Can the GWM Tank 500 Really Compete With Established Full-Size SUVs?
The GWM Tank 500 isn’t just another new face in the crowded SUV market—it’s a bold statement from a Chinese automaker that’s been quietly leveling up for years. If you’ve been watching the rise of Chinese brands in Australia, you’ll know the Tank 300 made waves as a rugged, value-packed off-roader. Now, the Tank 500 is here, aiming straight at the likes of the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. But can it really go toe-to-toe with these heavyweights?
How Does the Tank 500 Stack Up on Price and Features?
Let’s talk numbers. The Tank 500 comes in two trims: Lux HEV and Ultra HEV, both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup. You get a punchy 342 hp and 478 lb-ft of torque, which is nothing to sneeze at for a vehicle this size. Pricing starts at AU$64,490 for the Lux and AU$72,990 for the Ultra—significantly undercutting the Land Cruiser Prado, which starts at over AU$78,000 and can soar past AU$110,000 for top trims.
What’s surprising is just how much kit GWM throws in for the money. The Ultra HEV’s interior feels more like a luxury SUV than something priced under $50,000 USD. Think plush leather, faux wood trim, a massive 14.6-inch infotainment screen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Massaging seats? Check. Configurable ambient lighting? Yep. There are even nine levels of seat heating and ventilation, which is a bit over the top but, hey, options are nice.
Is the Cabin Really That Upscale?
Short answer: yes. The Tank 500’s interior punches well above its weight. The dashboard, doors, and seats are all wrapped in soft-touch materials, and the switchgear has a satisfying, metallic feel. There’s even an analog clock on the dash, which feels oddly classy. Space is generous, too—seven seats come standard, and the third row is genuinely usable for adults on short trips. With all seats up, cargo space is tight at 98 liters, but fold the third row and you get a cavernous 795 liters.
Tech-wise, GWM’s infotainment system is both slick and comprehensive, though the sheer number of menus can be a bit overwhelming at first. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but honestly, the native system is robust enough that you might not bother.
What About Safety and Quirks?
Safety is a big selling point. The Tank 500 comes loaded with advanced driver aids: automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, and even a driver attention monitor. That last one is a little overzealous—yawn and it’ll suggest you take a break—but you can turn it off if it gets on your nerves.
There are some quirks, too. For example, the seat memory settings are labeled in Spanish (Memoria 1, 2, 3), and the off-road camera is buried under a menu called Conqueror Perspective. The ambient lighting includes some star patterns that might not be to everyone’s taste. And, oddly, there are no floor mats included. The alarm system is also a bit fussy: leave the sunroof shade open, lock the car, and the alarm will blare until it closes the shade itself. It’s the kind of thing that’ll make you laugh—or groan—the first time it happens.
How Does the Tank 500 Drive—On and Off Road?
Here’s where things get interesting. On the road, the Tank 500 feels big, but the steering is light and direct—almost too light, with little feedback. The ride is comfortable but borders on floaty, with noticeable body roll and pitching under hard braking or acceleration. Speaking of brakes, they’re spongy and lack confidence under heavy use. It’s not a dealbreaker for daily driving, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re coming from a more traditional SUV.
Performance is respectable: 0-100 km/h in about 7 seconds, thanks to the hybrid system’s instant torque. The hybrid setup is smooth and quiet, especially compared to diesel rivals, but throttle response can be sluggish unless you’re in Sport mode. Regenerative braking is adjustable, which is a nice touch for those who like to fine-tune their driving feel.
Off-road, the Tank 500 is surprisingly capable. There are 11 drive modes, including dedicated settings for sand, mud, and even a drift mode (yes, really). Three locking differentials—front, center, and rear—put it in rare company, rivaling the likes of the Mercedes G-Class. There’s also off-road cruise control and a feature that locks the inside rear wheel for tighter turns. The only real limitation is the low-hanging bumpers, which can impact approach and departure angles.
Is Fuel Economy a Dealbreaker?
Here’s the rub: despite being a hybrid, the Tank 500 isn’t exactly frugal. GWM claims 8.5 l/100 km (about 27.6 mpg US), but real-world driving—especially in the city—returns closer to 14.1 l/100 km (16.6 mpg US). That’s well behind diesel-powered rivals like the Prado or Everest. If efficiency is your top priority, you might want to wait for the diesel version GWM has promised in the next couple of years.
How Does It Compare on Towing and Payload?
With a 790 kg payload and 3,000 kg towing capacity, the Tank 500 is competitive but not class-leading. Some rivals can tow up to 3,500 kg, so if you’re regularly hauling heavy trailers, that’s worth considering. Still, for most families, the Tank 500’s numbers are more than adequate.
What About Long-Term Reliability and Warranty?
This is the big unknown. GWM offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty in Australia, which is generous and should give buyers some peace of mind. However, the brand’s long-term reliability—especially with so much tech on board—remains to be seen. If you’re planning to rack up serious mileage or head deep into the outback, it might be worth waiting to see how the Tank 500 holds up over time.
Should You Buy the GWM Tank 500?
If you’re after a full-size SUV that’s loaded with features, offers genuine off-road capability, and doesn’t break the bank, the Tank 500 is hard to ignore. It’s not perfect—the brakes and fuel economy are notable weak spots, and there are a few oddities that come with the territory of a newer brand. But the value proposition is undeniable, and the interior feels like it belongs in a much pricier vehicle.
The big takeaway? The Tank 500 isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. For buyers willing to embrace something a little different, this SUV could be the surprise hit of the year.