GWM Tank 500 HEV launched in Malaysia – 346PS, 648Nm from hybridised 2.0 turbo, RM328,800

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially launched the Tank 500 HEV in Malaysia at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, marking the debut of its flagship luxury hybrid SUV. After being previewed at KLIMS last December and again more recently, the biggest revelation this time is its official price tag: RM328,800 on-the-road without insurance, for the sole, fully-loaded Ultra variant.

The seven-seater Tank 500 HEV rolls out of GWM’s Rayong plant in Thailand, mirroring the same Ultra trim offered in the Thai market. Powering this rugged-yet-refined 4×4 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (244 PS/380 Nm) paired with a 106 PS/268 Nm electric motor, channelling a total system output of 346 PS and 648 Nm through a nine-speed automatic and four-wheel-drive system.

Its drivetrain is bolstered by serious off-road hardware, including:

Front and rear electronic locking differentials (front exclusive to Ultra)
Mechanical centre differential lock
Off-road cruise control
Tank Turn function (tight turning radius via inside rear wheel lock)
Water depth detection
11 drive modes (4 on-road, 7 off-road)
800 mm wading depth

With dimensions measuring 5,078 mm long (or 4,878 mm without the external spare), 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, on a 2,850 mm wheelbase, the Tank 500 fits between the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest in size. However, with its tech and luxury appointments, it’s more aligned with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in terms of character and capability.

Built on a ladder frame chassis, the SUV features a bold, Americana-inspired design with a massive chrome grille, triangular LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in Continental rubber. The side profile balances toughness with elegance via smooth fender flares and chrome-accented D-pillars, while the rear houses a side-opening tailgate with soft-close and a full-size spare tyre.

Step inside, and the GWM Tank 500 HEV reveals a cabin swathed in quilted Nappa leather, enhanced by faux wood trim and an analogue clock nestled beneath a massive 14.6-inch infotainment screen(with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Comfort and convenience features include:

Power-adjustable front seats (8-way driver, 6-way passenger) with memory
Ventilated first and second rows
Power-folding third row
Triple-zone climate control with air ioniser
Qi wireless charging
Panoramic sunroof
Infinity 12-speaker audio system
360-degree camera with transparency function
Auto park assist and soft-close tailgate

The GWM Tank 500 HEV comes equipped with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:

Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
Lane centring assist and curve speed reduction
Wisdom Dodge (auto sidestep for large vehicles)
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross traffic alert with auto brake
Door opening warning
Six airbags and stability control

With its impressive blend of luxury, off-road capability, and hybrid performance, the GWM Tank 500 HEV enters the Malaysian market as a premium SUV alternative for those wanting Land Cruiser-like presence without the six-figure import pricing. At RM328,800, it’s an assertive move from GWM — and one that could shake up the upper end of the SUV segment.