2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV review: Quick drive

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Forget city limits. The GWM Tank 500, already a beast built for untamed terrain and digital detox weekends, just got electrified. Introducing the Tank 500 Hi4-T: same rugged DNA, now with plug-in hybrid power, ready to conquer trails and redefine adventure.

Meet the 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T: the undisputed king of the Australian Tank 500 line-up. Forget compromises – this flagship, reigning supreme over its three plugless hybrid siblings, is pure, unadulterated luxury. Think supple Nappa leather cradling you on every adventure. But be warned: While the hybrid models offer seating for seven, the Hi4-T focuses on delivering unparalleled comfort and refinement for five discerning passengers.

Forget dainty SUVs. This beast boasts blistering speed, Herculean strength, and a true four-wheel-drive heart beating within its rugged ladder chassis. Surprisingly, the rear seats are decked out with more kit than you’d expect from something that usually wallows in the muck.

Forget velvet ropes and valet parking. We’re unleashing the Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV where Holden legends were forged: Lang Lang’s unforgiving proving ground. Can this luxury-laden SUV actually brawl in the dirt, or is it trying too hard to be everything to everyone, ultimately becoming nothing special at all?

Let’s get mudding.

How much does the GWM Tank 500 cost?

The 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is offered in a single model grade, priced at $79,990 before on-road costs.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 GWM Tank 500 Lux HEV 4WD | $64,490 | | 2026 GWM Tank 500 Ultra HEV 4WD | $71,990 | | 2026 GWM Tank 500 Vanta HEV 4WD | $75,990 | |2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV 4WD|$79,990|

This puts it a hefty $4,000 north of the top-tier Tank 500 HEV Vanta, and leaves the entry-level Tank 500 HEV’s $64,490 price tag eating dust.

Rugged ladder-chassis PHEVs are surprisingly scarce. The Ford Everest, despite sharing DNA with the Ranger ute (whichdoesoffer a PHEV), remains stubbornly combustion-only. Even the venerable Toyota Prado, a go-anywhere icon, hasn’t embraced plug-in hybrid power.

The Land Rover Defender PHEV, a status symbol commanding a $130,000 price tag, leaves a gaping hole for those seeking electrified off-road prowess. Enter the Tank 500. While it may lack the Defender’s legendary lineage and, admittedly, its future resale appeal, the Tank 500 dares to offer compelling on-paper value, making the question of capability versus cost an intriguing one.

Brace yourselves, Aussie drivers! This November, BYD’s Denza B8 throws down the gauntlet, challenging the plug-in hybrid 4WD market. Forget timid competition – this is a head-turning contender from a fellow Chinese powerhouse, promising to electrify your adventures. The only mystery? The exact price and specs heading our way. Stay tuned; the anticipation is already building.

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the GWM Tank 500 like on the inside?

One word: Opulent.

The polished side steps glide silently downward as you approach, an invitation into a realm of unparalleled luxury. Inside, a symphony of textures awaits: supple Nappa leather cascading across every surface, plush carpets yielding underfoot, rich wood inlays gleaming with understated elegance, and cool silver accents catching the light like scattered jewels.

A chrome-edged cascade of buttons, a half-hearted attempt at silver, surrendered to a piano-black abyss. The gear shifter, a hefty monument of mixed metal and shadows, stood guard between the two.

The leather-stitched steering wheel and dashboard aren’t merely covered; they’re sculpted with detail. Every element – from the dashboard’s sweep to the steering wheel’s grip – is framed, crowned, and deliberately positioned, whispering tales of meticulous design.

The diamond-stitched seats whisper luxury, a motif echoed in the door panels. But this lavishness flirts with excess; whether it’s a delightful indulgence or a step too far is a matter of personal preference.

Sink into the electrically adjustable driver’s seat and prepare for pure bliss. Forget stiff, sporty buckets – this is armchair comfort elevated. Plush padding envelops you, making every drive feel like a luxurious retreat.

Nestled between two unassuming air vents, an analog clock reigns supreme. Below its classic face, a silver landscape unfolds: a tactile array of controls governing the climate, unleashing dynamic driving modes, and summoning the watchful eyes of the on-board cameras.

