

Buyers will be pleased to know that the GWM Tank 500 range has recently picked up the five-star ANCAP safety test.

During testing, the GWM Tank 500 scored the following marks:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 85%

• Child Occupant Protection: 93%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 81%

• Safety Assist: 84% 

What Warranty Does the GWM Tank 500 Come With?

The Tank 500 range boasts a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, as well as seven years’ worth of roadside assist.

The Tank 500’s battery is backed by an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Buyers also pick up a seven-year capped-price servicing package, with service intervals set at 12-months or 15,000-kilometres.

Our Verdict: Is the GWM Tank 500 Worth it?

As an overall package, the GWM Tank 500 range provides buyers looking for both a smooth and comfortable daily driving experience and a versatile off-roader.

Sitting as one of the only hybrid-powered, seven-seat SUVs on the market, the Tank 500 is uniquely positioned for adventurous families, though it’s worth keeping in mind that the hybrid system offers more in the way of power than it does outright fuel economy.

Having said that, the GWM Tank 500 is an undeniable value pick for large families thanks to the generous features list and long warranty coverage, making it well worth a spot on your list of tough, family-friendly off-roaders.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price. 

Five GWM Tank 500 Specs You Need to Know

1. 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol + electric motor hybrid with 4x4 system

2. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

3. Eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty

4. 8.5L/100km combined cycle fuel economy

5. Locking rear differential standard, front dif-lock reserved for Ultra variant