BIMS 2023: GWM Tank 500 HEV lands in Thailand, PH next?

Remember when Great Wall Motors (GWM) revealed the Tank 500 around two years ago? Well, after making its global debut in the People’s Republic, the Land Cruiser fighter has made its way to Southeast Asia via the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

But unlike the vehicle that was revealed in the PRC which was initially available with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo gas V6 that churns out 354 PS with 500 Nm of torque, the one revealed in Thailand is actually a hybrid. In fact, its full name is actually GWM Tank 500 HEV. More importantly, the reveal also marks the launch of GWM Tank in Thailand and the official start of the pre-sale of 500 HEV in the country.

Despite its immense size, the engine powering the Tank 500 HEV comes in the form of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is assisted by an electric motor. It has a total system output of 350 PS with 616 Nm of torque and is coupled to the same 9-speed automatic that is found in the 3.0-liter V6. And just like the twin-turbo version, it’s hooked up to a selectable 4WD system to make it capable of going off-road.

Helping the Tank 500 HEV stay mobile despite the terrain and weather are a plethora of intelligent driver aids and drivetrain features. It has a total of 11 driving modes, front/rear electronic locking differentials, as well as what GWM calls “Tank Mode”. This particular feature helps in reducing the vehicle’s turning radius via braking force.

Other neat features available include; wading depth detection, off-road cruise control, and what GWM calls Transparent Body. This features uses cameras to show the road/terrain in front and under them by showing a real-time picture of it without the vehicle’s body in the way.

Inside, the Tank 500 HEV oozes luxury and sophistication with its opulent cabin and the high-quality materials used. At the center of it is a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is complemented by a 12-speaker surround sound system.

Meanwhile, Nappa leather seats, power-adjustable front seats with a memory function for the driver, second-row sunshades, a digital instrument cluster, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel further up the exclusivity ante of the Tank 500 HEV.

With the Tank 500 HEV now on pre-sale in Thailand, it makes us wonder if GWM Philippines plans to bring this to the country in the not-so-distant future. Since it’s aimed directly against the likes of the Land Cruiser 300 and Patrol Royale, GWM may be on to something here.