Plug-in hybrid GWM Tank 500 spotted

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of GWM’s Tank 500 has been spotted undergoing testing in China.

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Images of the camouflage-wrapped vehicle surfaced on Chinese media this week, showing a design almost identical to the recently-shown hybrid (HEV) Tank 500.

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It features the same wheels as the Thailand-shown HEV, with the addition of a plug-in charge port. The HEV makes 180kW of power and 380Nm of torque between a turbo 2.0 four-cylinder and an electric motor, paired to a nine-speed automatic. While no performance figures have been revealed for the PHEV version, power is likely to be similar with an extended driving range.

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The turbo-four will arrive in Australian-delivered Tank 500s later this year, alongside a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 pumping out a total of 260kW and 500Nm. No exact sale date has been announced, though GWM says both models will be launched concurrently. There's no indication so far on the odds of the PHEV reaching our shores.

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Local pricing also remains unknown, though at ¥335,000 (AU$72,600) to ¥395,000 (AU$85,000) in China, its sights will be set firmly on the Toyota Prado.