WeeklySA_AdminHYBRID SUV: Newcomer stands as a true testament of the growth of GWM as a manufacturer of world class luxury vehicles
By Ali Mphaki
GWM South Africa proudly presents the all-new TANK 500 Hybrid SUV which offers a combination of elegance, advanced technology and exceptional off-road capability. This newest addition to the GWM line-up epitomises luxury, innovation and exceptional build quality.
The TANK 500 is the latest in the series of the new GWM vehicles to be introduced in South Africa this year. As the flagship model, the TANK 500 stands as a true testament of the growth of GWM as a manufacturer of world class luxury vehicles.
The TANK 500 HEV is a technological tour de force with advanced features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety, on and off-road driving capabilities and ease of use. “The TANK 500 Hybrid SUV represents the pinnacle of GWM’s design and engineering efforts. It is the culmination of vehicle development process which combines the know-how of the group’s research and development centres in China, the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia, and India,” says Kevin Li, newly appointed MD for GWM South Africa. This level of excellence reflects the brand’s value for money philosophy. Uncompromising Passenger Safety, Comfort, and Luxury
The TANK 500 HEV is a large 7-seater SUV that exudes both elegance, luxury and functionality. Equally at home in the city and on rugged terrain, the TANK 500 represents the coming together of premium materials, cutting-edge technology and unbeatable performance, setting a new standard for luxury SUVs in this segment. The TANK 500 HEV seamlessly blends high-end luxury with robust off-road capabilities, making it the perfect vehicle for those who crave adventure without sacrificing on space, comfort or luxury.
The TANK 500 HEV boasts an ultra-luxurious interior which is customisable to suite every driver’s preference. A 14.6 inch multi-Media touchscreen display dominates the interior of the TANK 500. The Tank’s user interface offers the option of both tactile physical buttons as well as touch screen controls for high use features such as air conditioning, infotainment, and drive mode selection. The Nappa Leather-Accented seats are heated and ventilated for the driver and front passenger with an 8-Point Massage feature. Both seats can be electronically adjusted to the ideal driving position for long journeys, with three memory settings for the driver as well as the passenger. The second-row passengers enjoy similar comforts with reclining seat backs, two-way adjustable headrests, separate climate control, seat cooling, and charging points. Second row legroom can be improved by sliding the seats backwards if there are no third-row passengers.
The third row seats can be folded or raised electronically and have their own roof mounted aircon vents. The interior of the TANK 500 really comes alive at night with a star theme lit dashboard panel ahead of the front passenger providing a welcome addition to the ambience. There is unlimited customisation of the ambient lighting system which can be set to the rhythm of music from the sound system. Soft light emanates from the multi-Media touchscreen, virtual instrument cluster, and buttons around the gear selector to give the interior an exceptionally classy and luxurious feel.
The TANK 500 has a lushly upholstered luggage area with a luggage cover and tinted windows for added security. Luggage space is cavernous at 795L with the third row of seats folded and 1459L with both back rows of seats folded flat.
Striking Exterior, Opulent Interior
Every aspect of the TANK 500 has been designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience. Its exterior features a bold front grille, 20-Inch alloy wheels, and automatic side steps, making entry and exit a completely indulgent experience. The panoramic sunroof gives the vehicle an airy and roomy feel, allowing every passenger to arrive feeling relaxed.
Power Meets Performance
Under the hood, the TANK 500 boasts a Direct-Injection, 2.0-Litre Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Petrol powerplant, combined with the latest in electric driving technology and delivering a combined 255kW of power and an eye-watering 648Nm of torque. This SUV can tow up to 2.5 tonnes and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 8.3 seconds, despite its robust 2 605kg weight. Its advanced 9-Speed automatic gearbox, combined with 11 All-Terrain driving modes – including Sports, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Expert – ensures that the TANK 500 can navigate any terrain you may encounter.
360 Degree Surround-Sight
In the TANK 500, you’ll always be aware of your surroundings. Its 360-Degree Camera, Auto Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning systems provide a complete view of what’s ahead, behind, and beside you, enhancing your driving experience and safety on the road.
