The GWM Tank 500 HEV jogs my memory of a heavyweight boxer. The type of fighter who walks into the sector and instantly instructions consideration earlier than a single punch has been thrown. Huge, imposing and unattainable to disregard, but surprisingly mild on his ft when the bell rings. Looking on the Tank 500, I anticipated intimidation. What I found was one thing way more fascinating: a heavyweight that is aware of tips on how to dance.
This full-size SUV is each bit as imposing as its title suggests. GWM didn’t name it the Tank 500 for enjoyable. Much like a champion fighter moving into the ring, it has presence. The large grille leads the cost, flanked by LED headlights that glare forward with the boldness of a boxer staring down an opponent. Broad shoulders, muscular wheel arches and a commanding stance full the look. The rear-mounted spare wheel is the equal of a championship belt slung over one shoulder, reminding everybody that this machine was constructed for severe work.
Yet, like many nice heavyweights, there may be extra poise right here than first appearances counsel.
The Tank 500 HEV combines power with sophistication. Chrome detailing, elegant styling touches and a premium end soften its rugged picture. It feels much less like a bruiser searching for a combat and extra like a champion arriving at a black-tie awards ceremony after efficiently defending a title.
Open the door and climb inside and the heavyweight analogy continues. Rather than a stripped-out coaching fitness center, the cabin seems like a luxurious suite reserved for the title holder. The inside is massive, snug and exceptionally spacious. There is room for everybody to settle in and chill out, whether or not sitting within the entrance, second row and even the third row.
The seats are supportive and include heating, air flow and therapeutic massage features. It felt as if I used to be sitting ringside in a luxurious lounge somewhat than behind the wheel of a car able to tackling tough terrain.
The dashboard is dominated by a big 14.6-inch touchscreen, whereas a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster supplies info a driver wants. Vehicle settings and off-road info are introduced clearly and intuitively on the display. Unfortunately, Android Auto connectivity is a bit like a bantamweight fighter.
The panoramic sunroof provides one other layer of luxurious, flooding the cabin with pure mild and enhancing the sense of house. For such a big car, the inside by no means feels cramped or enclosed.
Of course, heavyweight champions include one unavoidable attribute: measurement.
The Tank 500 HEV is a genuinely massive SUV. That interprets into excellent passenger consolation and street presence, however it could possibly make parking in smaller parking bays a problem. In older buying centres and tight parking garages, manoeuvring requires focus. Fortunately, the superb digicam programs assist enormously, however there have been occasions when squeezing this heavyweight right into a compact parking house felt like making an attempt to suit a boxing ring right into a spare bed room.
Once out on the open street, nonetheless, the Tank 500 revealed its shocking agility. Just as one of the best heavyweight boxers transfer with grace regardless of their measurement, the Tank 500 handles higher than anticipated. Steering is correct and physique actions are nicely managed.
The hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency. There is loads of punch out there when overtaking slower visitors, but it by no means feels aggressive or troublesome to handle.
The actual title combat begins when the tar ends.
Equipped with full-time four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential and a number of terrain modes, the Tank 500 is able to sort out troublesome circumstances. Sand, rocks and tough tracks are dealt with with confidence. With 224 mm of floor clearance, obstacles that may fear lesser SUVs barely appear to register.
The experience high quality is what impressed me most. Even when traversing tough terrain, the suspension absorbed bumps successfully. It was like watching a heavyweight soak up a punch and proceed transferring ahead with out lacking a step.
Technology additionally performs a big function within the Tank 500’s off-road credentials. One of my favorite options is the clear bonnet perform. Using cameras positioned across the car, the system creates a view beneath the entrance of the SUV, permitting drivers to see obstacles that may in any other case be hidden. It feels somewhat like having a coach whispering precisely the place the subsequent punch is coming from.
The Tank 500 can also be full of security options, together with adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, automated emergency braking and semi-autonomous driving features.
The GWM Tank 500 HEV might appear to be a heavyweight champion, however it isn’t solely about measurement and power. It combines consolation, know-how, luxurious and off-road capacity in an entire package deal. It is massive, snug and spacious, able to carrying a household in luxurious whereas nonetheless being able to enterprise far past the crushed path.
Like one of the best heavyweight boxers, it wins not due to brute drive alone, however as a result of it combines energy, confidence and shocking finesse.
*Pricing for the GWM Tank 500 HEV begins at R1,228,950.
* Sheryl Goldstuck is normal supervisor of World Wide Worx and editor of GadgetWheels. Follow her on Bluesky on @crazycatbuzz.bsky.social.