Great Wall Motors has grown from strength to strength over the last 16 years in South Africa. The brand has managed to expand its local car park to over 180 000 units. The greatest coup de grâce has been the Haval brand, which has shown the local consumer that value for money will always trump brand heritage. It's no secret that their efforts locally have several global manufacturers rethinking their South Africa sales strategy.
Related: GWM poised to attack - new models for SA revealed at Auto China 2024
With their strange approach of creating a sub-brand for each different style of vehicle, they've injected themselves into the local market more than you may realise. The Tank brand, which offers 4x4 lifestyle products, builds on the success of the mainline SUV Haval offerings, electric Ora products, and P-Series light commercial vehicles. The Tank 300, with its retro-cool styling, is now joined by the Tank 500, a premium 7-seater SUV that sets its sights high and aims for the Everests, Prados, and Range Rovers.
The Tank 500
We'll get the elephant out of the room early on, and yes, there are similarities with the J200 Land Cruiser, but is that a bad thing? It's a large, familiar shape with an inoffensive design and attractive to boot. The 500 wears a lot of chrome, though, and the large front grille on local models doesn't have the delicate spars, opting to use a more rugged-looking tri-spar design instead. This grille is flanked by squared-off LED headlights and underscored with a strip of brightwork in the lower section of the bumper, housing LED fog lamps.
The brightwork extends down the sides with 20-inch chrome multi-spoke wheels and a garnish around the glasshouse. While I would usually scoff at the idea of chrome wheels, I think this set suits the overall look of the vehicle and doesn't cheapen it as one would think; both the design and finish accurately reflect the vehicle's intentions. Open the door, and a retractable sidestep presents itself, allowing those who stopped growing in primary school to alight easily.
At the rear, vertical LED taillights rest relatively low in the frame, flanking the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, which has its own branded cover in matching body colour. The chrome garnish forms a line with a trim piece on the tailgate to create a seamless illusion. A satin silver skid plate rests low in the rear bumper, and the tailgate swings out rather than up.
Interior Trims
Indeed, the interior trims and appointments make the Tank 500 a little more special. The cabin is a wash of Nappa leather and wood grain finishes, the latter of somewhat questionable quality, so time will tell how this holds up to the years. Attractively designed, the interior uses horizontal themes to portray an impression of width, and rightfully so—the Tank 500 is large and spacious inside, and even the most burly individuals should find themselves comfortable in the Tank 500 cabin.
The dashboard is dominated by the large 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that houses the bulk of the vehicle controls and settings and provides entertainment through a 12-speaker Harman Infinity audio system. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and has a wireless charging tray in the centre console. While some HVAC controls have been moved to physical buttons below the screen, flanking a beautiful analogue timepiece, some core controls and volume controls are still hidden in sub-menus, though.
Drivers get a digital display and a heads-up unit for driving information. The multifunction steering wheel and seats are heated. The electrically adjustable seats are heated, have ventilation, and have massage functions for both the driver and front passenger, with the driver getting additional lumbar support.
Ambient lighting, surround-view cameras, a host of safety and driver assistance systems, and a panoramic sunroof all further enhance the experience. Load space is generous, measuring 795-litres and expandable to 1459-litres. With the third row in effect, it is only 98-litres, mind.
Drivetrain
Powering the large SUV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with hybrid assistance. The combination is good for 255kW and 648Nm torque, giving the beast more than adequate "vooma". It is a little thirsty side, with GWM claiming 8.5 L/100km but returning 10s and 11s instead. This is with normal driving in the Normal mode, of which there are several, including an Eco mode and controls for the All-Wheel-Drive system. The hybrid system here is more to add than aid in efficiency.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed hybrid automatic transmission that houses the electric motor. The central transfer case then regulates it before sending it to the axles, which contain mechanical locking diffs. These can be actuated from within the cabin by pushing a button (yes, they give you a button for that, but not for volume).
Overall, the power delivery is great, with only a slight anomaly presenting itself when hitting a gradient. The power seems to drop and requires a comprehensive prod of the throttle to rectify. This is a small idiosyncrasy that may get tiresome if you live in a particularly hilly environment. The suspension is great, and the Tank 500 feels surefooted and stable, even at highway speeds and above on gravel. The AWD drivetrain's auto function does a commendable job of directing the power and stabilising the vehicle.
Price
The GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Ultra Luxury retails for R1 222 900 and is the only derivative on sale at the time of the launch event. It comes with a 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, an 8-year / 150 000 km High-Voltage Battery Pack warranty, a 7-year / Unlimited km roadside assistance plan, and a 5-year / 75 000 km service plan.
We look forward to getting this one on the test so we can spend more time with it.
