If you’re in the market for a large SUV that blends premium luxury with serious off-road credentials, the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. As a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Great Wall Motors (GWM), this beast promises to tackle New Zealand’s rugged terrains while sipping fuel like a miser. Simply put, this GWM Tank 500 is a standout in the new energy SUV segment.
From Trucks to Trailblazers
Great Wall Motors, often shortened to GWM and rebranded to ‘Go With More’ in many markets, kicked off in 1984 as a humble truck manufacturer in China. Starting with sturdy workhorses for industrial use, the company quickly expanded into pickups and SUVs, building a reputation for durable, value-packed vehicles. By the 2000s, GWM was exporting globally, with models like the ‘Wingle’ ute gaining traction in places like Australia and New Zealand.
Fast-forward to today, and GWM has pivoted hard toward “new energy” products (think efficient hybrids and EVs) without losing its on or off-road DNA. Sub-brands like Ora (compact EVs), Haval (mainstream SUVs), WEY (premium products), and Tank (rugged adventurers) showcase their diverse lineup.
The Tank series, in particular, targets those who crave exploration, urban or rural. The Tank 300 is the compact off-roader, while the Tank 500 steps up as the flagship large SUV, available in variants including seven-seaters, five-seaters, HEVs, and the PHEV model with the Hi4-T system that we got to review.
In New Zealand, where gravel roads and bush tracks are par for the course, GWM’s evolution from truck maker to hybrid innovator feels tailor-made for our lifestyle. With a focus on new-energy electrification, GWM is now a major player in the global PHEV market, competing with the likes of Toyota and Ford.
Bold, Beasty, and Built for Anywhere
Pulling up to the GWM Tank 500, you’re immediately hit with a sense of dominance. This isn’t a shrinking violet, it’s a five-metre-long, roughly two-metre-wide and tall (especially with the roof racks) statement on wheels. The front grille is massive and blingy, chrome accents gleaming under LED headlights that cut through the night like a knife. It’s prestigious yet aggressive, with a vibe that screams luxury off-roader.
Our review model rocked a classy Dune Gold paint, turning heads on Auckland streets and blending seamlessly into Golden Bay’s golden-hour light (too much with the Gold?). The 18-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, shod in tires ready for both bitumen and bush. Side steps deploy electrically when doors open, making entry a breeze (no clambering required for compact folks like me).
The silhouette is formidable, with a body-on-frame chassis underscoring its capability. Approach angle of 30 degrees, breakover of 22.5 degrees, and departure of 24 degrees mean it laughs at steep inclines and declines. While around back, LED taillights perform a cheeky “dance” when you approach, a fun touch for a premium SUV. Towing capacity hits 3 tons (though our tester lacked the towbar), and a chunky spare wheel hugs the tailgate.
Wading depth of 800mm and 213mm ground clearance seal the deal: this is no urban poser.In New Zealand’s variable weather, where floods and fords are common, the Tank 500’s exterior exudes confidence. It’s not subtle, but in a segment dominated by boxy Land Cruisers, its modern flair stands out.
A Cocoon of Luxury That Belies the Price
Step inside, and the GWM Tank 500 transforms from rugged brute to rolling lounge. The cabin screams luxury, with Nappa leather accents, tactile wood-like trims (faux but convincingly premium), and soft-touch materials everywhere. It’s a seven-seater in some configs, but our five-seater PHEV needs a battery, yet still offers boot space at 640L with seats up, so plenty for family hauls or weekend gear.
Seats are a highlight, heated, ventilated, and yes, massaging for driver, passenger, and even rear occupants. Sinking into the front thrones feels like first-class travel, with ample adjustment for my wide frame. The second row offers similar comfort, with recline and USB ports galore. It’s family-friendly, accommodating five with ease, though the battery nibbles at third-row space in longer variants. Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof flood the space with light, creating an airy, upscale vibe. Noise insulation is top-notch; on forestry roads, you hear nary a pebble ping.It’s cocooned serenity, perfect for long Kiwi drives from city to coast.
Intuitive and Feature-Packed
At the heart is a 14.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, crisp and responsive, running GWM’s Coffee OS. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera for off-road maneuvering. The digital instrument cluster pairs with a head-up display, projecting speed and nav right onto the windshield. Controls are logical, steering wheel buttons for audio and cruise, haptic feedback on the screen. The 11 drive modes (Eco, Sport, Sand, Mud, Snow, etc.) are accessed via a rotary dial, with intuitive toggles for 4H/4L, diff locks, crawl control, and downhill assist. Parking assist takes the wheel (literally) for tight spots. In Tarmac Life style, I’d say it’s not quite Tesla-slick but punches above its weight for under NZ$100k. Voice commands work well, even with a Brit-iwi accent, and the system integrates seamlessly with the hybrid setup for efficiency tracking.
Safety tech is comprehensive: five-star ANCAP rating, adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind-spot monitoring, and more.The ADAS aids without nagging, refreshing in a market full of overzealous systems.
Efficient Hybrid Muscle with Hi4-T Smarts
Under the hood, the Tank 500 Hi4-T combines a 2.0L turbo petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, a battery pack, and a 9-speed hybrid transmission.Total output? A whopping 300kW and 750Nm, enough to launch this 2.6-tonne SUV from 0-100km/h in around 7 seconds, but that’s not the smart bit.The Hi4-T (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD Torque) is a parallel PHEV system, seamlessly blending petrol and electric power. It defaults to EV mode on startup, offering a claimed 120km or pure-electric range, ideal for urban commutes or those silent sneaks home? Combined, expect 950km total range, with efficiency at 2.1L/100km and just 47g/km CO2. Real-world? I saw mid-3s on mixed driving, trouncing many rivals. No range anxiety here; save battery for EV-only zones or let “Intelligent” mode optimize
Unique is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature, plug in appliances or a coffee maker at camp, genius for NZ’s outdoor glamping scene. The front/rear diff locks and mechanical AWD ensure power goes where needed, even 100% to one wheel in slippery spots..
Smooth Operator On and Off the Blacktop
Firing up the Tank 500, it whispers into EV mode, silky smooth, zero drama. On tarmac, it’s composed; the wide stance (2m) and absorbent suspension eat up potholes, though there’s mild body roll in corners. Steering is light but precise, ideal for highway cruising at 110km/h. Acceleration surges with hybrid torque, overtaking effortless without roar (however, you can hear the 2L working hard if you concentrate).
Off-road? This is where it shines. On New Zealand gravel (corrugated forestry tracks that rattle lesser SUVs) the Tank lapped it up. In 4WD with diff locks engaged, it powered through mud and inclines, 213mm clearance shrugging off ruts. Crawl control handled assents and descents like a pro, and the insulated cabin kept vibes serene. In Australia testing, it proved Tank-tough. Back on seal, the quiet hum and efficiency make it a joy for daily duties. It’s no sports car, but for a luxury PHEV hauler, it’s secure and fun, body roll feels controlled, not car-sickening. Fuel sipping means fewer stops at the pump, a win in our spread-out nation.
Tarmac Takeaway – A Thumbs-Up for Go-Anywhere Luxury
The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is a helluva package, luxurious, capable, and efficient, all for a price that undercuts premium rivals like the Discovery Sport or Prado hybrids. Brand history from trucks to tech-forward hybrids adds credibility, while the exterior’s bold presence, plush interior, intuitive infotainment, potent powertrain, and versatile driving dynamics make it NZ-perfect. Sure, the battery limits seven seats in this variant, but 640L cargo and 3-tonne towing cover most needs. If you’re after an on/off-road SUV that coddles the family without breaking the bank, this could very well be it.
