First Drive: GWM P500 and GWM Tank 500

First Drive: GWM P500 and GWM Tank 500

Chinese cars have attracted significant attention in recent years, and as these brands gain traction, their local portfolios continue to expand. The new full-size SUV from GWM, called Tank, is now available locally. The Tank 500 offers a more premium experience than the GWM products we've come to know, while the P-Series now boasts enhanced visual appeal.

Let's start with the P500, GWM's new addition to its P-Series bakkie lineup. The P500 has a striking and distinctive appearance. Its chrome front bumper appears menacing in the rearview mirror, and its muscular build enhances its overall look. The P500 boasts a split tailgate at the rear, which opens either traditionally or horizontally, enabling the opening of two door-like sections. This design enables the direct placement of heavier items in the bed, providing easier access without the need to climb inside.

The P500 offers two powertrain options: a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 135kW and 480Nm, and the unit we tested, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid delivering 255kW and 648Nm, as well as an additional 78kW and 268Nm produced by its electric motor. 

From a standstill, the power output is impressive, with the electric motor allowing it to launch rapidly off the line. The thrill of acceleration quickly fades once you reach highway speeds and the battery is depleted. Fortunately, thanks to regenerative braking, the battery regenerates power relatively quickly, allowing it to perform optimally. It’s a heavy bakkie though, with a kerb weight of around 2.6 tonnes, and its weight does show under braking and cornering. It's subtle but noticeable. 

Surprisingly, the diesel engine is the more efficient option, consuming 8.6l/100km compared to the hybrid-petrol's 9.8l/100km. Despite the bouncy ride quality and stiff rear shocks typical of most bakkies, the comfortable cabin ensures a pleasurable driving experience. 

For one, there's no shortage of tech with a massive 14.6-inch touch screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is one of the more impressive visual displays I have seen. The driver's display, paired with the head-up display, makes the driver's information easily readable and contributes to a modern cabin feel. It’s aesthetically pleasing too, with a woodgrain finish and leather seats offering 8-point massaging functions. Yes, there is now a bakkie that can massage you out on the trails. Also, your passengers are looked after with rear wireless charging and decent legroom in the back. 

The P500 will set you back R799,900 for the 2.4T 4x4 luxury, R889,900 for the Super Luxury, and for the HEV Ultra Luxury, you will be spending R999,900. The P500 comes with a 5-year/75,000 km service plan and a 7-year/200,000 km warranty to address any potential reliability concerns.

The Tank 500 is another GWM product that recently arrived on our shores. It's an SUV that captured my interest when I saw it in China earlier this year. It's an off-road-capable SUV with a Prado-like design, Maybach-inspired mechanical side steps, and chrome-finished wheels and bumpers. 

Its large size gives it considerable presence, but it too gets off the line in a lively manner. The Tank 500, available in a single variant, boasts a 2.0-litre hybrid turbo-petrol engine that produces 255kW and 648Nm, mated to the same 9-speed automatic transmission. This allows the Tank 500 to do a 0-100km/h time of 8.3 seconds. At higher speeds, the Tank 500 struggles to maintain momentum and, similar to the P500, requires a fully charged battery for optimal performance.

The ride quality of the Tank 500 is exceptional. It's smooth and manages the gravel roads well, plus its drift mode and high-speed gravel mode assist with off-road performance. It's also highly capable off-road, featuring three locking differentials like the P500 and a ground clearance of 224mm. For those who prefer adventure, the Tank 500 has an approach angle of 30 degrees, a break-over angle of 22.5 degrees, and a departure angle of 24 degrees. 

The interior is where the Tank 500 truly shines, featuring a tech loadout similar to the P500 with the same 14.6-inch screen, woodgrain accents, and Nappa leather seats. Your rear passengers have plenty of legroom, and the seat quality is impressive. For those concerned about the build quality of some of the materials, the vehicle's interior has been put through various wear and abrasion tests to ensure it will last the test of time. 

As GWM's more premium offering, the Tank 500 is priced at R1,222,900, making it the first Chinese vehicle to break into the R1 million bracket. It also comes with a 5-year/75,000km service plan and a 7-year/200,000km warranty. 

Considering its size and extravagant looks inside and out, along with its good ride quality and tech-savvy user experience, the Tank 500 does justify its price. However, it's uncertain if South Africans are ready to spend R1.2 million on a Chinese vehicle at this point. That said, both the P500 and Tank 500 share similarities, such as the cabin aesthetic and powertrains, and although there is still room for refinement, it is an impressive product that I look forward to seeing on our roads.

‍