GWM Tank 500: Prado rival gets upgraded plug-in hybrid

The GWM Tank 500, which recently arrived in Australia with hybrid power, is getting an upgraded plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in China.

A Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing shared by Car News China shows the Toyota LandCruiser Prado rival will get a new plug-in hybrid variant with a larger battery.

The Hi4-Z upgrades from the 37.1kWh battery in the existing Hi4-T to a new 59.05kWh ternary lithium unit, with kerb weight rising from 2830kg to 2980kg.

Range is up significantly, however, from 110km to 201km, while claimed fuel consumption is reportedly down from 8.8 to 8.6L/100km. These figures are likely based on CLTC testing.

It also features a new turbocharged 2.0-litre Miller cycle four-cylinder petrol engine, as seen in the updated Hi4-T, though its outputs of 185kW and 380Nm are unchanged.

Combined with an 120kW/400Nm electric motor, total system outputs are 300kW and 750Nm.

It appears unchanged visually from the existing Hi4-T PHEV.

The Tank 500 arrived in Australia this year with a 255kW/648Nm turbo 2.0-litre hybrid four-cylinder powertrain – something that stands out in a diesel-heavy segment.

GWM Australia says it’s not looking at a diesel option for the Tank 500, but has left the door open for a plug-in hybrid.

“It’s something that we can look at. [Tank 500 PHEV] is not necessarily available for us to take right here today if we want, but it is under consideration longer-term,” GWM Australia communications and marketing boss Steve Maciver told CarExpert in March.

A plug-in hybrid Tank 500 has been spied on the ground in Australia, though GWM often brings vehicles here for evaluation.

GWM has said it’s not currently looking at a diesel Tank 500 for our market, while it says the 265kW/500Nm turbo 3.0-litre petrol V6 currently offered in China is “not the right choice for us at this stage”, citing incoming Australian emissions standards.

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