2025 GWM TANK 500 in 2.0T hybrid form makes appearance in Malaysia ahead of imminent launch

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia is keeping the momentum going with its latest preview of the TANK 500. Following the opening of order books earlier this week, the SUV made another appearance at the brand’s media night, offering a closer look at the brand’s flagship body-on-frame 7-seater.

Of course, this marks the second occasion the TANK 500 has been shown off in Malaysia, with its local public debut happening at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) held last December.

Built for rugged utility and premium comfort, the TANK 500 is truly massive, measuring 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and stands 1,905 mm tall, riding on a 2,850 mm wheelbase. The version bound for Malaysia will arrive in as hybrid form, mirroring the configuration with which it is  currently offered in neighbouring Thailand. Notably, this is a parallel hybrid setup, not a plug-in, and differing from the system used in the H6 as well.

While pricing hasn't been finalised, the TANK 500 is expected to come in at under RM350,000. Unlike Thailand, which offers both a base Pro and a fully-loaded Ultra variant, Malaysia is likely to receive only the highest-spec Ultra. This makes sense given the pricing expectations and the top-tier trim featured on the unit at the event.

Under the bonnet, the Tank 500 features a very modest 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 244PS and 380Nm of torque. However, that’s paired with a gutsy 106PS/268Nm electric motor, resulting in a much more respectable combined output of 346PS and a muscular 648Nm needed to lug such a behemoth.

Power is delivered through a 9-speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (HAT), with a selectable four-wheel drive system and multiple driving modes—11 in total, including four for on-road use and seven for off-road.

On the exterior, the Tank 500 comes equipped with automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, tail lights, roof rails, a powered tailgate, retractable side steps, a panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Malaysian buyers will have three colour options: Crystal Gray, Hamilton White, and Sun Black.

Step inside and you’ll find a plush, tech-laden cabin. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while the front seats are power-adjustable and feature both massage and ventilation functions, all wrapped in quilted Nappa leather upholstery. 

Additional highlights include triple-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, head-up display, wireless charger, second-row sunshades, and power-operated third-row seats.

Safety-wise, the Tank 500 packs six airbags and a comprehensive ADAS suite that includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping and centring assist, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert with auto brake.

Like the TANK 300 that precedes it, the 500’s off-road credentials are further supported by features like a mechanical locking centre differential, a “tank turn” function, off-road cruise control, front and rear electric diff locks, a dedicated wading mode, and a water depth detection system.

The SUV also boasts a substantial 224 mm of ground clearance and an impressive wading depth of up to 800 mm. A standout tech feature is the Body Transparent System, which uses cameras to offer a clear view underneath and in front of the vehicle, ideal for navigating tricky terrain.