GWM Tank 500: All you need to know

The UAE's automotive market has recently welcomed a new contender - the Tank 500, a luxury off-road SUV from Great Wall Motor's TANK sub-brand. As the authorized distributor of GWM vehicles, Swaidan Motors brings the powerful and feature-packed Tank 500 to the UAE, providing drivers with an attractive alternative to the segment-leading Toyota Land Cruiser.

The GWM Tank 500 has garnered significant attention since its introduction in the global market. In 2023, the SUV made its debut at Auto Shanghai, generating excitement among auto enthusiasts worldwide. Established in 1984 and headquartered in Baoding, China, Great Wall Motor is one of the largest car manufacturers in the Republic. 

In 2021, Great Wall Motor unveiled its dedicated sub-brand TANK, focusing solely on the production of rugged and capable SUVs. Following the successful launch of the TANK 300, the TANK 500 arrived in August 2021, rapidly gaining popularity in the Chinese market. Born out of Great Wall Motors’ commitment to producing high-quality SUVs, the TANK brand emerged as a dedicated line of rugged off-road vehicles. 

As part of the TANK lineup, the GWM Tank 500 caters to the luxury off-road SUV segment, aiming to challenge established contenders like the Toyota Land Cruiser. With a bold and assertive design, the Tank 500 exudes confidence, making it a suitable companion for both urban and off-road adventures. The SUV's luxurious and spacious interior, coupled with advanced technologies, promises a comfortable and exhilarating driving experience.

Let’s know the all-new Tank 500 in detail -

Variants and price

The GWM Tank 500 arrives in the UAE in two well-equipped variants - Signature and Prestige. While the pricing details are yet to be unveiled, they are expected to be competitive, reflecting GWM's commitment to providing value-for-money vehicles. Whether you seek the ultimate luxury or a blend of comfort and capability, the Tank 500 variants cater to the different preferences and budgets of the UAE audience.

Exterior 

The GWM Tank 500 boasts a bold and assertive exterior design, characterized by an abundance of chrome accents. Its striking front fascia features automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and front LED fog lamps, ensuring optimal visibility during day and night drives. The side profile exhibits the elegance of a luxury SUV, complemented by power-retractable side steps for easy entry and exit. The rear end of the Tank 500 exudes a rugged feel, making it an ideal companion for both urban and off-road adventures.

Dimensions

Measuring 4,886 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905 mm in height, the GWM Tank 500 offers a spacious cabin for passengers and ample cargo space for luggage and equipment. The generous dimensions provide a comfortable and accommodating interior, making it suitable for family excursions or weekend getaways. With a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, the SUV ensures a stable and balanced ride, enhancing driving confidence on various terrains.

Interior 

Step inside the GWM Tank 500, and you'll find a world of luxury and comfort. The Nappa leather seats with ventilation ensure a pleasant journey even in scorching weather. Along with that, the top-spec variant features an 8-way Electrically Adjustable Driver Seat with Memory Assist. You also get 4-way Lumbar Support for the driver’s seat. You also get either a 4-way or 6-way Electrically Adjustable Front Passenger Seat depending on the variant with ventilation and an 8-point massage system on the Prestige variant. You also get a leather steering wheel with Multi-mode Steering Assist and paddle shifters. 

The interior design showcases modern technology with a wireless phone charger, a 12.3-inch digital LCD coloured combination instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Multicolour Rhythimatic Ambient Light & Background Light with Dashboard Atmosphere Light, and the cabin fragrance system create a serene and relaxing ambiance. Other key interior features and technologies include an Intelligent Key Remote Start, Keyless Entry System, Button Start System, Air Quality Control System and a Dual-zone Automatic Air Conditioning with Rear A/C. 

Engine and performance

At the heart of the GWM Tank 500 lies a potent 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, producing an impressive 353 PS of power and 500 Nm of peak torque. Paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, the Tank 500 boasts excellent acceleration and robust performance. It can go from 0-100 kmph in just 7.3 seconds. The availability of multiple driving modes, including 4H and 4L, along with an electronically controlled mechanical differential lock, ensures outstanding off-road capabilities. The off-road Creep Mode further enhances the SUV's capability and manoeuvrability in diverse terrains.

Safety 

Safety takes centre stage in the GWM Tank 500, where a comprehensive array of features ensures occupants' peace of mind. 6 SRS airbags including front, and side curtain airbags protect passengers during unforeseen incidents, while the 360° camera with dynamic reversing lines simplifies parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces. Lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring systems contribute to safer highway driving. 

There is also a long list of other modern safety features and technologies ABS, EBD, TCS, RMI, ESC, TPMS, AVH, Crawl Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assist + Intelligent Turning,  and Smart Dodge LDW+LKA+LCK are all available on the top-spec variant. The Driver Fatigue Detection and Integrated Automatic Parking Assist with Cross Traffic Alert, Reversing radar, Reversing side warning, Reversing side braking 360° View and Forward Collision Warning further enhance safety. 

Competitors

The GWM Tank 500 sets its sights on the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser in the UAE market, creating an intriguing competition that benefits consumers with a wider range of options. Both SUVs are renowned for their off-road capabilities and luxurious amenities, presenting a challenging choice for potential buyers. Not just that, the GWM Tank 500, with its luxurious design and powerful performance, will take on other formidable competitors in the UAE's SUV market, including the Nissan Patrol, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC YUKON XL Denali, and Lexus GX.

Conclusion

The arrival of the GWM Tank 500 in the UAE adds a refreshing option to the competitive SUV market. As a luxury off-road SUV with exceptional performance and comfort, it promises to captivate the adventurous hearts of UAE drivers. With its powerful engine, premium interior, and advanced safety features, the Tank 500 stands tall among its peers, challenging the status quo set by the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser and other similar SUVs.

Also read: 2023 Nissan Patrol vs 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser: Which one should you buy?