Image: Fanie van Niekerk
A year after its South African debut, the GWM Tank 500 has carved out a space for itself in the luxury SUV segment, and it’s hard to ignore – literally. It’s enormous, well-kitted, and feels like it’s been built with genuine ambition. But if you’re looking for a hybrid SUV that’s easy on fuel, brace yourself for a wake-up call.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The Tank 500 lives up to its name in size and road presence. It’s a big, brawny 7-seater that looks ready to tackle anything from Sandton traffic to a weekend in the Cederberg. The exterior design is flashy, leaning into that unapologetically macho look, complete with a massive grille and 20-inch wheels. The automatic side steps add a nice premium touch too, even if they feel a bit excessive.
Solid Interior
Step inside and the Tank 500 makes a solid first impression. The cabin is plush and packed with tech. You get heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a massive 14.6-inch infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, and even ambient lighting that dances to your music. The second row is just as pampered, and the third row isn’t a punishment, which is rare in SUVs this size. The star-lit dashboard panel at night? A bit gimmicky, but fun nonetheless.
In short: GWM didn’t skimp on features. You feel the value – this SUV genuinely tries to punch above its price point.
Big Grunt, Big Sips
Off-road, it walks the walk too. At least theoretically. With 11 terrain modes and a proper 4×4 system, the Tank 500 isn’t just a city cruiser; It’s happy to get dirty. Even if you’d be a bit hesitant to hit the gravel with those low-profile tyres. The hybrid system delivers a strong combined output of 255 kW and a mountain-moving 648 Nm, so there’s more than enough grunt to get through mud or pull a trailer.
But – and it’s a big but – there’s one glaring issue that seriously drags the Tank 500 down: fuel economy.
GWM says this is a hybrid. Technically, it is. But while you’d expect some degree of efficiency from a petrol-electric combo, the Tank 500 throws that idea out the window. Real-world figures hover around 16 L/100km, which is shocking even for a big luxury SUV – let alone one that’s marketed as electrified. It’s not just poor for a hybrid; it’s poor full stop.
The ride quality is also on the soft side. It feels tuned more for comfort than control, which is fine in most situations but leaves the Tank feeling a bit floaty on undulating roads. For such a heavy vehicle, a firmer setup might have been the better call.
Then there’s the price: R1 222 900. That puts it in direct competition with well-established rivals like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest Platinum, and even some entry-level German luxury SUVs. GWM has come a long way, and the Tank 500 is a giant leap forward in terms of quality and ambition. But brand trust and resale value still matter at this price point.
To be fair, GWM sweetens the deal with a solid warranty and service plan. The 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 8-year battery warranty are generous, especially if you’re worried about long-term running costs (you should be, given how much petrol this thing gulps).
In Summary
So, where does that leave the Tank 500?
It’s a mixed bag. As a statement piece and tech-laden family SUV, it delivers. It’s genuinely luxurious, well-built, and equipped to the teeth. But it badly misses the mark on fuel consumption, and the soft ride won’t suit everyone.
The Tank 500 is impressive in many ways. Just don’t let the “hybrid” badge fool you into thinking it’s a fuel-sipper. It’s not. It’s a luxury SUV that happens to have a battery and a very big appetite.
