GWM Confirms Specs for Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-In Hybrid, 300kW and Triple Locking Differentials

GWM has confirmed the Tank 500 Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) will arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2025. The new variant expands the Tank 500 lineup beyond the existing Lux and Ultra grades, introducing plug-in hybrid technology and updated hardware.

The current Tank 500 range is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm. An electric motor adds 78kW and 268Nm, with a combined system output of 255kW and 648Nm. Energy comes from a 1.76kWh battery located beneath the rear floor, with power delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system.

By contrast, the new Hi4-T model uses the same petrol engine but pairs it with a larger 120kW / 400Nm electric motor. Combined output increases to 300kW and 750Nm, supported by a significantly larger 37.1kWh battery that enables up to 120km of electric-only driving (NEDC) and a claimed total range of 950km.

The Hi4-T system incorporates a mechanical, non-decoupling 4WD setup with three locking differentials, torque-on-demand distribution, and low-range gearing. This hardware supports a braked towing capacity of 3,000kg. Off-road geometry remains unchanged, with 213mm ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle, 22.5-degree breakover, 24-degree departure angle, and an 800mm wading depth.

Charging flexibility is built in, with CCS2 DC fast charging up to 50kW capable of replenishing 30–80 per cent in about 24 minutes. AC charging at home takes around 6.5 hours, while Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows up to 6kW of external power supply.

Inside, the Hi4-T differs from the Lux and Ultra by adopting a five-seat configuration rather than seven, to accommodate the larger battery and increase second-row passenger space. The outer rear seats are heated, ventilated, and equipped with massaging functions, with controls available through a 7-inch touchscreen for climate, lighting, and media.

A 14.6-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and three-zone climate control carry over from existing grades. Interior options include black Nappa leather or a two-tone blue/cream finish, the latter limited to Marble White and Crystal Black exterior colours.

Safety equipment matches the broader Tank 500 range, with seven airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, parking sensors, and a 360-degree monitor. The Hi4-T is supported by the GWM Care program, offering a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year battery warranty.

2025 GWM Tank 500 Price

• Tank 500 Lux: $66,490 driveaway
• Tank 500 Ultra: $73,990 driveaway
• Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV: Pricing to be confirmed closer to launch

2025 GWM Tank 500 Specifications by Grade

Tank 500 Lux

• 2.0L turbo-petrol engine (180kW / 380Nm)
• Electric motor (78kW / 268Nm)
• Combined output: 255kW / 648Nm
• Battery: 1.76kWh
• 9-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD
• 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, sunroof, side steps
• Black leatherette trim, heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat
• 14.6-inch infotainment (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto), 8-speaker audio
• 12.3-inch digital cluster, surround-view camera, semi-auto parking
• Electronic rear diff lock, underbody protection

Tank 500 Ultra (adds over Lux)

• Nappa leather upholstery
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with memory and welcome function
• 12-speaker Infinity audio, second-row window shades
• Power-folding third row, 64-colour ambient lighting
• Power side steps, electronic front diff lock, soft-close power tailgate

Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV (new variant)

• 2.0L turbo-petrol engine (180kW / 380Nm)
• Electric motor (120kW / 400Nm)
• Combined output: 300kW / 750Nm
• Battery: 37.1kWh lithium
• EV range: 120km (NEDC), total range 950km
• Fuel use: 2.1L/100km (NEDC), CO₂ emissions: 47g/km
• Charging: CCS2 DC (30–80% in ~24 minutes), AC (~6.5 hours), Vehicle-to-Load 6kW
• Non-decoupling 4WD, up to three diff locks, low-range, 3,000kg braked towing
• Ground clearance 213mm, approach angle 30°, breakover 22.5°, departure angle 24°, wading depth 800mm
• Five-seat layout, second-row heated/ventilated/massaging outer seats
• 7-inch rear passenger touchscreen for climate, lighting, and seat controls
• Nappa leather interior in black or blue/cream (blue/cream with select exterior paints)