Bangkok Auto Show: TANK 500 debuts at the auto show, priced at 2,049,000 Thai Baht

At the 45th Bangkok Motor Show, GWM brought the TANK 500 model of its TANK brand. TANK has always been focused on professional off-road performance, and unlike TANK 300, TANK 500 also has to take into account luxury. Of course, its price will also be higher.

Official guide prices for the two TANK 500 models:

TANK 500 HEV PRO: 2049000 Thai baht

TANK 500 HEV ULTRA: 2269000 Thai baht

The styling of the TANK 500 is somewhat similar to an equally rugged SUV named HAVAL H9 that GWM sold in the Chinese market a few years ago. Its side lines, the contour of the rear of the car, and the design of the spare tire are all highly similar to the H9. The styling of the H9 is also similar to classic rugged SUVs like Toyota's Prado and Land Cruiser. Maybe there is some influence between them.

The most obvious individuality of the TANK 500 is reflected in the front of the car. The rugged chrome grille styling boasts high recognition. Because the spare tire is back-mounted, the tail light styling cannot be designed in the popular full-width type, which makes the overall exterior design of the TANK 500 somewhat traditional, with not much-electrified style. And the only thing that can signal its hybrid identity is the HEV logo at the rear of the car.

The dimensions of the TANK 500 are 5078 x 1934 x 1905mm, with a wheelbase of 2850 mm.

Looking at the overall interior of the TANK 500, it does not inspire a strong desire to go off-road, but it is somewhat business-like, which may disappoint many consumers. However, there is no doubt that this interior is very successful in presenting a sense of luxury. Considering individual aesthetic needs, this car features a digital dashboard, a 14.6-inch central control screen, and even a clock. I think the driver coming out of this car is more suitable to wear a suit, rather than outdoor clothing.

The console adopts a traditional T-shaped design and retains a large number of physical buttons, which gives a feel of numerous features. TANK 500 is indeed very rich in off-road functions. The console and door panels are filled with a large number of dark wood grain panels, and there is also a star decoration strip running through the console next to the air outlet. Just looking at the luxury of this interior, a price of 2,269,000 baht does not seem too expensive, but for many people who like this car, the price is not cheap.

TANK 500 offers a lot of functions in terms of seats, such as electric adjustment, and the third row of seats can also be electrically laid down through buttons on the side of the trunk. The second row of seats can be laid down in a 60:40 ratio. Therefore, the interior space distribution can be very flexible, whether going to the beach or camping in the wild, it's possible to put long objects like surfboards in the car, without needing to expand the roof luggage box.

Both the front row and the second row of TANK 500 seats have ventilation functions, and the driver's seat has an electric massage function, which make TANK 500 also suitable for long journeys with family and friends. When no one is sitting in the third row, the seats can be laid down flat. At this time, the second row of seats can be moved backward to increase legroom, and then TANK 500 transforms into a spacious 5-seater SUV that can hold a large amount of luggage. Nevertheless, the 2+3+2 seat layout also has its limitations. For example, the middle row seats lack a legrest, resulting in slightly less comfort than individual seats. It would be better if TANK 500 could offer a 2+2+2 seat layout for consumers to choose from.

TANK 500 is equipped with a complete set of intelligent driving assistance systems as well as the ability to remotely control the vehicle and view vehicle information through a mobile phone APP. What's different is that the ULTRA model adds the IIP automatic parking system and the ARA tracking reverse function. The application scenarios of the ARA function are, for example, narrow and dead ends or roads that cannot continue to move forward and where road conditions cannot allow turns where we need to turn back along the way we came. Although TANK 500 is equipped with a 360° imaging system, it has a large body, and reversing in a small space is challenging. ARA is the solution to this situation. However, it is regrettable that this function can only be used for a 50-meter reversing distance, which seems short.

TANK 500 power system parameters:

- The maximum power of the 2.0T engine is 244PS (5500-6000rpm)

- The peak torque of the 2.0T engine is 380N·m (1700-4000rpm)

The maximum power of the drive motor is 106PS

The peak torque of the drive motor is 268N·m

- Battery capacity 1.7kWh

- Maximum system power 350PS

- Peak system torque 616N·m

- 9AT gearbox

Main off-road configuration of TANK 500:

- Front and rear electric differential lock

- Off-road cruise control

- TANK turning system, for turning in confined spaces

- Under vehicle image display system (vehicle transparent)

- When fording, the screen displays the water level outside the car

(Photo/Text/Photograph: Pacific Car Kevin Wong)