The GWM Tank 500 is the second model from the Chinese brand's 4WD sub-brand to launch in Australia. It's a traditional large 4x4 wagon.
However, unlike its Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Y62 Nissan Patrol rivals, it comes with a relatively efficient 'self-charging' hybrid powertrain.
The line-up currently starts at $64,490 for the Tank 500 Lux Hybrid and ranges through to $78,990 for the range-topping Tank 500 Hi4-T Ultra (Phev).
The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV's interior is well laid-out and functional with a sense of understated class to it. There are soft-touch surfaces and genuine Nappa leather accents throughout.
'Marble White' paint is standard for the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV. Metallic paint, including 'Crystal Black' ($495), 'Dune Gold' ($595), and 'Onyx Silver' ($595) costs extra.
Every Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 37.11kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor. And that combination produces a total* of 300kW and 750Nm.
* Electric motor 120kW, petrol engine 180kW at 6000rpm. Motor 400Nm, engine 380Nm at 1700-4000rpm.
The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is a one-variant line-up. It is a five-seat 4WD with two single front seats and a second-row in a 60/40 split-folding configuration. Seats are Nappa leather-accented.
The law is pretty clear when it comes to problems like this. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility during the warranty period to make everything that’s standard on the vehicle (and not an aftermarket accessory) work again at no cost to the owner. But, the owner must give the manufacturer a reasonable chance to do that. Often, that process will take time and everybody has to be patient. You could ask for a replacement car while yours is being investigated if the dealership needs to keep it for an extended period.
Also, battery failure is not normally covered by a new-car warranty as, like tyres and brake pads, the battery is considered a wear and tear item. However, if it’s the faulty alarm or something wrong with the vehicle that’s constantly flattening the battery and causing it to fail, I’d be pushing for the warranty to cover that as well.
Unfortunately, modern cars are very complex machines and your experience is far from uncommon, with many owners of various makes and models reporting multiple problems in the one brand-new vehicle.
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From what I can gather, this is a standard feature of the Tank 500. The beep is to let you know the car has been locked, even if you’re in a position where you can’t see the lights flash (also to confirm locking).
It’s probably possible to turn this feature off via the menus on the infotainment screen. If you don’t like this beeping feature, it’s a fair bet your neighbours don’t either.
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The GWM Tank 300 and 500 models are built by GWM in China.
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Standard features on the entry-grade Lux include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail-lights, fixed side steps, an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, proximity unlocking, push-button start, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch media screen, digital radio, an eight-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, plus heated and power adjustable front seats.
Stepping up to the Ultra brings power sidesteps, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massaging function, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and a head-up display.
Cargo volume in the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is a listed 640 litres when all seats are in use and 1400 litres when the second row is stowed away.
The GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV can do the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.9 seconds. Top speed is around 180km/h.
Official fuel consumption for the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV is 2.1L/100km on a combined cycle on regular unleaded fuel (91) with low-charge fuel consumption at 8.4L/100km.
The Tank 500 has a 70-litre fuel tank so, going by those fuel figures, you could reasonably expect a driving range (from a full tank) of about 3333km (as per listed fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km) or 833km (as per listed low-charge fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km).