The 14.6-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, its display so sharp it practically leaps off the glass. Likewise, the digital driver’s instruments are a model of clarity. Thoughtful touches abound: a cavernous console bin swallows all your gear, and cupholders designed for actual beverages (yes, even that super-sized iced coffee!) banish beverage anxiety. And finally, a wireless phone charger thatactuallydelivers a charge a small miracle in today’s world.

Forget flimsy buttons. This machine boasts a satisfyingly hefty rotary dial, allowing you tospinyour way into the perfect driving mode. Need low-range? Engage neutral with the rock-solid shifter – a tactile experience in itself – then unleash the beast with the push of a button nestled between controls for the locking front and rear differentials. Pure, unadulterated control at your fingertips.

Stretch out and luxuriate in the second row. Whether you’re sharing the space or claiming it for yourself, you’ll find limousine-like legroom. Plus, with individual climate controls and heated/ventilated seats, you’re in command of your personal oasis.

The rear armrest transforms into a command center, featuring a vibrant 7.0-inch digital screen. Passengers can effortlessly adjust the climate, manage entertainment, and more, all while enjoying a dedicated storage cubby and convenient smartphone charging.

While the HEV boasts a cavernous cargo hold, the alternative powertrain takes a slightly smaller bite out of this model’s luggage space. You’ll find a still-respectable 646 liters in the boot, a hair above the HEV’s generous 795 liters. Need more room? Folding the rear seats expands the area to an impressive 1400 liters, conceding a mere 59 liters to the HEV’s maximum capacity.

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the Tank 500 PHEV’s imposing frame lies a secret weapon: a 2.0-liter petrol engine, similar to its hybrid sibling, unleashing 180kW and 380Nm of torque. But that’s just the beginning. A surge of pure electric power arrives courtesy of a muscular 120kW/400Nm electric motor, fueled by a substantial 37.11kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. Get ready for a powertrain that blends raw combustion with electrifying performance.

| Specifications | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol | |Engine outputs| 180kW / 380Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 120kW / 400Nm | |System outputs| 300kW / 750Nm | |0-100km/h time| 6.9 seconds | |Battery| 37.1kWh ternary lithium (NCM) | |Max DC charging rate| 50kW | |Max AC charging rate| 6.6kW | |Transmission| 9-speed hybrid transmission | |Drive type| Four-wheel drive | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 2.06L/100km (WLTC) | |Electric driving range| 110km (WLTC) | |CO2 emissions (claimed)| 60g/km | |Fuel type| 91 octane unleaded | |Fuel tank| 70L | |Kerb weight| 2830kg | |Payload| 565kg | |Braked towing capacity| 3000kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3395kg |

<strong > Unleash the power of the Tank 500 Hi4T!</strong >

Dominate city streets and rugged terrain with a combined driving range of 950km. Cruise effortlessly through urban landscapes, knowing you have 110km (WLTC) or 102km (WLTP) of pure EV power at your command. Need to power up your adventure? The Tank 500 Hi4T transforms into a mobile power station with its robust 6kW vehicletoload (V2L) capability. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to boundless possibilities.

Need a quick jolt? Juice up to 80% in a flash! A 50kW DC fastcharger will get you there in as little as 24 minutes. Prefer to sip and save? An 11kW home charger delivers a full 80% charge while you sleep about 6.5 hours.

<strong > Option 2 (Focus on convenience):</strong >

Low on power? No problem. Choose your charging adventure! Blast to 80% in just 24 minutes with a 50kW DC fastcharger. Or, for effortless overnight charging, simply plug into your 11kW home charger and wake up to 80% battery after approximately 6.5 hours.

<strong > Option 3 (More evocative language):</strong >

From near empty to nearly full in the time it takes to grab a coffee? That’s the magic of a 50kW DC fastcharger, delivering an 80% charge in a mere 24 minutes. For a more leisurely recharge, your 11kW home charger offers a convenient overnight solution, reaching 80% in about 6.5 hours.

