2022 GWM Tank 500 launches in China as BAIC eyes segment

UPDATE, March 23, 2022: The 2022 GWM Tank 500 has finally been launched in its home country of China.

The Tank 500 carries high hopes, with GWM looking to fill the space of the LandCruiser and Prado in Chinese and Thai markets – potentially stealing customers away from Toyota in Australia in the future.

A total of six variants are on offer, priced from ¥335,000-395,000 (AU$71,200-$84,000), all of which are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system producing 260kW and 500Nm.

A part-time four-wheel drive system is partnered with a nine-speed automatic transmission and three differential locks to improve off-road capability.

13

A sketch of the BAIC BJ60.

At the same time, domestic carmaker BAIC has announced it will be developing an SUV to compete with the Tank 500, known as the BJ60.

While BAIC isn’t as well known in Australia, it was the parent company for Foton, which sold the Tunland ute locally between 2013 and 2019. Despite this, there’s little chance we’ll see the brand make a return in the foreseeable future.

13

The story to here

December 23, 2021: The 2022 GWM Tank 500 will make its Australian debut next year, with buyers expected to have the choice of a mild-hybrid turbo V6 or hybrid turbo four-cylinder powertrain.

Along with a patent application for the 500, the company has trademarked GWM Tank and the Tank badge for use in Australia – bringing the brand into line with its sibling, GWM Haval.

“[The] ‘Tank series’ will be officially launched in Australia next year,” the company wrote in a statement.

“In order to bring diversified choices to consumers, the fuel version and hybrid version of the Tank series will be launched at the same time.”

While the company stopped short of naming the Tank 500 specifically, it’s believed to be the only model in its range with a hybrid powertrain.

13

“[It] will be the only off-road model equipped with [a] hybrid power system in the Australian market,” the company explained.

The Tank 500 is similar in dimensions to the new V6-powered Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, but debuted in its native China with a price tag closer to that of a LandCruiser Prado.

The 500 is powered by either a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 producing 260kW and 500Nm, or a hybrid 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 180kW and 380Nm in the 500 HEV.

Both engines use the company’s nine-speed automatic transmission, with media reports suggesting the Tank 500 offers a low-range four-wheel drive system with optional front and rear locking differentials.

At the Tank 500 HEV’s debut in Thailand earlier this month, the company suggested the vehicle’s off-road mode may be able to be changed using voice commands.

13

The Tank 300 is also expected to be offered in Australia. Based on the GWM Ute, the four-wheel-drive would be pitched directly against the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Jeep Wrangler.

A Tank 300 was brought to Australia in June for evaluation by GWM Haval, alongside a Haval Big Dog – which is thought to be marketed locally as the Haval Dargo when it’s launched in 2022.

GWM is looking to maintain its current trajectory, with a 253 per cent increase in sales across Australia and New Zealand year-on-year resulting in the two countries becoming the largest joint export market for the Chinese carmaker.