In a bold move that’s set to shake up Australia’s competitive large SUV market, Great Wall Motors (GWM) is preparing to launch its formidable Tank 500 PHEV. This plug-in hybrid behemoth isn’t just another entry in the increasingly crowded SUV segment—it’s a direct challenge to established players like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, promising more power, advanced hybrid technology, and a compelling value proposition that could make traditional off-road enthusiasts reconsider their loyalties.
The Chinese Challenger Emerges
GWM might not yet command the same brand recognition as Toyota or Ford in Australia, but that’s rapidly changing. The Chinese automotive giant has been steadily building its reputation Down Under with models like the Ute and Haval H6, offering impressive specifications at competitive price points. The Tank 500 PHEV represents their most ambitious Australian offering yet—a large, ladder-frame SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with sophisticated hybrid technology.
The timing couldn’t be better. As fuel prices continue their unpredictable dance and environmental concerns grow, many Aussie buyers are looking beyond traditional diesel powertrains without wanting to sacrifice capability. The Tank 500 lands squarely in this sweet spot, promising the best of both worlds.
“We’ve seen tremendous interest already,” says a GWM spokesperson who preferred to remain unnamed. “Australians are savvy buyers who appreciate value and innovation. The Tank 500 delivers both in spades.”
Power That Demands Attention
Let’s get straight to the headline figures that have Toyota and Ford engineers undoubtedly taking notice. The Tank 500 PHEV combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce a combined output of approximately 340kW of power and a whopping 750Nm of torque.
For comparison, the current Toyota Prado runs a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 150kW and 500Nm, while the Ford Everest’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel manages 184kW and 600Nm. The numbers don’t lie—the Tank 500 PHEV absolutely dominates both these established competitors in raw output.
But raw power isn’t everything, especially in vehicles designed to venture far from the beaten path. What makes the Tank 500’s approach particularly interesting is how this power is delivered. The instant torque characteristics of electric motors mean exceptional low-speed control—a genuine advantage when rock-crawling or navigating tricky terrain.
Hybrid Technology That Makes Sense
The Tank 500’s plug-in hybrid system isn’t merely a token nod to environmental concerns—it’s a thoroughly developed powertrain that offers tangible benefits beyond just power figures.
With an expected electric-only range of approximately 80 kilometers, the Tank 500 PHEV allows for daily commuting without using a drop of petrol. For the average Australian who drives less than 40km daily, this could mean weeks between visits to the bowser during regular use, while still having the petrol engine available for longer journeys.
The system employs a substantial lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged via a household power outlet overnight or more quickly at public charging stations. GWM has reportedly engineered the battery placement to maintain ground clearance and protect critical components during off-road excursions—addressing a common concern about electrified off-roaders.
This hybrid approach actually enhances the vehicle’s capabilities in ways pure internal combustion engines can’t match. The precise control of electric power delivery provides advantages in technical off-road situations, while regenerative braking helps control descent on steep declines without relying solely on mechanical braking.
Taking on the Prado: David vs Goliath?
The Toyota Prado has long reigned as Australia’s go-to family 4WD. Its reputation for reliability, dealer support, and resale value makes it a formidable opponent for any newcomer. Yet the Tank 500 PHEV comes to the fight with several advantages beyond just its power figures.
Size-wise, the Tank 500 is marginally larger than the Prado, offering more interior space particularly in the third row—an area where the Toyota has been criticized. The GWM also brings a decidedly more upmarket interior presentation, with materials and design that wouldn’t look out of place in vehicles costing twice as much.
Technology is another area where the Tank 500 potentially leapfrogs the more conservatively developed Prado. The Chinese offering includes a massive central touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver assistance systems that match or exceed those found in the Toyota.
“Toyota’s built an incredible reputation, and rightly so,” comments automotive analyst James Parkinson. “But they’ve been relatively slow to embrace electrification in their off-road models. This creates an opening for competitors like GWM who can enter the market with fresh approaches and newer technology.”
The Prado still holds advantages in proven reliability and an unmatched dealer network, particularly in regional areas where many of these vehicles will venture. However, GWM has been aggressively expanding its Australian presence, with service centers now in all major population centers and growing into regional areas.
Everest in Its Sights: The Ford Comparison
Ford’s Everest represents a more modern competitor, having been more recently redesigned than the Prado. With its Ranger-based underpinnings and powerful V6 turbo-diesel option, the Everest has carved out a strong position as a capable family 4WD with more car-like driving dynamics than some competitors.
The Tank 500 PHEV challenges the Everest on several fronts. While the Ford offers excellent towing capacity (3,500kg braked) and proven off-road capability, the GWM counters with superior power delivery, potentially better fuel economy for daily driving, and a more distinctive design language that stands out from the crowd.
Interior space appears comparable between the two, though the Tank 500 leans more heavily into luxury appointments while the Everest maintains a balance between practicality and comfort. Both offer three rows of seating, though preliminary information suggests the Tank’s third row might be more accommodating for adult passengers.