Future-Forward Tech
At the heart of GWM’s electrification strategy is its Dedicated Hybrid Technology. Each Petrol-Electric Hybrid Engine is highly integrated and features a robust lithium-ion battery, enhancing performance and efficiency while reducing noise. The multi-Mode Hybrid transmission offers smooth, fuel-efficient starts and impressive acceleration, reaching 100km/h in 8.3 seconds. Making the TANK 500 ideal for both urban commutes and off-road adventures.
TANK 500 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Ultra Luxury @ R 1 222 900
Motoring:Briefs
KEEP IT DOWN
September could bring some more welcome relief at the fuel pumps, providing there are no further shocks in the volatile international oil market. The latest daily snapshot from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows a fairly significant over-recovery has developed for both petrol and diesel.
This, if current trends persist until month-end, could translate into petrol price decreases in the region of 62 cents, give or take. Diesel is looking poised for price cuts of between 53 cents (500ppm) and 77 cents (500ppm) according to the mid-month CEF data released on August 15.
A 62 cent decrease could bring petrol prices to just below where they were in January 2024, with 93 Unleaded receding to around R22.09 in Gauteng and 95 Unleaded to R21.70 if the above predictions materialise.
GWM HYBRID BAKKIE
In a first for South Africa, GWM has launched a full Petrol Electric Hybrid Bakkie. The all-new P-Series P500 Double-Cab bakkie is the first bakkie to have a 325-volt electric motor in South Africa, and the second most powerful double cab bakkie in the segment.
First revealed at the 2024 NAMPO trade show in May, the all-new GWM P500 is part of GWM’s consolidated brand portfolio. GWM P500 is the latest product in GWM’s rapidly expanding portfolio which now includes the Tank 300 and 500 SUVs, ORA fully electric models, H6 HEV and the new Jolion SUV PRO. The new P500 bakkie will be offered with the option of a 2-litre turbocharged petrol self-charging hybrid, and an all-new 2.4L Turbo Diesel. The range topping P500 HEV offers a powerful driving experience with an impressive 255kW and 648Nm of torque, complemented by a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4×4 capability across the range.
THE NEW eSPRINTER
For the first time, an electric van from Mercedes-Benz is now available in South Africa, marking a significant milestone for the German automakers commercial division. The new eSprinter merges state-of-the-art zero-emissions technology from Mercedes-Benz with the versatility that the Sprinter range is known for.
eSprinter panel van with a 113 kWh battery managed to cover 475 kilometres on a single charge. For urban journeys, a range of up to 530 kilometres is achievable based on simulations from the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) City cycle. Charging the eSprinter can be done with both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). At a fast-charging station, the eSprinter can charge its 81 kWh battery to 80% in about 32 minutes, while the 113 kWh battery takes around 42 minutes.
GS3 EMZOOM ZOOMS IN
Another new arrival on SA roads is the sporty and youthful GS3 Emzoom which further expands the landscape of Chinese automotive brands in South Africa. The three grades offered by the manufacturer are Comfort, Executive and, as mentioned, the top of the line R-style.
On paper, the Emzoom ticks plenty of right boxes in terms of design, performance, practicality and technology. The exterior of the GS3 Emzoom R-Style exudes sportiness and boldness. It features a medium-mesh colour strip, front bumper lower trim, hub style with colour strip, and a mid-mounted double-outlet exhaust pipe.
ONE MORE THING…
Australian consumers are increasingly looking to hybrid power as an alternative source, according to the latest VFACTS report. With increasing cost-of-living pressures and jaw-dropping fuel bowser prices now the norm, consumers seem to be looking at ways to combat this financial burden – and ridding their vehicles of combustion power seems to be an alluring method.
According to the July 2024 VFACTS report, a total of 18,039 hybrid vehicles were sold in July. At the same time last year (July 2023) that figure was 9574, an increase of 8465 sales or a whopping +88.4 per cent. Petrol sales, by comparison, remain higher (42,027 petrol variants sold in July 2024) but have dipped compared to last year (48,227 sales in July 2023), representing a decline of 6200 sales or -12.9 per cent. It’s a bit different for diesel-powered vehicles, with sales increasing from 27,791 (July, 2023) to 29,263 (July, 2024), a jump of 1472 units or +5.3 per cent.
