2022 Tank 500 HEV hybrid revealed, as turbo V6 begins production

The 2022 Tank 500 HEV has been revealed in Thailand, featuring a hybrid-electric powertrain.

The world premiere of the Tank 500 HEV was part of the GWM’s launch in the country, with the model showcasing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm, assisted by an electric motor.

While few specifications of the 500 HEV were detailed at the car’s unveiling, the model continues to use the company’s nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system, with “off-road mode or wading mode, [which] can also be changed per the voice commands,” a statement from the company read.

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The new powertrain is an alternative to the 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 originally revealed in the Tank 500 – an engine which began full-scale production last week.

Code-named the 6Z30, the Miller-cycle V6 engine uses a variable-geometry turbocharger, water-to-air intercooler, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to deliver a total of 260kW and 500Nm.

The company's nine-speed automatic transmission also entered production alongside the engine.

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While the Tank 500 is closer in dimensions to the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, pricing for the model appears to be targeting the Toyota LandCruiser Prado – a model which has been on sale in Australia for years without a direct competitor.

According to China Car News, GWM took more than 13,000 orders for the V6-powered Tank 500 during a 20-minute pre-sale event.

4X4 Australia understands GWM Haval is considering the Tank 500 for the local market.