Priced equivalent to RM 300k, here's what the Thais think of the GWM Tank 500
CY Foong · Sep 25, 2023 03:30 PM
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Think of a large SUV and you might picture the Toyota Land Cruiser but the Chinese GWM Tank 500 is more than just a more opulent-looking Land Cruiser copy homage. Launching in Thailand by the end of September 2023, the Tank 500 will be challenging more premium SUVs but with a lower price.
The Tank 500 looks good in Burgundy Red but this colour will not be offered in Thailand
Available only as a hybrid, Thailand is the first right-hand drive (RHD) market to introduce the Tank 500. Currently, Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) flagship SUV under its Tank sub-brand is only offered in left-hand drive (LHD) markets like China and the Middle East, the latter being the Land Cruiser territory.
Our colleagues over at AutoFun Thailand have experienced the Tank 500 before its Thai launch on 28-September. Prices for the SUV have not been announced though it is estimated to start below THB 3 million (~RM 300k) across two variants.
If the official prices are close to the estimated figures, then the Tank 500 seems like a value-for-money proposition considering the full-size SUV market is very niche in the Kingdom.
For around the same estimated price, one could get the Lexus NX which starts from THB 3.24 million (~RM 421k) or the BMW X3 which starts from 3.669 million (~RM 477k). Both of which are also smaller than the Chinese Tank in terms of dimensions.
Powering the Tank 500 is a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain which combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit (244 PS/380 Nm) with an electric motor (106 PS/268 Nm). Altogether, the Tank has a maximum output of 300 PS and 600 Nm, sending power to all 4 wheels (4WD) via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Tipping the scales at around 2.6 tonnes, AutoFun TH reported that the 7-seater Tank 500’s weight and slow acceleration are obvious when overtaking to the point that one has to see the fast lane is absolutely clear with a big gap before switching lanes.
Instead, the full-size behemoth is more suited for cruising than frantic driving although the Thai team have said in their review that switching to Sport mode puts a little bit of boost to the SUV's performance.
Speaking of those modes, the Tank 500 comes with 11 driving modes, most of which are set up for when the SUV is being taken off the smooth tarmac into rougher terrain. There are driving modes for sand, mud, snow, and other terrains while also offering aids when going through the beaten path.
However, AutoFun TH remarked that the suspension of the Tank 500 feels a bit too soft. GWM stated that this set-up is more suited for buyers who prefer comfort like families and business executives who would rather be chauffeured. Yet, at the same time, our Thai colleague said in his review that the softer suspension gives little confidence when driving at higher speeds on the highways.
In terms of features, the Tank 500 is offered with ADAS which includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with cornering assistance. For those worrying about the large SUV’s size, it is also offered with a parking assistance system.
Though further details on the Thai-spec Tank 500 will be revealed later this week, AutoFun TH expects that the full-size SUV will be offered in 2 variants. The difference would be the equipment like wheel size, panoramic sunroof, audio system, and parking assistance system.
Aside from the Tank 500, the smaller Tank 300 is also planned to be launched in the Kingdom at the end this month. As for Malaysia, it is still uncertain whether GWM Malaysia will be introducing the Tank brand into the country but the Tank 500 seems like an alternative to the recond-only Land Cruiser.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
