GWM has officially launched the new Tank 500, taking aim at the premium SUV segment in South Africa.
While there are several popular models in this category, the 500’s biggest rival is none other than the Toyota Prado, which recently welcomed its new generation into the fold.
GWM has ambitions to become one of South Africa’s biggest carmakers, and its Tank division is the brand’s answer to Toyota’s beloved collection of 4x4s, making this rivalry one to keep an eye on for the foreseeable future.
Performance
The new Prado runs on the brand’s familiar 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, while the 500 features the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid plant found on the range-topping Tank 300.
As for their transmissions, the Toyota has an eight-speed automatic, while its rival has access to nine gears.
Both vehicles have a four-wheel-drive system, a low-range transfer case, and a rear differential lock.
You can find a full breakdown of the two different engines below:
| Specification | GWM Tank 500 Ultra Luxury | Toyota Prado TX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid | 2.8-litre turbo-diesel |
| Power | 255kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 648Nm | 500Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 8.5l/100km | 7.9l/100km |
| Top speed | 180km/h | 165km/h |
| Towing capacity | 2,500kg | 3,500kg |
The petrol GWM unsurprisingly has more power than the Toyota, but it also has a higher torque figure thanks to the assistance provided by its supplementary electric motor.
However, despite its hybrid underpinnings, the Prado actually has lower consumption, thanks in part to its diesel preference.
The Tank also has the higher top speed, but it actually falls short with regard to towing, illustrating that diesel is the way to go if you need to haul something big.
There’s more to these cars than just their drivetrains though, as we need to look at their physical attributes to get a sense of their off-roading prowess.
| Specification | GWM Tank 500 Ultra Luxury | Toyota Prado TX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,078mm | 4,925mm |
| Width | 1,934mm | 1,980mm |
| Height | 1,905mm | 1,935mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| Ground clearance | 224mm | 206mm |
| Wading depth | 800mm | 700mm |
| Approach angle | 30.0 degrees | 30.0 degrees |
| Break-over angle | 22.5 degrees | 25.0 degrees |
| Departure angle | 24.0 degrees | 17.0 degrees |
| Boot capacity | 98 – 795 litres | 120 – 620 litres |
The Chinese vehicle is longer than its Japanese competitor, though the latter is actually a bit taller and wider.
Interestingly, they have the exact same wheelbase, but the Tank pulls ahead once again with its better ground clearance and water-wading depth.
One area where the Toyota wins is with its default boot space, as it can take 120 litres when all three seat rows are up.
The GWM can only take 98 litres with all occupants in their seats, but it has more luggage room when the back row is folded away.
Features
Buyers of either premium SUV can expect a minimum of automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, electronically adjustable leather seats with heating and ventilation, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
They also come with adaptive cruise control, Crawl Control (off-road cruise control), blind-spot monitoring, tyre-pressure monitoring, a camera system, front and rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, hill descent control, and lane-keep assist.
As for their differences, the Toyota has 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch driver display, an 8.0-inch media screen, a rearview camera, and six speakers.
The Tank, on the other hand, has 20-inch alloys, automatic side steps, a panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats, tri-zone climate control, a wireless charger, a 360-degree camera, a 12.3-inch driver screen, a heads-up display, a 14.6-inch entertainment centre, and a 12-speaker Infinity stereo.
Also worth mentioning are the 4×4’s driving modes, as the Japanese model comes with Normal, Eco, and Sport settings as well as a Multi-Terrain Select tool for Rock, Dirt, Snow, Mud, and Sand.
The Chinese newcomer, meanwhile, offers 10 different driving and terrain modes including Standard, Economic, Sport, Expert, Snow, Mud, Sand, Irregular, Rock, and Mountain.
The 500 also features Tank Turn, which locks the inside back wheel to allow for much tighter turns when off-roading.
Pricing
The new GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 has a South African starting price of R1,222,900.
Every purchase comes with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, 7-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance, and an additional 8-year/150,000km hybrid battery warranty.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD TX has a local starting price of R1,296,300.
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-service/90,000km service plan.
GWM Tank 500
Toyota Prado
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