2026 GWM Tank 500 HEV gets enhanced smartphone connectivity in Malaysia

GWM Malaysia has introduced the 2026 Tank 500 HEV, with the flagship SUV gaining a range of smartphone-connected functions designed to make daily ownership more convenient.

The updates centre on three areas: remote vehicle control, vehicle monitoring, and location-based alerts. These functions are accessed through the GWM Intelligent Application, allowing owners to check on and manage selected vehicle systems even when they are away from the SUV.

In terms of pricing, the updated, app-enabled 2026 GWM Tank 500 HEV is priced the same as before, coming in at RM 328,800 (on-the-road, without insurance).

Prepare the cabin before driving

Owners can remotely start or stop the engine, activate the air-conditioning and schedule it to switch on at a preferred time. The air purifier and seat ventilation can also be activated remotely, allowing the cabin to be cooled and ventilated before a journey.

The application also allows owners to lock or unlock the doors, check whether the windows and sunroof are closed, and close them remotely if required.

Monitor the vehicle remotely

The enhanced connectivity provides access to key vehicle information, including engine status, driving range, fuel level and total mileage.

Owners can also monitor the pressure and temperature of all four tyres, with notifications issued when an abnormal reading is detected. Alerts are also sent when the fuel level or 12-volt battery level is low.

The application displays the status of the doors, windows and sunroof, while additional alerts notify owners if a door is not fully closed or a window has been left open. The status of selected cabin functions, including the air-conditioning, air purifier and seat ventilation, can also be viewed remotely.

Location and security alerts

Finding the vehicle in a crowded car park is made easier through the application, which can display its current location or activate the horn and hazard lights.

A geofencing function allows owners to define a virtual boundary around a selected area. An alert will be issued if the vehicle leaves that designated zone.

Vehicle access can also be shared with another authorised user, while GPS location settings give owners greater control over the vehicle’s location services.

Availability of the connected functions remains subject to network coverage, application compatibility and applicable terms and conditions.

Powertrain and ownership coverage unchanged

Apart from the connectivity upgrades, the 2026 Tank 500 HEV retains its 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, premium comfort features, safety equipment and all-terrain capability.

Ownership coverage continues with:

Lifetime warranty covering the engine, transmission and HEV system for first-hand private owners
Eight-year or 200,000 km warranty for the power battery
Six-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty
Five-year free maintenance package

Available at selected dealers

The 2026 GWM Tank 500 HEV is now available at selected GWM dealerships nationwide.

As part of GWM Malaysia’s Merdeka and Hari Malaysia campaign, customers who book a new GWM vehicle between 1 August and 30 September 2026 and complete registration by 30 September will be eligible for a toll cashback contest. Six customers stand a chance to win up to RM 1,000 in toll cashback.

GWM is also offering savings of up to RM 30,000 on selected models throughout August, while every new GWM vehicle purchased comes with five years of free service maintenance.

For the Tank 500 HEV, the main change is not a new engine or a styling makeover, but the ability to manage more aspects of the SUV remotely. For owners of a large hybrid SUV, that added visibility and control could prove useful long after the vehicle has left the showroom.