While not quite as thrifty as its hybrid sibling (8.8L/100km versus 8.5L/100km), this model drinks fuel at a comparable rate. The hybrid also boasts a more generous 80L fuel tank, 10L larger than this one. Unfortunately, our brief, rugged off-road launch didn’t give us a chance to truly put its fuel efficiency to the test.

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the GWM Tank 500 drive?

GWM handed us the keys to a Tank 500 and essentially said, "Go break it." We obliged, maybe a little too enthusiastically. Let’s just say the chrome bumpers bore the brunt of our "off-road evaluation," the paint now sports a custom topographical map etched in mud, and the license plate? A casualty of proving (or disproving) that 800mm wading depth claim. It was a baptism by fire… and water… and a whole lot of rocks.

Lang Lang’s proving ground is whispered about for its legendary high-speed bowl, but it was the off-road course that truly unveiled the Tank 500 PHEV’s soul. Forget molehills; this beast devours mountains. Ruts? Mere appetizers. On that day, we unleashed hell, and the Tank 500 PHEV responded with unbridled fury, conquering every obstacle we dared to throw in its path.

Even on its standard-issue footwear – Giti HT71 XRosso 265/60 tires clinging to 18-inch alloy rims – its off-road capabilities bordered on the unbelievable. This machine didn’t just cope; it conquered, proving its mettle even without specialized gear.

Imagine a vehicle with eleven distinct personalities, each ready to tackle a different terrain. You’ve got your everyday "Normal," the adrenaline-pumping "Sport," and the fuel-sipping "Eco." But then the real adventure begins: "Rock" for scaling impossible inclines, "Snow" for gliding over winter wonderlands, "Sand" for conquering desert dunes, and today’s challenge: "Mud," where traction goes to die. Feeling like a mad scientist? Dive into "Expert Mode" – proceed with caution, lawyers made us say that – and concoct your own custom blend of settings, a symphony of personalized control.

Adding to the adventure is the ‘Off-road screen,’ your digital co-pilot displaying critical intel: tire pressure, the vehicle’s daring pitch and roll, locked differentials (front, center, or rear), real-time air pressure, and even your altitude as you conquer the landscape.

The Tank 500 PHEV plunged headfirst into a mire that seasoned off-roaders would dismiss with a chuckle. In seconds, the pristine SUV was cloaked in a thick, glistening coat of mud.

Things then became a little more serious with some massive ruts to test the 213mm ground clearance.

"With a deliberate shift to Neutral and the confident click into ‘4 Low,’ we eased onto the throttle. The SUV transformed, its suspension flexing like a seasoned acrobat as it devoured bathtub-sized canyons. The four-wheel drive, a relentless heart, pulsed power to each wheel, transforming potential disaster into a controlled ballet of traction and articulation."

The petrol engine roared to life, a defiant growl against the uncertain landscape. We wrestled the vehicle across the treacherous terrain, navigating murky shallows. The water, a mere 350mm, barely kissed the chassis, a far cry from the vehicle’s formidable 800mm wading depth.

Approach and departure angles are a relatively generous 29.5- and 24-degrees respectively, with a breakover angle of 22.5-degrees.

Next up: "Skyward Ascent." The short course loomed, a cruel joke etched in dirt. Its incline was so severe, all you saw was a canvas of blue where the roadshouldhave been. This was a climb for the faithful, and thanks to the locking rear differential, the ascent was secured.

The center screen became our all-seeing eye. Its crystal-clear resolution and the camera’s sharp gaze pierced the vehicle’s metal skin, revealing the treacherous terrain beneath. We could practically feel the grit under the tires as we meticulously positioned each wheel, navigating the labyrinthine course with newfound precision. Then came the plunge. Engaging hill descent control, the Tank 500 nosedived towards the earth, a 2830kg behemoth seemingly defying gravity. Yet, with unwavering composure, the system reigned in the descent, proving its mettle against the daunting slope.

Inside the Tank 500 Hi4-T, comfort reigns supreme, and space abounds. Maneuvering this beast is surprisingly graceful; its steering, though requiring a hefty 3.5 turns lock-to-lock, translates to pinpoint accuracy. Misjudge a turn on the track? No problem. Subtle throttle adjustments and confident braking let you effortlessly reel the vehicle back on course.