Where the GWM really distances itself is in the technology integration. The hybrid system isn’t just about power or efficiency—it enables features like advanced torque vectoring for improved handling on and off-road, stationary power output for camping (powering external devices), and quieter operation in nature settings.
The Australian Market: Ready for Change?
Australia’s 4WD market has traditionally been conservative, with buyers favoring proven platforms and established brands. However, recent years have seen increasing willingness to consider alternatives, particularly from Asian manufacturers offering compelling value propositions.
The success of brands like MG and LDV demonstrates that Australian buyers are increasingly brand-agnostic, focusing instead on features, warranty, and value. GWM has been steadily building credibility with its Ute and Haval SUV ranges, creating a foundation for the more premium Tank sub-brand.
“Ten years ago, launching a Chinese competitor to the Prado would have been a massive uphill battle,” notes industry veteran and 4WD journalist Sam Crosby. “Today, while challenges remain, there’s genuine openness among buyers to consider alternatives if the product stacks up.”
Fuel prices are another factor potentially working in the Tank 500 PHEV’s favor. With diesel prices continuing to fluctuate and a growing awareness of emissions, the plug-in hybrid approach offers tangible daily savings for many users, particularly those who can charge at home and use the vehicle primarily for commuting with occasional longer trips.
Behind the Wheel: What to Expect
While Australian journalists haven’t yet had extensive time behind the wheel, early impressions from international markets where similar versions of the Tank 500 are sold suggest a vehicle that manages to balance luxury comfort with genuine capability.
The hybrid system delivers seamless transitions between electric and petrol power, with the electric motors filling in torque gaps during gearshifts to provide continuous acceleration. On-road manners are reportedly impressive for a vehicle of this size and weight, though nobody will mistake it for a sports car.
Off-road is where things get interesting. The Tank 500 PHEV comes equipped with selectable drive modes for different terrains, locking differentials, and an advanced traction control system that leverages the precise control of the electric motors. Ground clearance is competitive at around 225mm, while approach and departure angles are designed to match or exceed those of its primary competitors.
“The way the electric motors deliver instant torque makes a huge difference in technical off-road situations,” explains Chinese-market 4WD enthusiast Liu Wei in a translated online review. “You have incredibly precise control at low speeds, which makes navigating obstacles much easier than with a conventional powertrain.”
Pricing and Value: The Critical Factor
While official Australian pricing hasn’t been announced, industry insiders expect the Tank 500 PHEV to undercut both the Prado and Everest while offering more standard equipment. A starting price somewhere between $65,000 and $75,000 would position it as a compelling alternative to high-spec versions of mainstream competitors.
GWM’s standard 7-year warranty provides peace of mind that would have been unthinkable for Chinese manufacturers a decade ago, addressing one of the key concerns buyers have when considering brands without decades-long Australian market presence.
Equipment levels are expected to be generous, with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and comprehensive safety systems included as standard rather than costly options. This follows the pattern established by other Chinese manufacturers who’ve successfully used high equipment levels to overcome brand perception challenges.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The Tank 500 PHEV faces several challenges in the Australian market despite its impressive specifications. Established competitors benefit from decades of reputation-building, extensive dealer networks, and proven resale values. The GWM will need to overcome skepticism and prove its reliability in Australia’s harsh conditions.
Parts availability and servicing remains another question mark, though GWM’s growing dealer network and seven-year warranty provide some reassurance. The company has reportedly stockpiled common service items and parts in preparation for the Tank 500’s launch.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is simply awareness. Despite GWM’s growing presence, many potential buyers may not even consider the brand when shopping for a large family 4WD. Overcoming this will require aggressive marketing and opportunities for people to experience the vehicle firsthand.
Yet the opportunities are substantial. As the automotive market transitions toward electrification, the Tank 500 PHEV offers a bridge between conventional diesel 4WDs and full electric vehicles, which still face range and charging challenges for remote area travel. This middle-ground approach could prove particularly attractive to buyers who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing capability.
A Genuine Contender
The GWM Tank 500 PHEV arrives in Australia as more than just another large SUV. It represents a significant shift in the market—proof that alternative manufacturers can now deliver cutting-edge technology and performance that not only matches but potentially exceeds established players.
For Toyota and Ford, the Tank 500 presents a wake-up call. The comfortable dominance of the Prado and the recent success of the Everest now face a challenger that brings more power, innovative technology, and likely a more attractive price point.
Australian buyers are the ultimate winners in this competitive landscape. The increased choice and pushing of boundaries means better vehicles across the board as manufacturers strive to maintain their market position.
Whether the Tank 500 PHEV will succeed in capturing significant market share remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—it deserves to be taken seriously as a genuine alternative to the established players. For buyers willing to look beyond badge prestige, it could represent the perfect combination of traditional 4WD capability and forward-looking technology.
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