The GWM Tank 500 is constructed for the tough stuff and designed for weekend warriors desirous to disconnect, however the newest addition to the massive off-road SUV lineup needs you to plug-in: welcome the Hi4-T, the primary plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Tank.
It’s the new flagship of the Australian Tank 500 vary, sitting atop three current plugless hybrid mannequin grades. The 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T is loaded with luxurious gear – together with Nappa leather-based, as an illustration – however comes with 5 seats as an alternative of seven like hybrid variants.
It’s quicker, extra highly effective, has a correct four-wheel drive system to use its ladder chassis, and it groups these with extra rear-seat gear than something that’s designed for mud-plugging ought to.
Regardless of its luxurious lean, we’ve hit the off-road take a look at monitor on the previous Holden proving floor in Lang Lang, Victoria to see if it will probably combine manners with mayhem. However is the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV making an attempt to be so many issues to so many individuals that it compromises its method out of consideration?
Let’s get mudding.
How a lot does the GWM Tank 500 price?
The 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is obtainable in a single mannequin grade, priced at $79,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 GWM Tank 500 Lux HEV 4WD | $64,490 |
| 2026 GWM Tank 500 Extremely HEV 4WD | $71,990 |
| 2026 GWM Tank 500 Vanta HEV 4WD | $75,990 |
| 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV 4WD | $79,990 |
That makes it $4000 pricier than the highest-spec Tank 500 HEV Vanta, and considerably greater than $64,490 for the most affordable Tank 500 HEV.
But there aren’t many PHEVs primarily based on a rugged ladder chassis – together with the Ford Everest, which doesn’t supply PHEV energy regardless of its Ranger ute twin doing so, and nor does the Toyota Prado.
There may be the Land Rover Defender PHEV however you’ll have to spend at the very least $130,000, so the Tank 500 represents respectable on-paper worth, even when it lacks the Defender’s heritage and certain resale worth.
Fellow Chinese language model BYD will quickly supply a plug-in hybrid 4WD competitor within the Denza B8, which arrives in November. Pricing and specs for Australia are nonetheless to be confirmed.
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
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What’s the GWM Tank 500 like on the within?
One phrase: Opulent.
You step up onto the polished facet steps – which electronically decrease on strategy – and into a brilliant spacious, absolutely loaded inside with wall-to-wall Nappa leather-based upholstery combined with tender and plush carpet, picket inlays and silver highlights.
The centre console switches embrace a financial institution of buttons, half completed in silver, the remaining gloss black, with a chunky shifter in between a mixture of each.
There’s detailed stitching on the leather-clad steering wheel and dashboard, whereas the whole lot has a border, crown or encompass to indicate its place is intentional, deliberate and deliberate.
The seat trims have a diamond-pattern that’s adopted within the door trims, and the opulent presentation feels maybe an excessive amount of – even a little bit contrived – relying in your private style.
There’s a great deal of room within the electrically adjustable driver’s seat, which has comfortable padding and presents an armchair-like really feel versus a tough, hold-you-in sports activities tilt.
There’s an analogue clock sitting proud between two air vents and above a row of silver, textured controls for air-conditioning features, driving mode adjustments and fast entry to the on-board cameras.
The central 14.6-inch touchscreen is crisp, as are the digital devices for the driving force. The console bin is sort of deep, the cupholders are large enough (don’t giggle – some manufacturers assume no-one orders something however a tiny espresso), and there’s a wi-fi telephone charger that truly works.
There’s additionally a rotary dial that permits you to spin your strategy to a unique driving mode, and for low-range it’s worthwhile to choose impartial by way of the chunky and durable shifter earlier than pushing a button, which is sandwiched between locking entrance and rear diff buttons.
The spaciousness continues to the second row, the place there’s greater than sufficient for 2 individuals to sit down in optimum consolation, and there’s sufficient house for 3 shoulder-to-shoulder. You additionally get local weather and seat heating/air flow controls within the rear.
