The new R1-million Chinese double cab in South Africa – What you get

GWM has launched the new P500 in South Africa to much fanfare, with the large Chinese double cab aimed at dethroning segment darlings such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger with lavish kit and powerful drivetrains.

Buyers have a choice between three variants of the P500, with one standing out as particularly interesting.

The model in question is the flagship P500 HEV Ultra Luxury. Not only does its considerable asking price of R999,900 make it one of the most expensive vehicles in the category, but it is also the only hybrid bakkie on the local market.

While there are electrified models for sale such as the mild-hybrid Hilux, the GWM is the first model in this segment with a proper hybrid system that brings real, tangible benefits.

What you get

The main selling point of the pinnacle P500 is its hybridised powerline consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 180kW and 380Nm at its disposal, partnered with an electric motor over the rear axle that adds another 78kW and 268Nm.

Combined, the drive units generate a substantial 255kW and 648Nm, giving the Asian double cab the accolade of being the second-most powerful bakkie on the market bested only by the ravenous Ford Ranger Raptor.

The generous output sees a rather thirsty (for a hybrid) consumption reading of 9.8l/100km and enables the GWM to tow a maximum of 3,500kg as well as carry up to 735kg in the load box.

Gear changes are taken care of by a nine-speed automatic box specially made for the hybrid system, and it features an intelligent torque-on-demand four-wheel-drive system with low range and electronically controlled front and rear differential locks.

Additionally, a drive mode selector inside the cabin allows the owner to select between Normal, Eco, and Sport settings.

Those itching to take their top-spec P500 into the great outdoors will be interested in knowing the bakkie has an approach angle of 28.5 degrees, break-over angle of 19 degrees, and departure angle of 23 degrees.

It measures an imposing 5,445mm long, 1,991mm wide, and 1,924mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,350mm.

Ground clearance is pegged at 224mm and its maximum water-wading depth comes in at a commendable 800mm.

To further assist drivers when tackling tricky 4×4 tracks, the luxurious bakkie brings hill-start and hill-descent control, as well as a “transparent chassis view” function that uses the magic of cameras and computing to display a picture of what’s going on underneath the bakkie’s nose on the central screen.

In terms of amenities, the GWM has just about everything you could desire, except for the kitchen sink.

Prospective customers can look forward to features such as automatic LED lighting with high-beam assist; rain-sensing wipers; 18-inch alloy wheels; keyless entry and start; a heated Eco-leather steering wheel; Nappa leather upholstery; multi-way electric front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging; two-way electric rear seats with heating and ventilation; dual-zone climate control; a panoramic sunroof; and multi-colour ambient lighting.

This is on top of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, front and rear wireless device chargers, a heads-up display, an electric rear sliding window, and a 120W power outlet.

It provides 1kg storage trays under the rear seats as well as storage boxes in the C-pillar, too.

A large suite of advanced driver assistance systems is also included in the P500, encompassing front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cruise assist, traffic jam assist, intelligent turning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, lane-change assist, and smart dodge.

The list continues with front-collision warning, automatic emergency brake assist, pedestrian and cyclist safety assistance, rear cross-traffic warning with braking, rear-collision warning, fully automated parking assist, trailer sway mitigation, traffic sign recognition, overspeed alarm, intelligent speed assist, indirect driver fatigue monitoring, and door open warning.

The P500’s final party trick is the 60:40 split tailgate.

The tailgate can open up and down just like the more traditional bakkies out there, but it can also be opened to the sides like the doors of a wardrobe for easier ingress and egress.

Each purchase of the new P500 HEV Ultra Luxury is completed with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, an 8-year/150,000km high-voltage warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, and 7-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.

GWM P500