GWM Tank 500 2024 Off-Road Vehicle Review

Is this really a tank? better than Tank 300or just bigger?

The GWM 500 Tank 2024 is a large 4×4 wagon and is the latest model in the Tank range to be available in Australia.

Building on GWM’s success with the first Cannon and more recently the Tank 300, the Tank 500 expands GWM’s off-road offerings with a formidable competitor to compete with. Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

Step up to the Tank 500 and its size is clear. It is larger, more impressive and more muscular than the already rugged-looking Tank 300. Slip into the cabin and there is no doubt about the attention to luxury, design and comfort.

This is a beautifully equipped cruiser or daily driver that exudes class and character at this price point. Yes, I’d be sold on the Tank 500 if first impressions counted, but take it for a test drive and really get to know it first.

We are driving today 500 Lux Hybrid Tank, the base The model is comfortable, clean and simple in a welcoming way, and is the next step up in build quality and fitment from the Tank 300 and Cannon.

The faux woodgrain interior trim blends seamlessly, accentuating the faux leather and providing a subtle tone to the clean, modern lines. The centrally mounted analog clock with ticking hands is a luxurious touch that really works in terms of design and layout.

But there’s no doubting the level of integrated technology and refinement on display here, with the large display providing the central attraction on the dashboard.

Road noise is noticeable and there’s a distinct whine from the powertrain when you apply the throttle lightly to maintain speed. The central screen is huge, about 40cm from corner to corner, and there’s too much information and too many functions for me to explore on this short test drive.

This is definitely something you will enjoy exploring and setting up.

Likewise, the instrument cluster has been replaced by a digital widescreen display with a highly visual display, providing everything from a radar map of the lane you’re in, to real-time energy usage information on the right and a digital speedometer on the left. It’s clear, intuitive and not only easy to read; it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing.

A driver-facing camera is located on the nearest A-pillar, helping to monitor the driver’s attention, and the constant reminders to ‘pay attention while driving’ quickly become annoying. The Tank 500 is clearly packed with technology, and thankfully it’s not too difficult to tweak it to suit your personal preferences and driving style.

Apart from the slight noise and vibration at around 75km/h, the ride is smooth, quiet and extremely comfortable. The Tank 500 is certainly a big step up from the Tank 300, a bargain for the price and certainly well equipped, but a bike for the enthusiast or beginner.

Off-road

Many of the 4×4 controls and driving modes – including the rear diff lock switch – are located on the centre console just south of the gearbox selector; it’s the same as the one in the Tank 300, by the way, and beautifully designed to be both distinctive and functional. It’s a nice touch.

The 4WD modes are clearly marked and easy to select, engaging 4L is quick and hassle-free, as is engaging the rear differential lock. On dirt roads, the hybrid system works hard, feeling like there’s plenty of usable torque.

We didn’t test it on any major hill climbs, and the short steep section we were hoping to try was wisely left off our route due to the possibility of the low rear plastic skirt failing at the entry point.

However, the car runs quite smoothly at low speeds, feels stable and powerful, has good control and grip even though the car only uses road tires with maximum tire pressure on the road.

We were careful to push the Tank 500 to the limits of its suspension travel, but it still flexed well, maintained traction, and actually steered through sections where we managed to lift the tires off the ground. There are two main reasons for this…

First of all, the car is really well balanced and the factory suspension works well. This helps a lot in keeping the car balanced and stable over uneven terrain.

Secondly, like the Cannon (Ute), the Tank 500 is equipped with a factory electronic rear differential lock. This lock is quick and easy to use, fully selectable to be 100% on or off and significantly improves control, providing confident and controlled driving from both rear tires even in extreme conditions.

Combine all of those features with a true low-range locking transfer case and you have a well-equipped and capable off-roader with plenty of potential for adding accessories and modifications to make it do even more.

The Tank 500 has 224mm of ground clearance; a wading depth of 800mm; as well as approach, breakover and departure angles of 30 degrees, 22.5 degrees and 24 degrees respectively – reinforcing our concerns about the reduced rear angle due to the low-hanging plastic bumpers).

It also boasts a braked towing capacity of 3000kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg. Certainly not the biggest figures, but a definite step up from the Tank 300 and in my humble opinion, quite possibly a fairer and more reasonable rating than many double-cab 4x4s on the market that often over-tow.

My time with the Tank 500 was brief, but it left me wanting more. The experience left me with a strong sense of capability, control and confidence, and my initial thoughts were that if the reliability, durability and resilience could be proven, this would be a great Australian tourer and a real threat to the big brands in the off-road space.

It’s also worth mentioning that the large central screen works well when you’re off-roading at low range, and the large screen of the off-road camera system is a boon. On the downside, the traction control implementation is crude, noisy and annoying.

The loud bangs and groans from the front are disappointing for a car built with such quality and class, and boasting such technology and refinement.

Starting can also be a bit finicky when off-roading. On several occasions, the car seemed to randomly refuse to start no matter what combination we tried: brake, mode, gear selector, handbrake, and push-to-start.

In such a short test, it’s hard to tell whether “we” or “the vehicle” are confused, not to mention that this is quite an unusual experience and we have never encountered this challenge on asphalt.

What’s under the hood?

In a move that may upset some Australian buyers, there’s currently no diesel option for the Tank 500, but we’re in a changing market and the “green” aspect of the Tank 500 Hybrid could be a deciding factor for some city and family enthusiasts who may be considering off-road living and outdoor adventures.

Modification capabilities

At this stage, accessories and modifications for the large Tank 500 are very limited.

However, one Australian company is leading the way. Savage Tech Australia dominates the Tank and Cannon market, offering a wide range of modifications, upgrades and accessories.

It already has its own Tank 500 and is rapidly developing a full suite of products to amplify the performance, capability and looks of its 4WD. Currently available options include suspension kits, front bumpers and more on the water!

CarExpert’s review

Toyota, you better watch out! The Chinese are coming and are far from stopping in Australia when it comes to Tanks.

Proven powertrain, solid tech, on-point build quality, and a reasonable price. All that’s left for GWM (and other Chinese brands) to do now is prove their long-term reliability.

Among the many brands and vehicles, I own a used LandCruiser. I am a fan and will never doubt the proven durability and performance of a Toyota. But in my opinion, and while Toyota has deservedly gained dominance in the 4×4 market, it is clear that they have increased their prices and brands like GWM are raising awareness and competition.

But as I asked before, will we see Toyota lower prices or will GWM push prices up after launch? Either way, the competition is fierce. The Cannon, Tank 300 and now Tank 500 tick the boxes and claim to have plenty of sales – if you’re still skeptical, your head is buried deep in the sand.

Let us know what you think in the comments below – do these cars really pose a challenge to the big Japanese brands? And whatever your answer, it’s only Do you have any opinions or direct experience with these new Chinese vehicles?

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