What’s extra, there’s additionally a 7.0-inch digital display screen within the centre rear armrest, which additionally controls local weather and different features, together with a storage cubby and smartphone charging functionality.
The cargo space’s flooring is a tad larger than within the HEV, with a 646-litre boot in opposition to the HEV’s 795L – expandable to 1400L with the rear seats folded, solely 59L lower than the HEV.
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Tank 500 PHEV makes use of the identical 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine because the Tank 500 Hybrid however provides a stronger 120kW/400Nm electrical motor and larger 37.11kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack.
| Specs | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 180kW / 380Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 120kW / 400Nm |
| System outputs | 300kW / 750Nm |
| 0-100km/h time | 6.9 seconds |
| Battery | 37.1kWh ternary lithium (NCM) |
| Max DC charging charge | 50kW |
| Max AC charging charge | 6.6kW |
| Transmission | 9-speed hybrid transmission |
| Drive sort | 4-wheel drive |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 2.06L/100km (WLTC) |
| Electrical driving vary | 110km (WLTC) |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 60g/km |
| Gas sort | 91 octane unleaded |
| Gas tank | 70L |
| Kerb weight | 2830kg |
| Payload | 565kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3000kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3395kg |
EV driving vary is 110km on the WLTC cycle or 102km on the stricter WLTP regime, and the mixed driving vary quoted at 950km. The Tank 500 Hi4-T additionally has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, outputting 6kW to energy exterior electrical home equipment.
The battery could be topped as much as 80 per cent by way of a DC fast-charger at as much as 50kW in as little as 24 minutes, or in 6.5 hours by way of an 11kW house charger.
Mixed gas consumption is a tad greater than the HEV at round 8.8L/100km, in comparison with 8.5L/100km for the hybrid, which additionally has a 10L-larger 80L gas tank. Nevertheless, we didn’t have the chance to check gas financial system on our fast and soiled off-road launch drive.
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the GWM Tank 500 drive?
Let’s be sincere: we might by no means deal with a Tank 500 the best way GWM requested us to. Bumpers, paintwork and the compulsory quantity plate injury from driving too quick whereas testing the 800mm water wading functionality of different off-road claims had been all a part of the press launch program.
The Lang Lang proving floor could also be most well-known amongst fans for its high-speed bowl, however the off-road course proved the Tank 500 PHEV can climb any mountain, swallow any rut and storm its method over something we may throw at it on the day.
We had been on the usual tyres – Giti HT71 XRosso 265/60 rubber wrapped round 18-inch alloy wheels – which made its off-road prowess much more spectacular.
There are 11 completely different driving modes – together with Regular, Sport and Eco, in addition to Rock, Snow, Sand and the one we’ve chosen immediately: Mud. An ‘Professional Mode’ – full with authorized disclaimers – permits you to select customized combos from the raft of settings and preferences.
Additionally serving to is the ‘Off-road display screen’, which exhibits info like tyre pressures, pitch and roll angles, whether or not the entrance, centre or rear differentials are locked, in addition to even air strain and altitude above sea stage.
The drive began with some fundamental however deep however slippery mud that almost all weekend warriors would giggle at, shortly portray the Tank 500 PHEV in a moist shade of brown.
Issues then grew to become a little bit extra critical with some huge ruts to check the 213mm floor clearance.
We shifted to Impartial and chosen ‘4 Low’ earlier than we fastidiously managed the throttle to barter bathtub-sized canyons, which demonstrated the SUV’s vital suspension articulation because the four-wheel drive system saved issues transferring.
The petrol engine kicked in as we seemed to regulate the automobile over questionable terrain, together with fording round 350mm of water, far in need of its 800mm most.
Method and departure angles are a comparatively beneficiant 29.5- and 24-degrees respectively, with a breakover angle of twenty-two.5-degrees.
We then tackled a brief course with a steep climb – one on which you’ll be able to’t see something however sky over the bonnet – the place the locking rear diff got here in useful.
