Tank 500 Hi4-Z got around 6,000 orders 24 hours after pre-sales had started

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z body-on-frame plug-in hybrid SUV with 863 hp and 800V platform got 5,989 orders 24 hours after the pre-sales had started in China. It is available in a single trim level with a price of 379,800 yuan (52,250 USD). The Tank 500 Hi4-Z aims to compete with the FCB Bao 8 from BYD.

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Tank is a high-end brand under Great Wall Motor focused on the manufacturing of off-road vehicles. It was launched in 2021. The brand’s current model line comprises four models: Tank 300, Tank 400, Tank 500 and Tank 700. The Tank 500 initially entered the Chinese market as a petrol-powered car with a 3-liter V6 under the hood. Later, GWM launched its PHEV variant called Tank 500 Hi4-T. In December, the company started taking orders for the second plug-in hybrid variant of the Tank 500.

Why there are two variants of Tank 500 PHEV

As mentioned, the first variant of the Tank 500 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain is called Tank 500 Hi4-T. It is an off-road-dedicated modification. Its powertrain consists of a 2-liter four-cylinder mated with a single electric motor and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The transmission transfers toque to both front and rear axles. The Tank 500 Hi4-T has a 37.1 battery on board that partly sits in the rear part of the frame. The price range of the Tank 500 Hi4-T is 335,000 – 345,000 yuan (46,000 – 47,500 USD).

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As an off-road product, the Tank 500 Hi4-T has the problem of a limited demand. So, Great Wall Motor aimed to develop a more efficient, safe and powerful variant for urban mobility. This is how the Tank 500 Hi4-Z was born. This model has a 2-liter turbocharged ICE and a 3-speed DHT gearbox with an integrated electric motor that powers the front axle. The rear axle is powered by an independent e-motor. The total power output of the system reaches 645 kW (863 hp). 

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z speeds up to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. However, the drawback of this system is the absence of a connection between the front and the rear axles. So, when three wheels of the car slip during off-roading, it can’t transfer all the power to one wheel. On the other hand, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z adopts a massive 59-kWh battery that sits in the middle of the frame. This pack supports the 800V system. As a result, the Tank 500 Hi4-Z can take 163 kW power from a DC charger.

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z can drive 201 km (CLTC) in electric mode. With the ICE on, it can run up to 1096 km. It consumes 8,6 liters of fuel per 100 km with a drained battery pack.

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More about Tank 500 Hi4-Z

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is a large five-seat SUV with dimensions of 5078/1934/1905 mm and a wheelbase of 2850 mm. It has a ground clearance of 210 mm. Inside, the car has a 14-inch main screen and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. 

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z is available for order in a single trim level for 379,800 yuan (52,250 USD). It costs as much as the entry-level Fang Cheng Bao (FCM) Bao 8 from BYD. With this price tag, Great Wall Motor clearly made a statement that it wants to rival BYD in the field of sturdy SUVs. 

The Tank 500 Hi4-Z got 5,989 orders 24 hours after the pre-sales had started in China. There was no info about the Bao 8’s performance. However, it sold 2,463 units last month in China with deliveries started on November 12. So, these SUVs are on par in terms of customers’ demand. We will keep an eye on their rivalry.