On 13 August 2024, GWM will officially launch the P500 double-cab bakkie and Tank 500 seven-seater SUV on local shores. Here’s what we know about the XL models so far.
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Earlier this year, in February, GWM announced a quartet of new products, two of which fall under the Chinese automaker’s ‘Haval’ sub-brand. These will be introduced to South Africa during the remainder of 2024. This includes the (recently-launched) Haval Jolion Pro and H7, and, notably, the P500 and Tank 500, both of which are scheduled to make landfall on SA shores on 13 August (be sure to keep an eye on CARmag.co.za for our launch reviews).
Related: Review: GWM Tank 300 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury HEV
Here’s what you can expect from the soon-to-arrive double-cab bakkie and seven-seater SUV.
GWM P-Series P500
Locally, the flagship P-Series will be available with the choice of two engine options, a 2.4-litre turbodiesel and the company’s now-familiar hybrid setup. The former, four-cylinder oil burner churns out 135 kW and 480 N.m of torque, sent to a four-wheel-drive system via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Coupled with a self-shifter sporting a similar number cogs, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain produces 255 kW and 648 N.m. Like the diesel derivative, the electrified model features four-wheel drive. According to the brand, the diesel unit and hybrid setup sips, on average, 8.6 L/100 km and 9.8 L/100 km, respectively. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3 500 kg for both models.
Related: DRIVEN: GWM P-Series DC 2,0TD LT 4×4 8AT
A trio of trim lines will be on offer, with the diesel model available in Luxury and Super Luxury guises, while Ultra Luxury level of specification will be exclusive to the hybrid variant.
GWM Tank 500
Employing the same powertrain as the range-topping version of its smaller sibling, the Tank 300, the soon-to-launch Tank 500 will be available with only the firm’s 255 kW/648 N.m hybrid powertrain. The electrified 2.0-litre four-pot is exclusively coupled with a nine-speed automatic cog swapper, which directs power and torque to all four corners. The seven-seater SUV will be available in two spec levels, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury.