The centre display screen’s wonderful decision and digicam got here in useful, permitting us to ‘see by means of’ the chassis to view the terrain, place the wheels accurately, and keep on track. We additionally gave the hill descent management a whirl to maintain us in test with the nostril pointing dramatically to the bottom, and it managed the 2830kg Tank 500 commendably.
The Tank 500 Hi4-T is comfy, spacious and, with an enormous 3.5 turns lock-to-lock, allowed us to simply place the automobile the place we wanted, adjusting after we put the wheels a little bit too far to at least one facet of the monitor or the opposite, with a manageable throttle pedal and assured brake really feel, too.
What does this imply on your weekend? Properly, we all know you’ll have enjoyable if you arrive, however we will’t let you know a lot about what to anticipate from the Tank 500 PHEV alongside on method till we get a correct drive on public roads.
| Off-road dimensions | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T | GWM Tank 500 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Floor clearance | 213mm | 224mm |
| Method angle | 29.5 levels | 30 levels |
| Departure angle | 24 levels | 24 levels |
| Ramp breakover angle | 22.5 levels | 22.5 levels |
| Wading depth | 800mm | 800mm |
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The Tank 500 Hi4-T presents equal specification to the high-spec Tank 500 Extremely HEV, however with 5 seats as an alternative of seven, a singular alloy wheel design, and the addition of the second-row show within the centre rear armrest.
2025 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Entrance, centre and rear locking differentials
- 4H and 4L modes
- Off-road cruise management
- Rain-sensing wipers
- LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- Soundproof windscreen
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights
- Chrome-accented door handles
- Energy-retractable facet steps
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Nappa leather-based upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar
- Reminiscence and welcome perform for driver’s seat
- 6-way energy passenger seat
- Tri-zone local weather management with second-row controls
- Ventilated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up show
- 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- 12-speaker Infinity sound system
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Lively noise cancellation
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear privateness glass with guide rear sunshades
- Soundproof rear door glass
- Smooth-close tailgate
- Tyre strain monitoring
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV secure?
The Tank 500 HEV vary has a five-star ANCAP security score – although this doesn’t apply to the PHEV simply but.
“It ought to carry over,” GWM Australia advertising chief Steve Maciver beforehand advised CarExpert. “Clearly it’s worthwhile to do the engineering evaluation with ANCAP to ensure that the battery pack, the burden of the automobile, etcetera, gained’t affect any of the present testing that we’ve performed.”
Normal security tools contains:
- 7 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise management
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Entrance cross-traffic help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Protected exit warning
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Encompass-view digicam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV price to run?
The GWM Tank 500 PHEV is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, together with seven years of roadside help. The hybrid battery pack has an eight-year, unlimited-km guarantee.
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| Servicing and Guarantee | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres – automobile 8 years, limitless kilometres – EV battery |
| Roadside help | 7 years – service activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km (estimated) |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Complete capped-price service price | TBC |
Capped-price servicing is obtainable for as much as seven years, however pricing was not obtainable on the time of publication.
To see how the GWM Tank 500 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the GWM Tank 500
The Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is an appetising proposition and there’s nothing else fairly prefer it for the cash – but.
Commendable off-road functionality blended with an opulent inside provides it a singular promoting level that no rivals presently supply.
Our drive was too restricted to supply a definitive verdict, however our transient pattern confirmed the basic character and robust attributes of the Tank 500 haven’t been diluted with the addition of a plug-in powertrain and a much bigger battery.
What may cement it as a persuasive proposition will probably be its real-world gas consumption, servicing prices (as soon as launched), and basic on-road manners.
It drops factors for less than having 5 seats – which can not matter to many however might be a missed alternative – and for having a comparatively uninteresting vary of simply 4 exterior paint colors to select from: Silver, Black, White, and Gold.
But in case you plan on completely overlaying it in mud, who cares? The Tank 500 Hi4-T is a trailblazer within the giant 4WD phase, beating family names to the PHEV get together – and it may keep that method for some time but.
Keep tuned to CarExpert for our first drive of the brand new Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid on public roads, which is hopefully coming very quickly.
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