GWM Tank 500 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC200

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.

Mercedes-Benz has brought back the entry-grade GLC200 and it's now the most affordable way into the sleek, mid-size luxury SUV.

But ‘entry-level’ doesn’t always mean ‘everyday friendly,’ so we’ve been family-testing it to see if it delivers that signature Benz comfort, quality and class without the premium sting.

The question is, does it offer enough substance and style to take on its high-profile rivals, the Audi Q5 and BMW X3?