GWM Tank 500 vs Lexus GX

What's the difference?

The arrival of the GWM Tank 500 Ultra PHEV is noteworthy because it’s the first plug-in hybrid Tank model in Australia.

It’s also a major event for the Aussie adventure-travel community because it’s a plug-in hybrid 4WD with five seats, high- and low-range gearing, and a front, centre and rear diff lock.

The Tank 500 PHEV gets more power and torque than its hybrid stablemate, offers about 120km electric-only driving range (listed), and it can be used as a 6kW mobile power station (V2L) at your campsite. Towing remains at 3000kg.

There’s a lot in this Tank’s favour: it’s a body-on-ladder-frame chassis large 4WD with a packed standard features list and real off-road adventure potential.

All of that – and more – for under $80 grand.

But does the plug-in set-up add anything substantial in terms of daily driveability or does it simply make this Tank an $80,000 camp-site generator?

Read on.

The new Lexus GX 550 showcases a brand new design for its third-generation iteration but the model is new to the Australian market.

And while it hasn't been as hotly anticipated as its cousin, the Toyota Prado, it's still one that should excite. It's a capable full-time four-wheel drive that manages to look good on- and off-road! It feels like a breath of fresh air.

Will it find itself more likely adorning the garage of a city slicker? Perhaps, but you can't deny it has some star power now with its design and it couldn't have come soon enough. Especially when you compare the flagship Sports Luxury grade my family and I have on test to its European luxury rivals, the BMW X7 and Land Rover Defender.