The Tank 500 New Energy (Tank 500 PHEV/Hi4-T) is a large luxury plug-in hybrid (PHEV) off-road SUV from GWM’s dedicated Tank brand. Serving as the marque’s flagship offering, it combines the rugged off-road prowess of a ladder-frame chassis with the refined smoothness and efficiency of an electrified powertrain, catering to premium buyers looking for seamless versatility between daily urban commuting and extreme off-road adventures.
Built on GWM’s proprietary Hi4-T off-road super hybrid architecture, the Tank 500 New Energy retains the traditional ladder-frame chassis synonymous with genuine 4x4s while delivering a substantial leap in overall energy efficiency.
Market positioning: Large luxury electrified off-roader, Hi4-T hybrid technology, ladder-frame chassis, all-terrain expedition.
Design & dimensions: Boasting an imposing road presence, it measures 5,078 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, and 1,905 mm tall, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase. The exterior carries over Tank's signature muscular styling, dominated by an imposing, oversized chrome front grille. Inside, the cabin oozes luxury, trimmed in premium Nappa leather and accented with a classic analogue quartz clock to deliver a truly upscale ride.
Product proposition: The key highlight is its "balance between off-road capability, comfort, and fuel efficiency". The Hi4-T architecture retains a robust mechanical 4WD setup for uncompromised off-road reliability, while the electric drive system eliminates the high fuel consumption and sluggish low-speed throttle response typical of heavy off-roaders in stop-and-go city traffic.
Origins (2021–2023): Amid surging demand in China's rugged off-road segment, the petrol-powered Tank 500 quickly set the benchmark for homegrown luxury 4x4s. In line with the global shift towards electrification, GWM developed the electrified Tank 500 built upon the Hi4-T architecture.
Technological milestones (2024–2025): The Tank 500 Hi4-T officially hit the market in 2024. In early 2025, GWM rolled out the Tank 500 Hi4-Z variant, equipped with a larger 59.05 kWh battery pack that extends the pure EV driving range to 201 km (WLTC cycle), vastly broadening its zero-emission urban usability.
Current updates (2026): The 2026 model year gains significant tech upgrades, featuring LiDAR as standard across the range alongside the Coffee Pilot Ultra advanced driver assistance suite. Supporting urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) and memory parking, it completes the transition from a "traditional 4x4" to an "intelligent off-roader".
Competitive landscape: In the large luxury electrified 4x4 segment, the Tank 500 New Energy rivals the likes of BYD's Fangchengbao Bao 5, Yangwang U8, and established joint-venture ladder-frame SUVs. Backed by its solid mechanical underpinnings and strong enthusiast reputation for the Hi4-T powertrain, the Tank 500 commands a steady market share in the RM300,000–RM400,000 bracket.
Owner feedback: Drivers consistently praise its "abundant power on tap (750 Nm total system torque)" and "superb ride comfort over long-distance cruising". While some note that its substantial kerb weight hampers low-speed agility, its supreme off-road recovery capability over challenging terrain and plush refinement are widely regarded as class-leading.
Hi4-T off-road super hybrid architecture: Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a P2 electric motor and a longitudinal 9HAT hybrid automatic transmission, pushing out a combined output of 300–310 kW and 750 Nm of torque. It offers EV, hybrid, and petrol driving modes to optimise efficiency across all driving scenarios.
Heavy-duty 4WD chassis: Built on a rugged ladder-frame chassis, it features an electronically controlled part-time 4WD system with front and rear mechanical differential locks and a low-range transfer case (4L). The five-link De Dion rear suspension setup strikes an ideal balance between a low centre of gravity and high structural rigidity, providing dependable handling stability and ride comfort.
Battery & energy management: The Hi4-Z variant packs a purpose-built 59.05 kWh high-energy-density battery designed specifically for off-road durability. It supports 50 kW DC fast charging (30% to 80% SoC in 24 minutes) and features a 3.3 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external power supply function for outdoor appliances and camping gear.
Smart cabin: Features a multi-display setup comprising a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment touchscreen, head-up display (HUD), and digital rear-view mirror. With the addition of LiDAR, the 2026 model provides enhanced off-road driver aids including a transparent underbody camera view, Tank Turn (tight-radius turning), and trailer assist.
As of 2026, strategic priorities for the Tank 500 New Energy centre on:
All-scenario ADAS deployment: Continuously refining advanced driver assistance systems, adapting NOA features to tackle complex off-road terrains, and enhancing active driving safety during wilderness expeditions.
Global expansion & localisation: Deepening market-specific suspension tuning and strengthening aftersales networks in key export markets like Mexico, Australia, and the Middle East to cement GWM’s presence in the global premium 4x4 sector.
Continuous powertrain evolution: Leveraging the Hi4-Z large-battery platform, GWM aims to push the envelope for longer pure EV driving range and lower depleted-battery fuel consumption, securing Tank's technological edge in the electrified off-road segment.
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