The large GWM Tank 500 off-road SUV is set to make waves in Australia with its new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, a move that currently sees no direct response from top competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado. The Chinese automaker has announced that the Tank 500 PHEV will launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, with pricing details expected soon.
This development follows the confirmation from government documents, as reported by CarExpert, that GWM would introduce the Hi4-T PHEV powertrain to the local market. Unlike the longer-range Hi4-Z option available elsewhere, the Hi4-T PHEV is tailored specifically for the Australian Tank 500 range.
Key Features and Specifications
The GWM Tank 500 PHEV distinguishes itself from its hybrid counterpart by offering only five seats, as the third row has been removed to accommodate a larger 37.11kWh battery. This adjustment allows for an impressive 120km of electric-only range under the NEDC cycle.
Despite the absence of a third row, the SUV offers luxury features such as massaging, heating, and ventilation for the outboard rear seats, all controlled via a 7.0-inch rear touchscreen. This interface also manages media, climate, and ambient lighting settings.
GWM has yet to confirm whether the PHEV will be available in the same Lux, Ultra, and Vanta trims as the regular hybrid. However, the PHEV boasts a “true mechanical four-wheel drive system” with selectable low-range gearing and three locking differentials, along with 11 drive modes.
Performance Comparison:
- Engine: 2.0L turbo 4cyl (both PHEV and Hybrid)
- Total system power: 300kW (PHEV) vs. 255kW (Hybrid)
- Total system torque: 750Nm (PHEV) vs. 648Nm (Hybrid)
- Fuel consumption: 2.1L/100km (PHEV) vs. 8.5L/100km (Hybrid)
- Electric range: 120km (PHEV)
Charging and Additional Features
GWM states that the Tank 500 PHEV can be charged from 30 to 80 percent using a DC fast-charger in just 24 minutes, while home AC charging will take approximately 6.5 hours. The vehicle also features 6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling it to power small appliances.
Standard exterior colors include Marble White, with options for Crystal Black, Onyx Silver, and Dune Gold available at an additional cost. The interior comes standard in black, though a Blue and Cream option is available with certain exterior colors.
Market Position and Pricing Strategy
GWM is backing the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty, and seven years of roadside assistance. Customers will also benefit from seven years of capped-price servicing across GWM’s 117 dealers.
The pricing of the PHEV remains a critical question. According to GWM Australia’s marketing and communications chief, Steve Maciver, the premium for a plug-in hybrid can range from $6000 to $15,000, largely dependent on battery size and range. GWM Australia’s managing director, Charles Zhao, has indicated the company aims to keep PHEV pricing competitive, potentially leveraging future New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regulations.
“Range and battery size is what defines pricing,” said Steve Maciver in September 2024.
Broader Market Context
The introduction of the Tank 500 PHEV expands GWM’s local offerings, adding to the existing hybrid lineup. In China, the Tank 500 is available with a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6, and in Thailand, a turbo-diesel 2.4-litre four-cylinder has been introduced. However, these options are not currently slated for the Australian market, with a larger 3.0-litre diesel engine expected in 2027.
Since its 2024 launch, GWM has actively updated the Tank 500, including a suspension tune adjustment and advanced driver assistance system recalibration. A facelifted version with new features was released in China, but these updates will not be available in Australia.
The Tank 500 PHEV joins a growing range of GWM plug-in hybrids in Australia, following models like the Cannon Alpha PHEV, Haval H6 PHEV, and Haval H6 GT PHEV, all launched this year.
As GWM continues to expand its footprint in the Australian market, the Tank 500 PHEV represents a significant step forward in the company’s strategy to offer competitive, eco-friendly vehicles in the SUV segment.
