GWM has detailed its Tank 500 large off-road SUV ahead of its global debut at the Shanghai auto show.
Sitting above the already-in-Australia Tank 300, the Tank 500 shares its underpinnings with an even larger version of the Cannon ute, as well as its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
Putting 260kW/500Nm to the ground, the Tank 500 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 7.3 seconds, and sends its drive to all four wheels via a new Borg Warner-sourced 4×4 system and GWM in-house nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Inside, the Tank 500 scores the same upmarket appointments as its Shanhai Cannon ute equivalent, including Nappa leather interior trim, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, massive 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, and a design language that builds on the look and feel of the smaller Cannon ute.
Unlike the Shanhai Cannon which will also be powered by a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel option or 2.0-litre petrol PHEV, the Tank 500 is thus far 3.0-litre V6 only for the Chinese market, and its towing capacity is reduced to 2500kg compared to the Shanhai Cannon’s 3300kg.
Three variants are available in the Tank 500’s home market, split into ‘Business’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Custom’ with the choice of either five- or seven-seat interior layouts.
Don’t expect it to be a budget offering in the traditional sense, with prices in China starting from around the equivalent of $72,000 for the base Business five-seater, although with Toyota LandCruiser 300 series pricing starting from $92,681 for an entry-level 3.3-litre diesel V6 GX, a $20k difference is not insignificant.
The Tank 500 is not officially confirmed for an Australian launch, although GWM executives strongly hinted that the vehicle could be on the way at the launch of the smaller Tank 300, saying the large 4×4 is “under very serious consideration” for the Australian market, particularly with the healthy level of interest in the Tank 300.
Stay tuned for further details as GWM looks to expand its range significantly both locally and overseas with a number of new product launches and technology announcements confirmed at the Shanghai auto show.
Keyword: China's Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series rival is set to launch! 2024 GWM Tank 500 detailed with powerful V6 turbo-petrol engine