Plug-in hybrid GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T launched in Australia: And it comes with a Toyota Prado-bashing price tag and 120km EV range
The 2026 GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid has arrived in Australia to challenge traditional off-road diesel-powered SUVs with pricing that starts from $79,990 drive-away.
Sharing its powertrain with the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, GWM says if you order the Tank 500 Hi4-T now you will be eligible for a $2000 early-bird discount that drops pricing to $77,990 drive-away.
But be aware, the new offer is available for a limited time only.
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Commanding a $6000 premium over the Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid, the new plug-in version’s $79,990 (before discount) price means the Chinese SUV’s pricing tops out where the latest turbo-diesel-powered Toyota Prado ($78,500 drive-away NSW for the GX) kicks off.
The popular Ford Everest diesel has models that are cheaper than both the GWM and Toyota.
Helping the GWM match the traditional Toyota in the rough, the Tank 500 Hi4-T comes with four-wheel drive and traditional diff locks.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol that musters 180kW/380Nm and combines with a 120kW/400Nm e-motor and a nine-speed automatic.
Combined, the plug-in hybrid Tank produces a substantial 300kW and 750Nm of torque – twice the power and a substantial increase in torque over the Prado’s 150kW/500Nm.
Impressively, those towering outputs are blended with a 120km all-electric range (NEDC), thanks to a 37.1kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. The total claimed range is 950km with a full tank of fuel.
Fuel efficiency, meanwhile, is rated at 2.1L/100km, although that is a theoretical lab number.
Helping owners maximise its EV range, the plug-in Tank 500 can be fast charged at a DC rate of up to 50kW while, like the ute it shares its powertrain with, the GWM SUV has a V2L functionality and can charge or run appliances at up to 6kW.
The compromise of the new Tank 500 Hi4-T is that it is only available with five seats, with the third row deleted.
Braked towing rating is also capped at 3000kg – below the 3500kg others in the class, like the Prado, can haul.
Off-road, the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T shares the approach, departure and breakover angles with the regular hybrid, with the plug-in large SUV boasting a 224mm ground clearance allowing it to wade up to 800mm of water.
Within the Tank 500 PHEV there’s a large 14.6-inch infotainment, panoramic sunroof, a heated, cooled and Nappa leather eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
Other standard kit includes a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto parking, a 360-degree camera and an Infinity premium sound system.
The new flagship Tank 500 Hi4-T sits above the Tank 500 Hybrid ($64,490), the Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid ($71,990) and the Tank 500 Vanta Hybrid ($75,990). All pricing is drive-away.
