GWM is continuing its electric assault on the New Zealand market, and this time, it’s aiming for the top. The all-new GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid has been announced, promising to be a flagship large SUV that blends rugged off-road strength with premium luxury and, get this, a class-leading pure electric range.
Scheduled to land on our shores in Q4 of this year, the Tank 500 Hi4-T is GWM’s fourth new plug-in hybrid for 2025, hot on the heels of the H6GT, Cannon Alpha, and H6 PHEV variants. It seems GWM is serious about offering Kiwis a powerful blend of performance and efficiency, without the usual compromises.
So, What’s Hi4-T?
GWM has a couple of hybrid systems, but the Hi4-T (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD) architecture in the Tank 500 is the big one. Unlike the lighter ‘Hi4’ system found in models like the Haval H6, the ‘T’ stands for Tank, and it means business. This is a parallel petrol-electric design engineered for high output, heavy-duty towing, and true mechanical 4WD capability.
The system uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a powerful electric motor that work together in real-time, keeping the engine in its most efficient range. The result is smooth power delivery with low fuel consumption. Critically for a vehicle with off-road aspirations, it retains a non-decoupling structure with proper mechanical linkages. This means it can send power directly to a single wheel if needed and features 2H, AWD, 4H Lock, and 4L Lock modes to tackle just about anything. If you’re out in the wop-wops and can’t find a charger, the system seamlessly switches to direct petrol drive, so you’re never left stranded.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
This is where things get really interesting. The combination of the turbo-petrol engine and a 120kW electric motor results in a massive combined output of 300kW and 750Nm of torque. That power, sent through a 9-speed Hybrid Automatic Transmission, is enough to launch this large SUV from 0-100km/h in just 6.9 seconds.
Despite that performance, the official combined fuel consumption is a scarcely believable 2.1L/100km. This efficiency is made possible by a large 37.1kWh battery, which provides up to 120km of pure electric driving range (NEDC). That’s enough for the daily school run and commute for an entire week for many Kiwis, without using a drop of petrol. With both power sources full, the combined range is up to 950km, reducing the need for frequent fuel stops on those long weekend getaways.
When it comes time to charge, you’ve got options. A 50kW DC fast charger will get the battery from 30-80% in as little as 24 minutes, while a full charge at home via an AC wallbox will take about 6.5 hours. As a bonus, it also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to discharge up to 6kW to power tools, appliances, or even support an off-grid caravan adventure.
It’s Still a Real Tank
True to its name, the Tank 500 Hi4-T hasn’t sacrificed its off-road credentials for electrification. It boasts a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,000kg and comes factory-fitted with hardware that’s becoming a rarity in the segment, including a torque-on-demand 4×4 system with low range and up to three mechanical differential locks.
Its readiness for New Zealand adventures is reinforced by some solid off-road geometry:
Ground Clearance: 213mm. Wading Depth: 800mm. Approach Angle: 30 degrees. Departure Angle: 24 degrees. Breakover Angle: 22.5 degrees.
A Five-Star Hotel on Wheels
To accommodate the large battery pack, GWM has reconfigured the seating from seven to five. The upside? Second-row passengers are treated like royalty. The outer rear seats are now heated, ventilated, and even have a massage function. They also get their own 7-inch touchscreen to control climate, audio, and seat comfort features.
Up front, the driver is greeted by a massive 14.6-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and wired Android Auto™. The cabin is finished in Black Nappa leather and packed with features like three-zone climate control, auto parking, and a 360-degree view monitor, cementing its luxury status.
Pricing and Peace of Mind
Safety is covered with seven airbags and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping Assist. GWM is also backing the Tank 500 Hi4-T with its comprehensive GWM Care program, which includes:
- A seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty.
- An eight-year/unlimited kilometre battery pack warranty.
- Seven years of roadside assistance.
- Seven years of capped-price servicing.
The all-new GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T will be available in four colours (Marble White, Crystal Black, Onyx Silver, and Dune Gold), with metallic options costing an additional $595.
The final piece of the puzzle, pricing, will be revealed at the official launch in the coming weeks. For now, GWM New Zealand has launched a landing page on its website where interested buyers can register for updates. Given its impressive on-paper specs, the Tank 500 Hi4-T looks set to seriously shake up the large SUV segment, offering a unique package that competitors will find hard to ignore.
