Is the GWM Tank 500 HEV built for long hauls?
Conquering vast distances requires a capable companion. Enter the GWM Tank 500 HEV, a hulking SUV promising comfort and off-road prowess. But can this brazen beast truly handle the long haul? We dissect the evidence to see if it deserves a spot in your long-distance driveway.
Read our Tank 500 HEV review here.
A plush journey awaits
One aspect we praise in our review is the Tank 500 HEV's exceptional ride quality. The well-sprung suspension effortlessly devours road imperfections, even on bumpy gravel stretches.
The luxurious interior further elevates comfort, and GWM has left no stone unturned. Supportive, leather-trimmed seats provide excellent back support for those long hours on the road. Heated and ventilated seats further enhance occupants' comfort, and those up front can enjoy a massaging function too!
The spacious cabin boasts ample legroom and headroom, but those in the rearmost seats won't have oodles of legroom, as with most seven-seater SUVs.
In-car tech: Stay connected and entertained
The Tank 500 HEV is equipped with features to keep everyone entertained and connected. A large touchscreen allows access to navigation, music streaming, and your favourite apps. The Tank 500 is also equipped with semi-autonomous driving tech, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assistance, but it's not the user-friendliest system we've encountered.
Long stretches of highway can get monotonous, but the high-quality sound system is perfect for blasting your favourite tunes and keeping boredom at bay. Additionally, a panoramic sunroof's presence contributes to a more spacious and airy feel, reducing feelings of claustrophobia and carsickness that can arise during extended journeys.
Power and efficiency: You better have a large petrol budget
Long drives often tackle varying terrains, but the Tank 500 HEV's potent hybrid powertrain is up to the task. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor deliver a combined output of 255kW and a hearty 648Nm of torque. This translates to effortless acceleration for confident overtaking on highways, ensuring you don't get stuck behind a slowpoke.
Related: Tank 500 HEV First Drive Review
However, its downsize is fuel efficiency, or rather, a lack thereof. You must budget for real-world figures of 12 L/100 km and up. (R600 gave us only 250 km of range!)
Ample space for luggage and gear
The Tank 500 HEV's generous cargo space makes packing a breeze. With the rear seats folded, the spacious boot offers ample room for luggage and essential gear.
Bear in mind that with the rearmost seats in use, there's no space for a mouse in the boot, so you might have to invest in a trailer. Roof rails are present, making carrying additional equipment like bicycles for adventurous road trips easy.
Size matters
With a length of over 5 meters and a width of almost 2 meters, its size demands a certain driving style and awareness in tight spaces, as its considerable footprint might make navigating tight city streets or crowded parking lots a bit cumbersome. Additionally, the high ground clearance of 224mm, while great for off-road excursions, somewhat affects handling dynamics at high speeds.
Thankfully, cameras are everywhere, and you can even see what's going on underneath them, which is a compliment of a transparent off-road mode.
A capable long-distance cruiser, but not without its faults
The GWM Tank 500 HEV emerges as a compelling option for long-distance travel, especially for families seeking a comfortable and well-equipped ride. However, cars like the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest are worthy of consideration too. Read our shooutout between the Tank 500, Everest, and Prado here.
