GWM has revealed its commitment to hybrid technology with the announcement of the arrival in South Africa of two new petrol/electric hybrid SUVs.
The TANK 500 boasts a direct-injection, 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with the latest in electric driving technology, delivering a combined 255kW of power alongside an impressive 648Nm of torque. Despite weighing in at 2,605kg, the TANK 500 can reach 100km/h in 8.3 seconds and tow up to 2.5 tonnes. The power plant drives through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and features 11 All-Terrain driving modes, enabling the TANK 500 to tackle any terrain you are likely to encounter.
The TANK 500 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Ultra Luxury is priced at R 1 222 900.
Then there is the all-new P-Series P500 Double Cab bakkie, also a petrol/electric hybrid, the first in SA to have a 325-volt electric motor. There are two engine choices; a 2-litre turbocharged petrol self-charging hybrid, and an all-new 2.4-litre turbo diesel.
The range-topping P500 HEV offers 255kW and 648Nm, driving through a nine-speed automatic gearbox and standard 4×4 capability across the range. It’s not small, either; 5,400mm from nose to tail and 1,991mm wide. The rear load box is equipped with 28 anchor points, a loading lamp and a rear tailgate that opens by dropping down—traditional style—as well as a 40:60 barn door style opening.
The P500 Hybrid’s intelligent hybrid drive system makes use of a 78kW (268Nm) electric motor, a 2-litre 180kW (380Nm) petrol engine for a combined output of 255kW and a class-leading 648Nm. For the more traditional bakkie customer, the P500 is also available in an all-new 2.4L Turbo Diesel with a power output of 135kW and 480Nm of torque. The P500 is further enhanced by a towing capacity of up to 3500kg.
The model lineup consists of three models:
- GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury at R799 900
- GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury at R889 900
- GWM P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury at R999 900
The P500 range further adds peace of mind ownership to drivers with:
- 5-Year/ 75 000 km Service Plan
- 7-Year / 200,000 km Warranty
- 5-Year unlimited km Body & Paint Warranty
- 8-Year / 150,000 km High Voltage Warranty (HEV)
- 7-Year / unlimited km Roadside Assist plan
Naturally, the TANK 500 and the P500 are extensively equipped with electronic driving and safety systems and are luxuriously laid out in the cabin.
For more information, contact your local GWM dealer or download the model spec sheets here – TANK / P-Series.