Weekend escape on the horizon? Excitement awaits upon arrival, but the Tank 500 PHEV’s on-road performance remains a delicious mystery until we unleash it on real-world roads. Consider this the appetizer; the full feast of impressions is coming soon.

| Off-road dimensions | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T | GWM Tank 500 Hybrid | | — | — | — | | Ground clearance | 213mm | 224mm | | Approach angle | 29.5 degrees | 30 degrees | | Departure angle | 24 degrees | 24 degrees | | Ramp breakover angle | 22.5 degrees | 22.5 degrees | | Wading depth | 800mm | 800mm |

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

Meet the Tank 500 Hi4-T: all the rugged capability of the top-tier Tank 500 Ultra HEV, now with a streamlined five-seat configuration. Differentiating itself with a distinctive alloy wheel design and a novel second-row display nestled within the centre rear armrest, this model offers a unique blend of luxury and practicality.

2025 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Front, centre and rear locking differentials
• 4H and 4L modes
• Off-road cruise control
• Rain-sensing wipers
• LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Soundproof windscreen
• Power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights
• Chrome-accented door handles
• Power-retractable side steps
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar
• Memory and welcome function for driver’s seat
• 6-way power passenger seat
• Tri-zone climate control with second-row controls
• Ventilated outboard rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Head-up display
• 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• 12-speaker Infinity sound system
• 64-colour ambient lighting
• Active noise cancellation
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear privacy glass with manual rear sunshades
• Soundproof rear door glass
• Soft-close tailgate
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV safe?

The Tank 500 HEV: Awarded a coveted five-star ANCAP safety rating, offering peace of mind. (PHEV, you’re still on notice!).

GWM Australia’s marketing head, Steve Maciver, hinted at a potential carryover, stating to childcareman.xyz, “The physics should work, but ANCAP needs to give it the thumbs-up. We need to ensure that the battery pack and vehicle weight don’t throw off the existing safety tests.”

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 7 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking

• Intersection assist

• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane centring
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Surround-view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV cost to run?

Drive with unwavering confidence. Your new GWM Tank 500 PHEV is shielded by a comprehensive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, ensuring worry-free adventures. Plus, enjoy seven years of roadside assistance, your steadfast companion on every journey. The heart of the beast, the hybrid battery pack, is protected by an impressive eight-year, unlimited-km warranty, guaranteeing peak performance for years to come.

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| Servicing and Warranty | GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV | | — | — | | Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres – vehicle 8 years, unlimited kilometres – EV battery | | Roadside assistance | 7 years – service activated | | Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km (estimated) | | Capped-price servicing | 7 years | | Total capped-price service cost | TBC |

Capped-price servicing is offered for up to seven years, but pricing was not available at the time of publication.

To see how the GWM Tank 500 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the GWM Tank 500

The Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV? It’s a disruptor. For the price, you’re not just buying an SUV, you’re buying exclusivity. Good luck finding anything else that comes close.

Commendable off-road capability blended with a luxurious interior gives it a unique selling point that no rivals currently offer.

Even with limited seat time, the Tank 500’s plug-in hybrid variant reveals itself: its core personality and strengths remain undiluted, amplified even, by the electric boost and larger battery.

The true test? How it sips fuel in the real world, the sting of servicing down the road, and its overall on-road charm.

"The five-seat configuration feels like a strategic fumble, potentially alienating larger families or groups. Adding insult to injury, the colour palette is shockingly bland: a monotonous quartet of Silver, Black, White, and Gold. Where’s the vibrancy? The personality? It’s like choosing between vanilla, slightly different vanilla, and gold-plated vanilla."

Mud-caked and magnificent? Absolutely. The Tank 500 Hi4-T isn’t just joining the large 4WD PHEV revolution, it’s leading the charge, leaving established brands choking on its electric dust. And frankly, judging by the competition, it might just hold that commanding position for the foreseeable future. Embrace the grime. The Tank has arrived.

The Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid is about to hit public roads, and childcareman.xyz will be there for its maiden voyage. Buckle up for our exclusive first drive review, coming soon!

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