GWM has introduced another update for the Tank 500 in China, adding new interior features and driver-assistance technology to the large off-road SUV. There is no confirmed timing for Australia, where the current model has yet to receive an earlier set of changes introduced in China.
The new version can be equipped with two 15.6-inch dashboard displays, including a screen for the front passenger. That option package also adds speakers in the passenger head restraint, taking the speaker count to 22. A 12.3-inch instrument display and head-up display remain standard. Other additions include front-seat thigh extensions, small tables on the seatbacks and a “double bed mode.” GWM says the refresh includes 296 hardware and software upgrades. Its Coffee Pilot 4 system uses 27 sensors, including LiDAR; available equipment also includes night vision with detection up to 300 metres and a digital rear-view mirror with a wide-angle view.
China’s powertrain range includes a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 and two plug-in hybrids based on a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. The Hi4-T makes 310kW and 750Nm and has a 37.1kWh battery with 110km of WLTC electric range. The Hi4-Z produces 635kW and 1195Nm, with a 59.05kWh battery and 201km of electric range. Australia currently gets the Hi4-T and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder.
GWM Australia has not announced plans for the latest changes. Its earlier hesitation over Chinese-market cabin updates has been linked to the column-mounted gear selector. Through September, Australian Tank 500 deliveries totalled 1,055, down 5.6 per cent year on year; the Ford Everest remained far ahead with 16,203 sales.