GWM to offer plug-in drivetrain in its Prado-challenging Tank 500 large off-roader

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GWM has slated the launch of a new plug-in hybrid Tank 500 off-road SUV variant, known as the Tank 500 Hi4-T. Scheduled to release in Q4 2025, the new PHEV promises more power, better fuel economy, and EV driving capability over the current Tank range.

An SUV alternative to GWM’s own $56,990 Cannon Alpha PHEV, the Tank 500 PHEV should be a peg above the $59,400 BYD Shark 6 ute, and undercut Jeeps’ outgoing $77,760 (list) Grand Cherokee PHEV — a model which recently saw huge price reductions of up to $33,090 to clear remaining stock.

Mild-hybrid variants of the Tank 500 currently start from $65,490 for the base Lux HEV and top out at $75,990 for the Vanta HEV. If the Tank 500 PHEV follows the same pricing hierarchy as the Cannon Alpha, expect a starting price of $75,490.

Prices shown above are drive-away unless stated otherwise.

The Tank 500 PHEV will retain the same equipment level and three-differential-lock mechanical four-wheel drive system as featured on current 500 models, but will exchange the standard seven-seat configuration for five seats, primarily to accompany the larger battery.

The fuel tank is reduced from 80 litres to 70 litres for the same reason.

Under the skin, the Tank plug-in will feature the same 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine, nine-speed conventional automatic, and full-time four-wheel-drive system as its mild-hybrid counterparts.

It differs, however, with a larger transmission-integrated electric motor, producing 35 percent more power over that found in the MHEV. Battery size also increases dramatically, up from 1.76kWh to a 37.1kWh NMC unit.

Resultantly, the combined output of the new Tank 500 plug-in is 300kW/750Nm – a 15 percent increase over the MHEV – with GWM claiming an improved 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds (up from 8.5sec), a combined fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km, an EV-driving range of 120km, and a total combined range of 950km.

All figures presented by GWM are held to lax NEDC testing standards.

The Tank’s new PHEV system is compatible with 50kW rapid DC charging, with a 30-80 percent charge taking 24 minutes, or ‘from empty’ AC charging taking around 6.5 hours. The Tank 500 PHEV supports vehicle-to-load too, says GWM, supporting discharge up to 6.0kW.

2026 Tank 500 price index and standard features:

GWM Tank 500 variant	Price drive-away
Lux HEV	$65,490
Ultra HEV	$73,990
Vanta HEV	$75,990
Hi4-T PHEV	TBC

Standard equipment for the Tank 500 Lux HEV includes:

• LED headlights with DRL + auto headlights
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Fixed side steps
• Black Faux leather interior
• Eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support
• Four-way manual front passenger seat
• Heated seats – front
• 14.6-inch screen infotainment
• Wired Android Auto
• Eight-speaker audio system
• 12.3-inch digital cluster
• 360° camera
• Under carriage protection plate
• Electronic rear diff lock
• Driving modes – Snow, Sand, Rock, Mud, etcetra
• Seven airbags
• A suite of driver safety aids

Stepping into the Tank 500 Ultra HEV grade grants:

• Auto levelling headlights
• Chromed exterior door handles
• Panoramic sunroof
• Side steps – electric
• Black Nappa leather interior
• Heated steering wheel
• Ambient lighting 
• Front seats: memory + welcome function
• Front seats: heated + ventilated + massage
• Six-way power front passenger seat
• 2nd row outer seats: heated + ventilated
• 2nd row window shade
• 3rd row seats: electric folding
• Head Up Display (HUD)
• 12-speaker Infinity audio system
• Soundproof glass (rear door)
• Electronic front diff lock
• Puddle lamps

The Tank 500 Vanta HEV adds:

• Gloss black front grille and Tank badge
• Black-finished front bumper inserts
• Black headlight internals
• Blacked-out rear detailing including taillight surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate door, and rear diffuser
• Gloss black door handles, roof rails, and window trim surrounds
• Bespoke 18-inch black alloy wheels with red brake calipers
• Black door scuff plate

Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV equipment:

• TBC